Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which transition best fits? "She practiced every day; ___, she won the competition."

meanwhile
however
consequently (Correct answer)
nevertheless

Correct answer: consequently

"Consequently" signals that winning was the result of daily practice.

Question 2: To correct a misplaced modifier, which sentence should be revised?

Sentence 4
Sentence 1
Sentence 3
Sentence 2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sentence 2

Without the specific content of Sentence 2, it's impossible to provide the exact misplaced modifier. However, a sentence requires revision for a misplaced modifier when a descriptive phrase or clause is positioned in a way that it seems to modify the wrong noun or pronoun, creating an awkward or nonsensical meaning. The revision would involve moving the modifier closer to the word it is intended to describe, clarifying the sentence's meaning.

Question 3: [6×(−24)+8]–(−4)+[4×5]÷2=?

-112
-122 (Correct answer)
-144
111

Correct answer: -122

Use PEMDAS (order of operation): [6×(−24)+8]– (−4) + [4×5]÷2 [−144+8]– (−4) + [20]÷2= [−144+8]– (−4)+10 [−136]– (−4) + 10=10 [−136] + 4+10 = 14 –122

Question 4: What is the value of y in terms of x if 14x - 7y - 4 = 45?

2x - 7 (Correct answer)
2x + 7
7 - 7x
7 + 7x
7 - 2x

Correct answer: 2x - 7

14x - 7y - 4 = 45 Subtract 14x and add 4 on both sides 14x - 7y - 4 - 14x + 4 = 45 - 14x + 4 -7y = 45 - 14x + 4 -7y = 49 - 14x Divide by -7 into both sides -7y/(-7) = (49 - 14x)/(-7) y = (14x - 49)/7 y = (14x/7) - (49/7) y = 2x - 7

Question 5: 'In contrast' is used to signal:

A time sequence
A summary of the paragraph
A supporting example
A difference between two ideas (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A difference between two ideas

'In contrast' introduces an opposing or different idea compared to what was previously stated.

Question 6: In a sequence 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, what is the next number?

37 (Correct answer)
40
35
33

Correct answer: 37

The differences are 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 — increasing odd numbers — so add 11 to 26 to get 37.

Question 7: An author begins an essay with a surprising statistic. This technique most likely serves to:

list the sources used
summarize the conclusion
define a technical term
capture the reader's attention (Correct answer)

Correct answer: capture the reader's attention

A striking statistic is a hook used to engage readers at the start.

Question 8: A store sells apples for $2 each and oranges for $3 each. If Tom spends exactly $12 on 5 pieces of fruit, how many apples did he buy?

3 (Correct answer)
2
4
1

Correct answer: 3

Let a = apples, o = oranges: a + o = 5 and 2a + 3o = 12; solving gives a = 3, o = 2.

Question 9: Which revision best corrects the sentence: 'The students, who studied hard they passed the exam.'?

The students who studied hard, they passed the exam.
The students, who studied hard, and passed the exam.
The students studied hard, they passed the exam.
The students who studied hard passed the exam. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The students who studied hard passed the exam.

The original sentence has a redundant subject pronoun 'they'; removing it creates a correct relative clause construction.

Question 10: What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To conclude the entire essay
To provide a specific example
To cite a source
To state the paragraph's central idea (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To state the paragraph's central idea

A topic sentence introduces the main idea that the paragraph develops.

Question 11: If 4 people can paint a house in 6 days, how many days would 8 people take?

4 days
12 days
2 days
3 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 days

Using inverse proportion: 4 × 6 = 8 × d; d = 24 ÷ 8 = 3 days.

Question 12: Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

My brother who lives, in Texas is visiting.
My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting. (Correct answer)
My brother who lives in Texas, is visiting.
My brother, who lives in Texas is visiting.

Correct answer: My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting.

A nonessential clause is set off by commas on both sides.

Question 13: The price of a stock rose from $50 to $65. What was the percent increase?

25%
23%
30% (Correct answer)
15%

Correct answer: 30%

Increase is $15; 15/50 = 0.30, or 30%.

Question 14: In organizing a scrambled paragraph, which type of sentence should generally come last?

A sentence introducing the topic
A sentence giving a specific example
A sentence summarizing or drawing a conclusion (Correct answer)
A sentence with 'first' or 'initially'

Correct answer: A sentence summarizing or drawing a conclusion

Concluding sentences wrap up the paragraph's ideas and are placed at the end.

Question 15: Choose the sentence with correct verb tense consistency.

She opens the door and walked inside.
She opened the door and walked inside. (Correct answer)
She opened the door and walks inside.
She open the door and walking inside.

Correct answer: She opened the door and walked inside.

Both verbs are in the past tense, keeping the sentence consistent.

Question 16: Solve: 4x − 3 = 2x + 9

x = 4
x = 5
x = 6 (Correct answer)
x = 3

Correct answer: x = 6

Subtract 2x from both sides: 2x − 3 = 9, add 3: 2x = 12, divide by 2: x = 6.

Question 17: In the following system of equations, what is the value of x? 2𝑥+5𝑦 = 11 4𝑥−2𝑦 = −14

1
-1
4
-2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: -2

To solve this system of equations for x, we can use the elimination method. Multiply the first equation (2x + 5y = 11) by 2 to get 4x + 10y = 22. Now, subtract the second equation (4x - 2y = -14) from this new equation: (4x + 10y) - (4x - 2y) = 22 - (-14), which simplifies to 12y = 36, so y = 3. Substitute y = 3 into the first equation: 2x + 5(3) = 11, which becomes 2x + 15 = 11. Subtract 15 from both sides: 2x = -4. Finally, divide by 2 to find x = -2.

Question 18: When x=3 and y=2 what is the value of the expression (5(x2y)+(2x))2?

18
32
60
36 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 36

Plug in the value of x and y. 𝑥=3 and 𝑦=−2 (5(𝑥−2𝑦)+(2−𝑥))2 = (5(3−2(−2))+(2−3))2 = (5(3+4)+(−1))2 =(34)2 = 36

Question 19: If a passage's conclusion contradicts its introduction, the passage likely has a problem with:

Vocabulary
Dialogue
Sentence length
Organization and coherence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Organization and coherence

A contradiction between the introduction and conclusion shows the passage lacks logical flow and coherence.

Question 20: Which revision best combines these sentences? "The library was quiet. Students were studying for exams."

The library was quiet because students were studying for exams. (Correct answer)
The library was quiet and students were studying for exams it was quiet.
Being quiet, the students studied in the library exams.
The library was quiet, students were studying for exams.

Correct answer: The library was quiet because students were studying for exams.

Using "because" shows the logical cause-and-effect relationship between the quiet and the studying.

Question 21: One-fifth of a supplement is an angle. What is the angle's measurement?

28
40
35
30 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30

The sum of supplement angles is 180. Let 𝑥x be that angle. Therefore, 𝑥+5𝑥=180x+5x=180 6𝑥=1806x=180, divide both sides by 6: 𝑥=30

Question 22: A passage describes a city as 'a jungle of steel and glass.' This is an example of:

Onomatopoeia
Metaphor (Correct answer)
Simile
Foreshadowing

Correct answer: Metaphor

This is a metaphor because the city is directly compared to a jungle without using 'like' or 'as.'

Question 23: The price of a $200 tool has been reduced by 15%. After a month, the tool is reduced by 15% further. Which of the following expressions can be used to calculate the tool's selling price?

(200)(0.15)–(200)(0.15)
(200)(0.85)(0.85) (Correct answer)
(200)(0.70)
(200)–200(0.30)

Correct answer: (200)(0.85)(0.85)

To find the discount, multiply the number by (100%–rate of discount). Therefore, for the first discount we get: (200)(100%–15%)=(200)(0.85)=170 For the next 15% discount: (200)(0.85)(0.85)

Question 24: Which sentence corrects the faulty pronoun reference? "When Jake met Sam, he was nervous."

When he met Sam, Jake was nervous he.
When Jake met him, he was nervous.
When Jake met Sam, Jake was nervous. (Correct answer)
He was nervous when Jake met Sam he.

Correct answer: When Jake met Sam, Jake was nervous.

Replacing the ambiguous "he" with "Jake" makes it clear who was nervous.

Question 25: A number is increased by 40% to get 70. What was the original number?

50 (Correct answer)
45
42
48

Correct answer: 50

Let x be the original; x × 1.40 = 70; x = 70 ÷ 1.40 = 50.

Question 26: The diameter of a circle is 14 cm. What is its radius?

3.5 cm
14 cm
28 cm
7 cm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 7 cm

The radius is half the diameter: 14 ÷ 2 = 7 cm.

Question 27: Which sentence should be eliminated since it is unrelated to the point given in the passage?

sentence 2
sentence 10
sentence 13
sentence 7 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: sentence 7

Without the full passage, it's impossible to definitively state why sentence 7 is unrelated. However, in such questions, an unrelated sentence typically introduces a new, distinct idea that doesn't directly contribute to the passage's main argument or flow. It might be a general statement or a detail that distracts from the core topic, making its elimination necessary for coherence and focus.

Question 28: Which question best identifies the author's purpose in a persuasive passage about reducing plastic waste?

Where is the largest plastic recycling plant?
What year was plastic invented?
Why should readers change their plastic use habits? (Correct answer)
How does plastic harm ocean ecosystems?

Correct answer: Why should readers change their plastic use habits?

The author's purpose in a persuasive passage is to convince readers to take a specific action or adopt a viewpoint.

Question 29: An author who uses the word 'unfortunately' is most likely expressing:

A factual statistic
Excitement about an outcome
A neutral observation
A sense of regret or disappointment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A sense of regret or disappointment

'Unfortunately' is a word that expresses the author's regret or disappointment about an outcome.

Question 30: Which sentence is written in passive voice?

Students completed the assignment on time.
The coach trained the athletes every morning.
The chef prepared a delicious meal.
The trophy was awarded to the winning team. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The trophy was awarded to the winning team.

Option C is passive because the subject ('trophy') receives the action rather than performing it; the agent ('by the committee') is implied.

Question 31: Which expression is equivalent to 2(3x + 4)?

5x + 8
3x + 8
6x + 4
6x + 8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6x + 8

Distribute 2 to each term: 2 × 3x = 6x and 2 × 4 = 8, giving 6x + 8.

Question 32: A triangle has angles of 50° and 65°. What is the measure of the third angle?

55°
115°
75°
65° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 65°

Angles sum to 180°, so 180 - 50 - 65 = 65°.

Question 33: In this paragraph, which two revisions are required?

Sentence 2: Insert a comma after company. Sentence 3: Change becomes to became. (Correct answer)
Sentence 1: Delete the comma after homes. Sentence 4: Change remarketed to had remarketed.
Sentence 2: Insert a comma after company. Sentence 4: Change remarketed to had remarketed.
Sentence 1: Delete the comma after homes. Sentence 3: Change becomes to became.

Correct answer: Sentence 2: Insert a comma after company. Sentence 3: Change becomes to became.

Without the original paragraph, the specific reasons for these revisions are speculative. However, inserting a comma after "company" in Sentence 2 likely corrects a punctuation error, such as separating an introductory phrase or a non-essential clause from the main part of the sentence. Changing "becomes" to "became" in Sentence 3 suggests a verb tense correction, indicating that the action or state occurred in the past, aligning with the narrative's timeline. These two revisions address common grammatical and stylistic issues.

Question 34: Which word choice is MOST precise in this sentence: 'The scientist made an important _____ about the new species.'?

discovery (Correct answer)
thing
finding-out
conclusion-making

Correct answer: discovery

'Discovery' is the precise, standard term for a scientist's finding of something new, unlike the vague 'thing' or the non-standard other options.

Question 35: Four friends sit in a row: Anna is not at either end; Ben sits to the right of Anna; Cara is at the leftmost seat. Who is at the rightmost seat?

Anna
Dan (Correct answer)
Ben
Cara

Correct answer: Dan

Cara is leftmost; Anna is not at either end; Ben is to Anna's right; so the order is Cara, Anna, Ben, Dan.

Question 36: A sentence beginning 'As a result of these policies' must follow a sentence about:

An unrelated historical event
The effects of the policies
The specific policies themselves (Correct answer)
A question about policies

Correct answer: The specific policies themselves

'These policies' is a reference that requires the policies to have been described in the preceding sentence.

Question 37: To correct sentence 3, which edit is required?

change should understand to should have understood
change are not allowed to had not been allowed
change was to is (Correct answer)
change needs to will need

Correct answer: change was to is

Without the original sentence 3, the most common reason to change "was" to "is" is to correct a verb tense inconsistency. If the sentence describes a current state, fact, or ongoing situation, the present tense "is" would be appropriate, whereas "was" would imply a past condition that is no longer true. This change ensures the verb tense aligns with the intended meaning and the surrounding text.

Question 38: 5 cats catch 5 mice in 5 minutes. How many cats are needed to catch 100 mice in 100 minutes?

10
5 (Correct answer)
100
50

Correct answer: 5

1 cat catches 1 mouse in 5 minutes, so in 100 minutes 1 cat catches 20 mice; 5 cats catch 100 mice.

Question 39: Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

She loved reading; and often visited the library.
He was tired; however, he finished his homework. (Correct answer)
I went to the store; buying milk and eggs.
The dog barked; at the mail carrier.

Correct answer: He was tired; however, he finished his homework.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially when followed by a conjunctive adverb like 'however.'

Question 40: If 3(x - 4) = 2x + 5, what is the value of x?

17 (Correct answer)
9
-17
1

Correct answer: 17

Expanding gives 3x - 12 = 2x + 5, so x = 17.

Question 41: Tom has twice as many cards as Lisa. Together they have 90 cards. How many does Tom have?

45
50
60 (Correct answer)
30

Correct answer: 60

Let Lisa = x, Tom = 2x; x + 2x = 90; 3x = 90; x = 30; Tom has 60.

Question 42: Which expression represents 'five less than three times a number n'?

5n − 3
5 − 3n
3(n − 5)
3n − 5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3n − 5

'Three times a number' is 3n, and 'five less than' means subtract 5, giving 3n − 5.

Question 43: To best support the information offered in the passage, which conclusion statement should come after sentence 17?

Experts say that adding a Boston fern, a spider plant, or an aloe vera plant is a good place to start if you want to begin to incorporate nature into your home or office.
As one study has confirmed, houseplants are a wise investment because they can remove almost 90 percent of the toxins in the air within the span of 24 hours
Because indoor plants absorb the carbon dioxide in our air and release the oxygen we need to breathe, they are vital to our wholeness and wellness.
More people should consider bringing natural elements inside to improve general wellness and reverse some of the negative effects of an indoor-centered society. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: More people should consider bringing natural elements inside to improve general wellness and reverse some of the negative effects of an indoor-centered society.

The correct answer, "More people should consider bringing natural elements inside to improve general wellness and reverse some of the negative effects of an indoor-centered society," functions as an excellent concluding statement. It synthesizes the passage's main argument about the benefits of indoor nature and offers a clear call to action or recommendation, reinforcing the overall message and providing a strong sense of closure.

Question 44: Angela rented shoes, played three games of bowling, and purchased one order of nachos. She saved ½ off the price on her bowling games by using a coupon. What was Angela's total price before taxes?

$13
$8.25 (Correct answer)
$4
$5.35

Correct answer: $8.25

This response represents the correct total amount Angela paid. The student may have used the following representations to solve the problem: X = 2.75 + 3(2.5) /2 + 1./75 X = 2.65 + 3.65 + 1.75 X = 8/25

Question 45: If 5 pens cost $3.75, how much do 8 pens cost?

$6.50
$4.80
$5.25
$6.00 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $6.00

Each pen costs $0.75, so 8 pens cost $6.00.

Question 46: A rectangular yard has a perimeter of 60 meters. If its width is double its length, what is its length?

20 meters
10 meters (Correct answer)
18 meters
24 meters

Correct answer: 10 meters

The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated as 2(length + width). Let the length be 'L'. The problem states the width is double its length, so width = 2L. Given the perimeter is 60 meters, we set up the equation: 2(L + 2L) = 60. This simplifies to 2(3L) = 60, or 6L = 60. Dividing by 6, we find L = 10 meters.

Question 47: Which sentence is LEAST likely to be the concluding sentence of a paragraph?

Overall, these changes have improved learning outcomes.
First, students began using tablets in classrooms. (Correct answer)
These findings highlight the importance of digital literacy.
In summary, technology has transformed education.

Correct answer: First, students began using tablets in classrooms.

A sentence beginning with 'First' introduces a sequence and is more likely to be an early body sentence, not a conclusion.

Question 48: Determine whether the underlined portion of the following statement is correct or needs to be revised.

will be a great way to make friends and
is a great way to make friends and
are a great way to make friends and (Correct answer)
will have been a great way to make friends and
is a great way to make friends however

Correct answer: are a great way to make friends and

The correct answer, "are a great way to make friends and," uses the plural verb "are," which correctly agrees with an implied plural subject (e.g., "These activities"). Additionally, it uses the coordinating conjunction "and" to properly connect clauses or phrases, avoiding the common error of using "however" without proper punctuation to join independent clauses. This ensures grammatical correctness and smooth sentence flow.

Question 49: What is the most likely meaning of "reluctant" in: "He was reluctant to share his answer"?

unwilling (Correct answer)
confused
eager
proud

Correct answer: unwilling

"Reluctant" means hesitant or unwilling to do something.

Question 50: The sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ... follows what rule?

Each term is multiplied by a prime
Each term increases by 3
Each term doubles
Each term is the sum of the two before it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Each term is the sum of the two before it

This is the Fibonacci sequence, where each term equals the sum of the two preceding terms.

Question 51: Between 4 and 16 inclusive, how many prime numbers are there?

2
6
5
3
4 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Prime numbers are 5, 7, 11, 13 Hence there are 4 prime numbers between 4 and 16.

Question 52: Which version corrects the run-on sentence? "The bell rang everyone rushed out."

The bell rang, and everyone rushed out. (Correct answer)
The bell rang everyone, rushed out.
The bell rang everyone rushed, out.
The bell, rang everyone rushed out.

Correct answer: The bell rang, and everyone rushed out.

A comma plus the conjunction "and" properly joins the two independent clauses.

Question 53: A passage states the narrator "counted the cracks in the ceiling for the third time that night." This detail mainly conveys that the narrator is:

cleaning the room
unable to sleep (Correct answer)
carefully decorating
afraid of heights

Correct answer: unable to sleep

Repeatedly counting ceiling cracks at night suggests restlessness or insomnia.

Question 54: The word 'subsequently' in a scrambled paragraph indicates:

A definition follows
An example follows
Something that happened after follows (Correct answer)
A contrasting idea follows

Correct answer: Something that happened after follows

'Subsequently' means afterward or following in time, indicating the next event in a sequence.

Question 55: In context, which word best replaces "big" in: "The decision had a big impact on the town."

tall
significant (Correct answer)
heavy
loud

Correct answer: significant

"Significant" precisely describes a large or important impact.

Question 56: Texas offers a middle school math tournament every year. Students must, however, score 92 on a total of six qualifying tests in order to be considered. Ava's first five examinations scores of 88, 91, 99, 86, and 92. What score must she achieve on her sixth test in order to qualify for the competition?

88
95
84
86
96 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 96

We can solve this problem using the concept average. That is, the average of 6 tests is 92. Let "x" be the score of 6th test (88 + 91 + 99 + 86 + 92 + x)/6 = 92 (456 + x)/6 = 92 Multiply by 6 on both sides 456 + x = 92 (6) 456 + x = 552 Subtract by 456 on both sides 456 + x - 456 = 552 - 456 x = 96 Hence option (96) is correct.

Question 57: Which sentence is free of misplaced modifiers?

A stray dog walking to school was seen by Maria.
Walking to school, a stray dog was seen by Maria.
Maria saw, walking to school, a stray dog.
Walking to school, Maria saw a stray dog. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Walking to school, Maria saw a stray dog.

The modifier "walking to school" correctly describes Maria, the subject right after it.

Question 58: Which value of x satisfies x/3 + 2 = 5?

3
12
6
9 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9

Subtract 2 from both sides: x/3 = 3, multiply both sides by 3: x = 9.

Question 59: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

The rain; stopped the game resumed.
The rain stopped; the game resumed. (Correct answer)
The rain stopped; and the game resumed.
The rain stopped, the game; resumed.

Correct answer: The rain stopped; the game resumed.

A semicolon links two related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Question 60: If y = 4x − 1 and x = 3, what is y?

10
13
12
11 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 11

Substitute x = 3: y = 4(3) − 1 = 12 − 1 = 11.

Question 61: Identify the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

Each of the players have a uniform.
Each of the player have uniforms.
Each of the players has a uniform. (Correct answer)
Each of the players are having uniforms.

Correct answer: Each of the players has a uniform.

"Each" is singular and takes the singular verb "has."

Question 62: Where should a comma be added? "After the storm passed we went outside."

After the storm passed we went, outside.
After the storm, passed we went outside.
After, the storm passed we went outside.
After the storm passed, we went outside. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: After the storm passed, we went outside.

A comma follows an introductory dependent clause before the main clause.

Question 63: A passage says a character 'raised an eyebrow' when told the news. This suggests the character felt:

Overjoyed
Skeptical or surprised (Correct answer)
Bored
Frightened

Correct answer: Skeptical or surprised

Raising an eyebrow is a common nonverbal cue indicating skepticism or surprise.

Question 64: In a passage, 'the evidence suggests' signals that the author is:

Making an inference based on data (Correct answer)
Expressing a personal opinion
Stating an absolute fact
Retelling a historical event

Correct answer: Making an inference based on data

'The evidence suggests' indicates the author is drawing a conclusion supported by data, not stating a proven fact.

Question 65: If RED = 27 + 5 + 4 = 36 using A=1, B=2... Z=26, what does CAT equal?

30
24 (Correct answer)
27
21

Correct answer: 24

C=3, A=1, T=20; sum = 3 + 1 + 20 = 24.

Question 66: If 5 more than twice a number equals 21, what is the number?

7
8 (Correct answer)
9
6

Correct answer: 8

Set up 2n + 5 = 21, subtract 5: 2n = 16, divide by 2: n = 8.

Question 67: Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe for a plural possessive?

The students projects' were displayed.
The students's projects were displayed.
The students' projects were displayed. (Correct answer)
The student's projects were displayed for everyone.

Correct answer: The students' projects were displayed.

For a plural noun ending in -s, the possessive apostrophe goes after the s.

Question 68: A jacket originally costs $80 and is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?

$65
$55
$70
$60 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $60

25% of $80 = $20 discount; $80 − $20 = $60.

Question 69: A car travels 180 miles in 3 hours. At this rate, how far will it travel in 5 hours?

240 miles
300 miles (Correct answer)
360 miles
270 miles

Correct answer: 300 miles

The rate is 60 mph, so 60 × 5 = 300 miles.

Question 70: A recipe needs 2/3 cup of sugar per batch. How much sugar is needed for 6 batches?

3 cups
5 cups
4 cups (Correct answer)
12 cups

Correct answer: 4 cups

2/3 × 6 = 12/3 = 4 cups.

Question 71: A bag has 3 red, 4 blue, and 5 green marbles. What is the probability of drawing a blue marble?

4/12
1/4
1/3 (Correct answer)
5/12

Correct answer: 1/3

There are 12 marbles and 4 blue, so probability is 4/12 = 1/3.

Question 72: Choose the correct word: "The committee will announce ___ decision tomorrow."

its'
their
its (Correct answer)
it's

Correct answer: its

"Its" is the possessive pronoun, and a committee is a singular collective noun.

Question 73: Which revision removes unnecessary wordiness? "Due to the fact that it rained, we stayed inside."

Because of the fact it rained, we stayed inside.
Because it rained, we stayed inside. (Correct answer)
We stayed inside due to the fact of raining.
Due to the rain fact, we stayed inside.

Correct answer: Because it rained, we stayed inside.

"Because" replaces the wordy phrase "due to the fact that" concisely.

Question 74: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

After finishing her homework, Sara went to the park.
Exhausted from the game, the players rested on the bench.
Walking down the street, we saw an interesting mural.
Having studied all night, the test seemed easy to Marcus. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Having studied all night, the test seemed easy to Marcus.

In option C, 'having studied all night' dangles because it modifies 'the test,' not Marcus — a test cannot study.

Question 75: Several high school students volunteer in their communities, working with peers, younger kids, and elderly people.

spend one’s time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.d.
spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and senior citizens. (Correct answer)
spend their time involving in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.
spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens
spend his time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and also helping senior citizens.

Correct answer: spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and senior citizens.

The correct answer, "spend their time involved in the community by working with peers, young children and senior citizens," is the most concise and grammatically sound option. It uses the correct pronoun "their" to agree with the plural subject "students" and maintains parallelism in the list of groups they work with. It also avoids redundant phrases like "also helping" and uses "involved in" correctly, making the sentence clear and efficient.

Question 76: Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

She likes hiking, swimming, and biking. (Correct answer)
She likes hiking, swimming, and to bike.
She likes to hike, swimming, and bike.
She likes hiking, to swim, and biking.

Correct answer: She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.

All three items use the same -ing form, creating parallel structure.

Question 77: What would be the best way to rewrite this sentence?

On Wednesday, to promote their club, a bake sale will be sponsored by members of the debate team.
Members of the debate team, on Wednesday to promote their club, will sponsor a bake sale.
To promote their club, on Wednesday a bake sale will be sponsored by members of the debate team.
To promote their club, members of the debate team will sponsor a bake sale on Wednesday. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To promote their club, members of the debate team will sponsor a bake sale on Wednesday.

The correct answer, "To promote their club, members of the debate team will sponsor a bake sale on Wednesday," is the most effective rewrite because it uses the active voice, making the sentence clear and direct. The introductory infinitive phrase "To promote their club" is correctly placed, and the sentence maintains a logical flow, clearly stating who will do what and when. This structure is concise and easy to understand.

Question 78: If two angles are supplementary, their sum equals:

45°
90°
270°
180° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 180°

Supplementary angles sum to 180°.

Question 79: Which inequality represents 'x is at least 7'?

x < 7
x > 7
x ≤ 7
x ≥ 7 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: x ≥ 7

'At least 7' means x can equal 7 or be greater, which is expressed as x ≥ 7.

Question 80: Determine whether the underlined portion of the following statement is correct or needs to be revised.

your strength against your opponent.
yours against your opponent.
your strength with your opponent.
your opponent's strength against one's own.
your strength against your opponent's. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: your strength against your opponent's.

The correct answer, "your strength against your opponent's," maintains parallelism by comparing "your strength" to "your opponent's [strength]." The possessive apostrophe 's' correctly indicates that the comparison is to the opponent's strength, not the opponent themselves. This structure ensures a clear and grammatically parallel comparison between two comparable entities.

Question 81: The sum of angles in a triangle is always:

180° (Correct answer)
90°
270°
360°

Correct answer: 180°

The interior angles of any triangle always sum to 180°.

Question 82: Which inference is best supported if a passage says a student 'stared at the blank page for an hour'?

The student was sleeping
The student was struggling with writer's block (Correct answer)
The student had finished the assignment
The student was reading a novel

Correct answer: The student was struggling with writer's block

Staring at a blank page for an hour suggests difficulty starting or continuing a writing task, indicating writer's block.

Question 83: Which edit BEST improves the sentence: 'The reason why he failed is because he did not study.'?

The reason for his failure, he did not study.
The reason he failed was because he did not study.
He failed because he did not study. (Correct answer)
The reason why he failed is due to not studying.

Correct answer: He failed because he did not study.

'The reason is because' is redundant; the most concise and correct revision is 'He failed because he did not study.'

Question 84: If 4 workers can build a wall in 6 days, how many days would 3 workers take at the same rate?

4.5 days
9 days
6 days
8 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8 days

Total work is 24 worker-days, so 3 workers take 24 / 3 = 8 days.

Question 85: Which word best replaces the vague word in: "The movie was good in many different ways."

interesting
compelling (Correct answer)
nice
okay

Correct answer: compelling

"Compelling" is precise and vivid, improving the weak word "good."

Question 86: A sentence reads: 'Despite these challenges, the expedition succeeded.' This sentence most likely:

Introduces a new, unrelated topic
Opens the paragraph by introducing challenges
Follows sentences describing obstacles the expedition faced (Correct answer)
Precedes the description of the challenges

Correct answer: Follows sentences describing obstacles the expedition faced

'Despite these challenges' is a backward reference, so it must follow sentences that already described the challenges.

Question 87: A right triangle has legs of length 3 and 4. What is the hypotenuse?

5 (Correct answer)
7
8
6

Correct answer: 5

Using the Pythagorean theorem: 3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25, and √25 = 5.

Question 88: What is the area of a triangle with base 10 and height 6?

20
60
30 (Correct answer)
16

Correct answer: 30

Area of a triangle = ½ × base × height = ½ × 10 × 6 = 30.

Question 89: Which sentence should come after sentence 3 to best introduce the passage's topic?

Individuals with little connection to nature can experience illness, depression, and higher levels of stress.
For their personal health and well-being, people need to spend more time outdoors or bring the outdoors in.
Placing plants in homes and offices can provide a healthy bridge between nature and the indoors. (Correct answer)
It is important for people to realize that they need to spend more time near plants, whether indoors or out in nature.

Correct answer: Placing plants in homes and offices can provide a healthy bridge between nature and the indoors.

The correct answer, "Placing plants in homes and offices can provide a healthy bridge between nature and the indoors," best introduces the passage's topic after sentence 3. If sentence 3 discusses the negative effects of a lack of nature, this sentence immediately presents a practical solution and the central theme of the passage: integrating nature into indoor environments. It sets the stage for the subsequent discussion about the benefits of indoor plants.

Question 90: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Covered in mud, the hikers returned to camp.
The teacher explained the lesson clearly to the students.
Running through the park, the dog chased the squirrel.
Jogging around the block, my shoes got wet. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Jogging around the block, my shoes got wet.

In option D, 'jogging around the block' modifies 'my shoes,' which cannot jog — the modifier is misplaced.

Question 91: Larissa's father has a new job that requires him to travel to Albany on a weekly trips, therefore he's looking for a inexpensive reliable vehicle. Which correction should be made to this sentence?

insert a comma after trips
insert a comma after position
insert a comma after inexpensive (Correct answer)
insert a comma after reliable

Correct answer: insert a comma after inexpensive

The correct answer is to insert a comma after "inexpensive" because "inexpensive" and "reliable" are coordinate adjectives modifying "vehicle." Coordinate adjectives describe the same noun independently and should be separated by a comma. This ensures proper punctuation and clarity in the description of the vehicle.

Question 92: Which transition word best connects: 'She studied every night. ___, she passed the exam.'

Consequently (Correct answer)
Although
Meanwhile
However

Correct answer: Consequently

'Consequently' signals that passing the exam was a direct result of studying every night.

Question 93: Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

She needed: milk, eggs, and bread from the store.
The package included: a book, a pen, and a notebook.
He had one goal: to win the championship. (Correct answer)
The recipe requires: flour, sugar, and butter.

Correct answer: He had one goal: to win the championship.

A colon correctly follows a complete independent clause ('He had one goal') to introduce what follows; the other options place colons after verbs or prepositions, which is incorrect.

Question 94: A paragraph about climate change ends with this sentence: 'My favorite color is blue.' What is the PRIMARY problem with this sentence?

It is too short to be effective.
It is off-topic and disrupts paragraph unity. (Correct answer)
It contains a grammar error.
It uses passive voice incorrectly.

Correct answer: It is off-topic and disrupts paragraph unity.

The sentence is irrelevant to the topic of climate change, violating paragraph unity by introducing an unrelated idea.

Question 95: The phrase 'on the other hand' in a passage signals:

A contrasting viewpoint (Correct answer)
A chronological sequence
A definition
A supporting example

Correct answer: A contrasting viewpoint

'On the other hand' is a transitional phrase used to introduce a contrasting or opposing idea.

Question 96: A swimming pool has a water capacity of 2,000 cubic feet. The pool measures 25 feet long by 10 feet wide. How deep is the pool?

12
8 (Correct answer)
20
16

Correct answer: 8

The volume of a rectangular prism, such as a swimming pool, is calculated by multiplying its length, width, and depth (Volume = Length × Width × Depth). We are given the volume (2,000 cubic feet), length (25 feet), and width (10 feet). So, the equation is 2000 = 25 × 10 × Depth. This simplifies to 2000 = 250 × Depth. To find the depth, divide 2000 by 250, which equals 8 feet.

Question 97: Determine whether the underlined portion of the following statement is correct or needs to be revised.

enhances the sports-watching experience for fans.
have enhanced the sports-watching experiences for fans.
enhances the sports-watching experience. (Correct answer)
enhance the sports-watching experience.
enhance the experience.

Correct answer: enhances the sports-watching experience.

The correct answer, "enhances the sports-watching experience," uses the singular verb "enhances," which correctly agrees with a singular subject (e.g., "Technology"). It is also more concise than option A, as "for fans" is often implied when discussing a "sports-watching experience." This revision ensures proper subject-verb agreement and avoids unnecessary words.

Question 98: What is the area of a rectangle with length 8 cm and width 5 cm?

40 cm² (Correct answer)
80 cm²
26 cm²
13 cm²

Correct answer: 40 cm²

Area of a rectangle = length × width = 8 × 5 = 40 cm².

Question 99: A student writes: 'The committee made their decision quickly.' What issue, if any, exists in this sentence?

Subject-verb disagreement: 'committee' needs 'makes'
Incorrect verb tense: should be 'have made'
No issue; the sentence is correct as written.
Pronoun-antecedent disagreement: 'committee' is singular, so 'its' is preferred in formal writing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pronoun-antecedent disagreement: 'committee' is singular, so 'its' is preferred in formal writing

In formal American English, collective nouns like 'committee' are singular and take singular pronouns like 'its,' though 'their' is increasingly accepted informally.

Question 100: A football squad had a budget of $20,000 for supplies. New balls cost $14,000 for the team. Each pair of new sports shoes costs $120. Which of the following inequities represents the team's ability to buy new shoes?

14,000𝑥 +120 ≤ 20,000
20𝑥 + 14,000 ≥ 20,000
120𝑥 + 14,000 ≤ 20,000 (Correct answer)
14,000𝑥 + 12,0 ≥ 20,000

Correct answer: 120𝑥 + 14,000 ≤ 20,000

The total budget is $20,000. The team already spent $14,000 on new balls. Each pair of new sports shoes costs $120, and 'x' represents the number of pairs of shoes. The total cost of shoes (120x) plus the cost of balls ($14,000) must be less than or equal to the total budget ($20,000), hence 120x + 14,000 ≤ 20,000.

Question 101: Which sentence logically follows: 'Scientists have linked sedentary lifestyles to increased health risks.'

Sports can be played indoors or outdoors.
Chairs were invented in ancient Egypt.
Consequently, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. (Correct answer)
The human spine evolved for walking.

Correct answer: Consequently, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.

'Consequently' connects the health risk finding to the logical recommendation for exercise as a response.

Question 102: A number is multiplied by 6, then 4 is added. The result is 34. What is the number?

4
6
3
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

Set up 6n + 4 = 34, subtract 4: 6n = 30, divide by 6: n = 5.

Question 103: Which sentence should be deleted as irrelevant in a paragraph about photosynthesis? "(1) Plants make food using sunlight. (2) Chlorophyll captures light energy. (3) My cousin has a garden. (4) Carbon dioxide is absorbed through leaves."

Sentence 4
Sentence 2
Sentence 3 (Correct answer)
Sentence 1

Correct answer: Sentence 3

Sentence 3 is a personal aside unrelated to the process of photosynthesis.

Question 104: A sentence reads: 'For example, bees pollinate flowers that produce one-third of our food supply.' This sentence most likely follows a sentence about:

How honey is made
The life cycle of bees
The importance of insects to agriculture (Correct answer)
Types of flowers

Correct answer: The importance of insects to agriculture

'For example' signals a supporting detail, and the example about bees fits a preceding claim about insects' importance to agriculture.

Question 105: What does the prefix "mis-" mean in the word "misinterpret"?

wrongly (Correct answer)
fully
before
again

Correct answer: wrongly

The prefix "mis-" means "wrongly" or "badly," so misinterpret means to interpret wrongly.

Question 106: Simplify: 3x + 4y − x + 2y

4x + 2y
4x + 6y
2x + 6y (Correct answer)
2x + 2y

Correct answer: 2x + 6y

Combine like terms: (3x − x) + (4y + 2y) = 2x + 6y.

Question 107: To begin sentence 11, which transition should be added?

For that reason
Moreover (Correct answer)
In contrast
Of course

Correct answer: Moreover

The transition word "Moreover" is the most appropriate choice because it indicates that sentence 11 will add further information or another point that supports or elaborates on the preceding ideas. It signals an accumulation of evidence or arguments, which is typical when building a case for a specific topic. This transition ensures a smooth and logical flow of ideas within the paragraph.

Question 108: Which sentence has a grammar error that should be corrected?

sentence 4
sentence 3
sentence 1
sentence 2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: sentence 2

Without the specific content of Sentence 2, it's impossible to pinpoint the exact grammar error. However, common grammar errors include subject-verb agreement issues, pronoun agreement errors, incorrect verb tense, misplaced modifiers, or improper punctuation (like a comma splice or run-on sentence). Identifying such an error in Sentence 2 would necessitate its revision to ensure grammatical correctness.

Question 109: Which sentence uses context clues to help define 'arid'?

The arid desert was vast.
In the arid, bone-dry region, no rain had fallen in years. (Correct answer)
She crossed the arid land quickly.
The arid zone was studied.

Correct answer: In the arid, bone-dry region, no rain had fallen in years.

'Bone-dry' and 'no rain had fallen in years' are context clues that define 'arid' as extremely dry.

Question 110: Which version of the sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

She likes swimming, to run, and tennis.
She likes to swim, running, and to play tennis.
She likes to swim, run, and playing tennis.
She likes swimming, running, and playing tennis. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She likes swimming, running, and playing tennis.

Option C uses the gerund form (swimming, running, playing) consistently for all three items, creating proper parallel structure.

Question 111: What is the median of the data set 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42?

15.5 (Correct answer)
15
16
18

Correct answer: 15.5

With six values, the median is the average of the two middle numbers: (15 + 16)/2 = 15.5.

Question 112: Which transition best shows contrast? "The plan looked perfect on paper; ___, it failed in practice."

however (Correct answer)
therefore
moreover
similarly

Correct answer: however

"However" signals a contrast between the perfect plan and its failure.

Question 113: Which transition correctly shows contrast: 'He trained for months. ___, he finished last.'

Nevertheless (Correct answer)
As a result
Therefore
Furthermore

Correct answer: Nevertheless

'Nevertheless' signals that the outcome (finishing last) was unexpected given the preparation (training for months).

Question 114: In a passage, the author describes a scientist who 'toiled for decades without recognition.' What does 'toiled' most likely mean?

Worked hard (Correct answer)
Complained loudly
Traveled widely
Rested comfortably

Correct answer: Worked hard

'Toiled' means to work hard or laboriously over a long period of time.

Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)

The SHSAT is a standardized test used for admission to New York City's specialized high schools, assessing students in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Scores are competitive and determine eligibility for schools like Stuyvesant High School and Bronx Science.

114

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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