Digital SAT: Pronouns 2

1. Art conservators examining a set of medieval tapestries noticed that several had faded unevenly after centuries of exposure to light. One tapestry, however, retained much of its original color because a previous owner had stored _____ in a wooden chest for decades.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

2. A team of marine engineers designed several floating sensors to measure wave height during coastal storms. Most of the sensors stopped transmitting data after a few hours, but one device continued sending accurate readings throughout the night. In their final report, the engineers explained that the device succeeded because _____ was protected by a flexible outer shell.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

3. Environmental scientists tested several kinds of pavement designed to reduce flooding during heavy rain. Unlike traditional asphalt, porous pavement allows water to pass through small openings and soak into the ground below. The researchers found that one type of pavement was especially effective because _____ absorbed rainwater quickly without cracking under pressure.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

4. A journalist researching the history of radio interviewed several technicians who had maintained early broadcasting equipment. The technicians explained that one transmitter was unusually reliable, even during storms that disrupted other stations. According to the interviews, the transmitter continued operating because _____ backup power system activated automatically when the main supply failed.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

5. A school district tested several scheduling programs designed to reduce conflicts among classes, extracurricular activities, and bus routes. Although most of the programs required frequent manual adjustments, one program automatically updated the schedule whenever a teacher changed a room assignment. Administrators praised the program because _____ saved staff members several hours each week.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

6. A team of materials scientists developed several fabrics intended for use in protective clothing worn by firefighters. In laboratory tests, most of the fabrics weakened after repeated exposure to high heat, but one fabric remained flexible and intact. The researchers recommended the fabric because _____ could withstand extreme temperatures without tearing.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

7. During a renovation of a historic courthouse, workers discovered two painted murals behind a layer of plaster. Conservators hoped to remove and display both artworks, but the process proved more difficult than expected. According to the restoration team, neither of the two murals had retained _____ original frame.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

8. A laboratory tested several robotic arms designed to handle delicate glass instruments. Most of the arms gripped the instruments too tightly, but one arm adjusted its pressure based on the object’s weight and shape. The technicians reported that the arm was effective because _____ could lift fragile materials without damaging them.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

9. Urban planners studying pedestrian safety reviewed several intersections where new signal lights had recently been installed. At one intersection, the signal light was equipped with a sensor that detected when large groups of people were still crossing the street. The planners concluded that the signal light was effective because _____ gave pedestrians extra time before allowing traffic to move.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

10. A team of geologists examined several rock samples collected near an ancient volcanic site. Most of the samples contained minerals that had been altered by weathering, but a sample taken from deeper underground preserved its original structure. The geologists valued the sample because _____ provided clearer evidence of the volcano’s early activity.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?