SSAT Reading Practice Worksheet - 9

Read each passage carefully and then answer the questions about it. For each question, decide on the basis of the passage which one of the choices best answers the question.

Passage 1

The following passage is adapted from a work of narrative fiction.

The train lurched forward, and Miriam pressed her forehead against the cold window, watching the skeletal trees of Connecticut blur into the dusk. She had left Philadelphia at dawn with nothing but a leather satchel and the address of an aunt she had never met. Her father’s last words – “You are no daughter (5) of mine” – still echoed in her ears, though three hundred miles now separated them. The decision to pursue medical school had cleaved her family as neatly as a scalpel through skin.     In the seat across from her, an elderly woman knitted with methodical precision, her needles clicking a steady rhythm that Miriam found (10) oddly comforting. The woman had not looked up once since Hartford, and Miriam envied her apparent peace. Outside, the last crimson streaks of sunset dissolved into darkness, and the window became a mirror reflecting her own uncertain face.     Boston awaited her like a promise and a threat. (15) The medical college had accepted her application – one of only six women in a class of seventy – but the letter had warned that her presence would be “tolerated, not welcomed.” She touched the acceptance letter folded in her coat pocket, its edges already soft from repeated handling. Whatever trials lay ahead, she told herself, they could not be worse than the (20) suffocation of staying behind.

1. The passage is primarily concerned with

1. a young woman’s journey to pursue an unconventional education
2. the historical development of medical education in Boston
3. the relationship between a father and daughter in conflict
4. the experience of traveling by train in nineteenth-century America
5. the challenges faced by all women seeking professional careers

2. As used in line 7, the word “cleaved” most nearly means

1. repaired
2. divided
3. confused
4. strengthened
5. delayed

3. The detail about the elderly woman’s knitting (lines 9-11) primarily serves to

1. suggest that Miriam should learn practical domestic skills
2. contrast the woman’s tranquility with Miriam’s inner turmoil
3. demonstrate the superior wisdom of older generations
4. foreshadow Miriam’s eventual decision to abandon her plans
5. illustrate the tedium of long-distance train travel

4. It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that Miriam’s father

1. secretly supported her ambition to become a doctor
2. had previously encouraged her interest in medicine
3. disapproved of her decision to attend medical school
4. accompanied her partway on her journey to Boston
5. had also attended medical school in his youth

5. The narrator’s statement that Boston “awaited her like a promise and a threat” (line 14) suggests that Miriam feels

1. confident that she will succeed in her studies
2. certain that the city will be dangerous
3. both hopeful about her future and apprehensive about challenges ahead
4. indifferent to the outcome of her decision
5. eager to return home to Philadelphia

6. The passage suggests that Miriam’s acceptance to medical school was

1. enthusiastically celebrated by the institution
2. granted reluctantly as part of a small minority of women
3. the first time any woman had been admitted to the college
4. dependent on her father’s financial support
5. achieved without any obstacles or difficulties

7. The tone of the passage can best be described as

1. bitterly resentful and angry
2. detached and scholarly
3. contemplative and uncertain yet determined
4. lighthearted and optimistic
5. melancholic and resigned

Passage 2

The following passage is adapted from an article about archaeological research.

The ancient city of Çatalhöyük, located in south-central Turkey, challenges many assumptions about the origins of urban life. Flourishing between 7500 and 5700 BCE, this Neolithic settlement housed as many as eight thousand inhabitants at its peak, making it one of the earliest (5) large-scale human communities yet discovered. Yet unlike later cities organized around temples, palaces, or central markets, Çatalhöyük appears to have lacked any obvious hierarchy or specialized elite class.     The most striking feature of the site is its architecture. Houses were built directly against one another, forming a continuous honeycomb (10) structure with no streets or alleys. Residents entered their homes through openings in the roof, descending by ladder into the living space below. This unusual configuration suggests that movement through the settlement occurred primarily across rooftops, transforming the cityscape into a elevated pedestrian network. Archaeologists speculate that this design may have served defensive purposes, (15) making the settlement more difficult to penetrate from outside.     Excavations have revealed another peculiarity: the dead were buried beneath the floors of houses, often directly under sleeping platforms. Analysis of these burials shows no significant differentiation in grave goods or burial treatment, reinforcing the impression of an egalitarian society. However, some scholars argue (20) that subtle distinctions in house size and wall painting elaboration may indicate incipient social stratification that traditional markers fail to capture.

8. The primary purpose of the passage is to

1. argue that Çatalhöyük was the most important ancient city
2. describe distinctive features of an early urban settlement
3. prove that all Neolithic societies were egalitarian
4. explain why Çatalhöyük ultimately collapsed
5. compare Turkish archaeology to other regional studies

9. According to the passage, Çatalhöyük differed from later cities in that it

1. had a larger population than any subsequent settlement
2. was located in a region unsuitable for agriculture
3. lacked clear evidence of social hierarchy or ruling class
4. was built entirely from materials imported from distant regions
5. existed for a shorter period of time than other ancient cities

10. As used in line 14, the word “penetrate” most nearly means

1. understand
2. enter
3. destroy
4. surround
5. illuminate

11. The passage indicates that residents of Çatalhöyük moved through their settlement primarily by

1. walking along streets between houses
2. traveling through underground tunnels
3. crossing from one rooftop to another
4. using boats on interior waterways
5. riding animals through central marketplaces

12. The author mentions burial practices (lines 17-19) primarily to

1. illustrate religious beliefs about the afterlife
2. provide evidence for the settlement’s egalitarian character
3. demonstrate advanced medical knowledge
4. prove that residents feared invasion
5. explain the site’s excellent archaeological preservation

13. The passage suggests that some scholars believe social stratification at Çatalhöyük

1. was entirely absent from the community
2. may have existed in forms not immediately obvious from burial evidence
3. was more extreme than in any other ancient society
4. began only after the settlement reached eight thousand inhabitants
5. prevented the development of artistic expression

14. The structure of the passage can best be described as

1. a chronological narrative of the settlement’s rise and fall
2. an argument followed by a rebuttal and counterargument
3. a general introduction followed by examination of specific distinctive features
4. a comparison of multiple archaeological sites
5. a detailed analysis of a single artifact

Passage 3

The following is excerpted from a speech delivered by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce in Washington, D.C., in 1879.

My friends, I have been asked to show you my heart. I am glad to have a chance to do so. I want the white people to understand my people. Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great mistake. I will tell you all about our people, and then you can judge (5) whether an Indian is a man or not. I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more. I will tell you in my way how the Indian sees things. The white man has more words to tell you how they look to him, but it does not require many words to speak the truth.     Good words do not last long unless they amount to something. Words do not pay for my dead people. (10) They do not pay for my country, now overrun by white men. They do not protect my father’s grave. They do not pay for all my horses and cattle. Good words will not give me back my children. Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. (15) I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises.     If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace. There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow. All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. (20) They are all brothers. The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.

15. The primary purpose of Chief Joseph’s speech is to

1. declare war against white settlers
2. request financial compensation for past losses
3. advocate for mutual understanding and equal treatment of Native peoples
4. describe traditional Nez Perce religious ceremonies
5. convince Native Americans to adopt white customs

16. As used in line 8, the word “require” most nearly means

1. demand
2. need
3. order
4. deserve
5. prohibit

17. Chief Joseph states that “Good words do not last long unless they amount to something” (line 9) in order to

1. praise white leaders for their eloquent speeches
2. suggest that Native languages are superior to English
3. emphasize that promises are meaningless without action
4. recommend that all negotiations be conducted in writing
5. argue that silence is more powerful than speech

18. The repetition of the phrase “Good words will not” in lines 12-14 primarily serves to

1. create a rhythmic pattern that makes the speech easier to memorize
2. demonstrate Chief Joseph’s limited vocabulary in English
3. emphasize the inadequacy of promises without concrete redress
4. suggest that Chief Joseph prefers actions to any form of communication
5. indicate that Native peoples reject all forms of negotiation

19. It can be inferred from the passage that Chief Joseph believes peaceful coexistence between white and Native peoples depends on

1. Native Americans abandoning their traditional lands
2. complete separation of the two populations
3. white people accepting Native religious practices
4. equal treatment under law and respect for shared rights
5. financial payments replacing all other forms of justice

20. The tone of the speech can best be described as

1. bitter and vengeful
2. hopeful and naïve
3. dignified yet sorrowful and firm
4. detached and academic
5. celebratory and triumphant

■ ■ ■   STOP   ■ ■ ■

IF YOU FINISH BEFORE TIME IS CALLED, YOU MAY CHECK YOUR WORK ON THIS SECTION ONLY. DO NOT TURN TO ANY OTHER SECTION OF THE TEST.

Answer Key

1. Ans: (A) – a young woman’s journey to pursue an unconventional education
Explanation: This is a Main Idea question. The passage focuses centrally on Miriam’s train journey to Boston to attend medical school despite her family’s opposition, as established in lines 1-7 and reinforced in lines 14-20. Choice (C) is too narrow, focusing only on the father-daughter conflict rather than the broader journey and purpose. Choice (E) is too broad, as the passage concerns one specific woman’s experience rather than all women seeking careers.

2. Ans: (B) – divided
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary in Context question. In line 7, “cleaved” describes how the decision split Miriam’s family apart “as neatly as a scalpel through skin,” indicating division or separation. Choice (A) is incorrect because it represents the opposite meaning. Choice (D) is wrong because the family was weakened, not strengthened, by her decision.

3. Ans: (B) – contrast the woman’s tranquility with Miriam’s inner turmoil
Explanation: This is a Structure/Organization question. The passage explicitly states that Miriam “envied” the woman’s “apparent peace” (line 11), contrasting the woman’s methodical calm with Miriam’s emotional uncertainty. Choice (A) misinterprets the purpose of the detail, suggesting a practical lesson rather than an emotional contrast. Choice (D) is incorrect because nothing in the passage foreshadows Miriam abandoning her plans; indeed, lines 19-20 suggest her determination.

4. Ans: (C) – disapproved of her decision to attend medical school
Explanation: This is an Inference question. The father’s words “You are no daughter of mine” (lines 4-6) clearly indicate his rejection of Miriam due to her choice, allowing us to infer his disapproval. Choice (A) contradicts the evidence of his disowning her. Choice (B) is unsupported; there is no evidence he ever encouraged her medical interests.

5. Ans: (C) – both hopeful about her future and apprehensive about challenges ahead
Explanation: This is an Inference question. The dual nature of “promise and threat” (line 14) indicates mixed emotions, reinforced by the warning that she would be “tolerated, not welcomed” (line 17) alongside her determination in lines 19-20. Choice (A) is too narrow, capturing only the hopeful aspect and ignoring the threatening element. Choice (E) contradicts the passage, as lines 19-20 indicate she finds staying behind worse than any future trials.

6. Ans: (B) – granted reluctantly as part of a small minority of women
Explanation: This is a Detail/Fact question. Lines 15-17 explicitly state she was “one of only six women in a class of seventy” and that her presence would be “tolerated, not welcomed,” indicating reluctant acceptance of a small minority. Choice (A) contradicts the statement about being merely tolerated. Choice (C) overstates the case; she was one of six women, not the first ever.

7. Ans: (C) – contemplative and uncertain yet determined
Explanation: This is a Tone/Mood question. The passage balances Miriam’s uncertainty (her “uncertain face” in line 13, Boston as “promise and threat” in line 14) with her determination (lines 19-20 stating trials ahead “could not be worse than the suffocation of staying behind”). Choice (A) is too extreme; while there is sorrow, there is no bitter resentment. Choice (D) is incorrect because the passage is deeply personal and emotional, not lighthearted.

8. Ans: (B) – describe distinctive features of an early urban settlement
Explanation: This is an Author’s Purpose question. The passage systematically presents unusual characteristics of Çatalhöyük: its egalitarian structure (lines 1-6), unique architecture (lines 8-15), and burial practices (lines 17-19). Choice (A) uses superlative language not supported by the passage, which describes the city as “one of the earliest” but not “the most important.” Choice (C) is too broad; the passage discusses one settlement, not all Neolithic societies.

9. Ans: (C) – lacked clear evidence of social hierarchy or ruling class
Explanation: This is a Detail/Fact question. Lines 5-6 explicitly state that Çatalhöyük “appears to have lacked any obvious hierarchy or specialized elite class,” distinguishing it from later cities with temples and palaces. Choice (A) is incorrect; the passage states it was “one of the earliest large-scale” communities but makes no comparison to later population sizes. Choice (E) contradicts lines 2-3, which indicate the settlement flourished for approximately 1,800 years.

10. Ans: (B) – enter
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary in Context question. In line 14, “penetrate” refers to making the settlement “more difficult to penetrate from outside” in the context of defensive purposes, meaning to enter or breach. Choice (A) represents a different meaning of penetrate unrelated to physical access. Choice (C) is too extreme; the passage discusses entry, not destruction.

11. Ans: (C) – crossing from one rooftop to another
Explanation: This is a Detail/Fact question. Lines 12-13 explicitly state that “movement through the settlement occurred primarily across rooftops, transforming the cityscape into an elevated pedestrian network.” Choice (A) contradicts lines 9-10, which state there were “no streets or alleys.” Choice (E) is incorrect because lines 5-6 indicate no central markets existed.

12. Ans: (B) – provide evidence for the settlement’s egalitarian character
Explanation: This is an Author’s Purpose question. Lines 18-19 state that burial analysis “shows no significant differentiation in grave goods or burial treatment, reinforcing the impression of an egalitarian society.” Choice (A) is not supported; the passage does not discuss religious beliefs about the afterlife. Choice (D) misapplies information; defensive concerns are mentioned regarding architecture (lines 14-15), not burials.

13. Ans: (B) – may have existed in forms not immediately obvious from burial evidence
Explanation: This is an Inference question. Lines 19-21 state that “some scholars argue that subtle distinctions in house size and wall painting elaboration may indicate incipient social stratification that traditional markers fail to capture.” Choice (A) reverses the scholars’ position; they suggest stratification may have existed, not that it was absent. Choice (C) uses extreme language (“more extreme than in any other”) unsupported by the passage.

14. Ans: (C) – a general introduction followed by examination of specific distinctive features
Explanation: This is a Structure/Organization question. The passage opens with general context about Çatalhöyük (lines 1-6), then examines specific features: architecture (lines 8-15) and burial practices (lines 17-21). Choice (A) is incorrect because the passage does not discuss the settlement’s fall or provide a chronological narrative. Choice (B) mischaracterizes the structure; while different scholarly views are mentioned in lines 19-21, this is not the organizing principle of the entire passage.

15. Ans: (C) – advocate for mutual understanding and equal treatment of Native peoples
Explanation: This is an Author’s Purpose question. Chief Joseph explicitly states he wants “the white people to understand my people” (lines 2-3) and calls for treating “all men alike” with “the same law” and “equal rights” (lines 18-21). Choice (A) contradicts lines 17-18, which state “If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace.” Choice (B) is too narrow; while he mentions losses, the broader purpose is understanding and equal treatment.

16. Ans: (B) – need
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary in Context question. In line 8, Chief Joseph states “it does not require many words to speak the truth,” meaning it does not need or necessitate many words. Choice (A) represents a different meaning of require that doesn’t fit the context of necessity. Choice (C) is incorrect because the sentence is about necessity, not giving commands.

17. Ans: (C) – emphasize that promises are meaningless without action
Explanation: This is an Author’s Purpose question. The statement in line 9 introduces the extended argument in lines 9-15 that “Good words” accomplish nothing concrete, leading to his being “tired of talk that comes to nothing” (line 16). Choice (A) reverses the intent; Chief Joseph is criticizing, not praising, empty words. Choice (E) is incorrect; Chief Joseph values speech that “amount[s] to something,” not silence.

18. Ans: (C) – emphasize the inadequacy of promises without concrete redress
Explanation: This is a Structure/Organization question. The anaphoric repetition in lines 12-14 hammers home the point that words alone cannot restore what was lost (dead people, land, children, health, homes), emphasizing the need for action. Choice (B) is insulting and unsupported; rhetorical repetition is a sophisticated device, not evidence of limited vocabulary. Choice (D) is too extreme; he values words that “amount to something” (line 9), not a rejection of all communication.

19. Ans: (D) – equal treatment under law and respect for shared rights
Explanation: This is an Inference question. Lines 17-21 present Chief Joseph’s vision: “Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow” and “all people should have equal rights upon it [the earth].” Choice (A) contradicts the passage; he protests his country being “overrun by white men” (line 11). Choice (B) is not suggested; he advocates living together in peace (line 17), not separation.

20. Ans: (C) – dignified yet sorrowful and firm
Explanation: This is a Tone/Mood question. Chief Joseph maintains dignity throughout while expressing sorrow (“It makes my heart sick” in line 16, references to dead people and lost children in lines 10-13) and firmness (“I am tired of talk that comes to nothing” in line 16, clear demands in lines 18-21). Choice (A) is too extreme; while there is pain, the tone is not bitter or vengeful but rather appeals to justice. Choice (B) is incorrect because while he expresses hope for peace, his awareness of “broken promises” (line 17) shows he is not naïve.