SAT閱讀:Reading Comprehension Test10 參考答案

　　1.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　The author clearly states that ‘it’ is no ‘lurch of fear’. This eliminates B and A. He states that ‘it is as if the life-urge failed, and the heart dimly sank’. This is certainly not relief; rather it best describes ‘depression’ (Answer C). (Malaise is a vague feeling of illness.)

　　2.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Note the number of times the author uses the words ‘pokey’, ‘inoffensive’, and ‘dull’. Also count the number of exclamation marks and you will see answer B is best.

　　3.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　The use of the second person (you) makes the experience seem more general and applicable to most people. Hence, answer C. (‘I’ would seem very specific to the author; ‘he’ would describe the experience of someone else.)

　　4.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　In the next sentence, the author states that, ‘no doubt if you stay longer you get over it’, where ‘it’ refers to the ‘nightmare’. This is equivalent to saying it is dispelled by a longer stay, answer D.

　　5.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Poky conveys the idea of ‘small’, which is closest to ‘diminutive’. (Diminutive means very tiny.)

　　6.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　Note the words with which paragraph 2 begins - ‘a(chǎn)ll the same’. This indicates a change of emphasis. Paragraph one has been negative, whereas paragraph 2 is positive. Hence, C.

　　7.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　‘Atmosphere’ here is the London air. Answer B. He says that the atmosphere alters the appearance of buildings and makes weather, which statements confirm this answer.

　　8.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　A congregation is a gathering. Used here it suggests many gathered together, and hence ‘numerous’.

　　9.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　He states that the towers of Notre Dame are no more impressive than those of Westminster. This emphasizes the impressive nature of Westminster. This makes B the best answer.

　　10.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　James refers to the rich climate (lines 67-68) and so would not complain about the weather. Overall he finds much to admire in London, and would not be likely to rejoice on leaving. He also believes that London gives an impression of the country (lines 96-97) and does not seem to find that dull. Hence all three points are things that James would be less likely to do. Hence, answer E.

　　11.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　James has no taste for the ‘quaint and limited in scale’. In fact he complains about smallness and limited outlook in paragraph one. Hence, E is an incorrect statement and therefore the right answer.

　　12.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　Eliminate unsuitable answers. The words ‘uniformly’ in E, and ‘a(chǎn)lways’ in C are good reasons to eliminate these choices. James does not say that London is ‘bright’ so eliminate A. B is also too strong. D is best since he does mention the bad and the good side by side. (Juxtaposed = put next too)

　　13.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Passage one is very strongly written. Lawrence is very forceful in his complaints. Passage two is more reflective, and so we can say it is less strident. (Strident = harsh)