SAT Critical Reading questions

[Grativity]

Hi, I’m preparing for the SAT, and while taking some practice tests, I found some questions that I could not understand its explanation.

(the passage for the following question can be found on pg. 15 of this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-SjC2QWxqXRb0R4cEw3NWVwbWs/view )

1. The quotation in lines 41-48 expresses in part a belief that (A) scientists have not made progress in addressing the problems that affect humanity (B) scientific progress has been hindered by a lack of financial resources (C) scientific profession has been granted exceptional standing in society (D) the science community has ignored suggestions to reform its discipline (E) scientists have capably defended themselves against the criticisms leveled against science.

I chose answer (A), because in 46-48, it was stated that “…scientific community may have promised too much too soon. Certainly it underestimated the demand for accountability.” The logic seemed to follow, that from the past 25 years the scientific community failed to answer the demand of the society.

The answer, however, was ©. Although I get why the answer makes sense, I still don’t get how the choice (A) is wrong. Could you explain to me?

Another question from another passage (the passage for the following question can be found on pg. 17 of the same link above)

1. The question in lines 12-14 functions primarily to: (A) set the tone for the subsequent discussion about diversity (B) challenge the value of the contributions of the Bajau people (C) raise the issue of importance of scientific knowledge to society (D) establish the author's fundamental disagreement with scientists (E) signify the author's shift in focus from the past to the future

I chose ©, confusing the knowledge of the Bajau people with the “scientific knowledge.” I should’ve read the answer choies more carefully. Although I partly get why answer (A) is the answer, I don’t really get how I would get this kind of question without using the process of elimination. Could you explain to me in detail how the answer is (A)? Also, how did you come up with the answer? Do I have to leave this kind of question until later, since it asks about tone? (oh, and I always read and answer questions at the same time by the way, unlike some people who read the entire passage at once and go to the questions.)

Much help will be greatly appreciated.

[marvin100]

14. The quotation in lines 41-48 expresses in part a belief that
    (A) scientists have not made progress in addressing the problems that affect humanity
    (B) scientific progress has been hindered by a lack of financial resources
    (C) scientific profession has been granted exceptional standing in society
    (D) the science community has ignored suggestions to reform its discipline
    (E) scientists have capably defended themselves against the criticisms leveled against science.

I chose answer (A), because in 46-48, it was stated that “…scientific community may have promised too much too soon. Certainly it underestimated the demand for accountability.” The logic seemed to follow, that from the past 25 years the scientific community failed to answer the demand of the society.

The answer, however, was (C). Although I get why the answer makes sense, I still don’t get how the choice (A) is wrong. Could you explain to me?

(A) is wrong because the passage says MAY and the answer expresses no such caution. It’s also not logically clear that “[promising] too much too soon” can be equated with “not [making] progress” [at all], as the former suggests disappointing results and the latter claims no results. (C) is actually pretty easy. “exceptional” literally means “unusual.” “Standing in society” literally means “status.” Line 43 says “unusual” and line 44 says “status.”

4. The question in lines 12-14 functions primarily to:
   (A) set the tone for the subsequent discussion about diversity
   (B) challenge the value of the contributions of the Bajau people
   (C) raise the issue of importance of scientific knowledge to society
   (D) establish the author’s fundamental disagreement with scientists
   (E) signify the author’s shift in focus from the past to the future

I chose (C), confusing the knowledge of the Bajau people with the “scientific knowledge.” I should’ve read the answer choies more carefully. Although I partly get why answer (A) is the answer, I don’t really get how I would get this kind of question without using the process of elimination. Could you explain to me in detail how the answer is (A)? Also, how did you come up with the answer? Do I have to leave this kind of question until later, since it asks about tone? (oh, and I always read and answer questions at the same time by the way, unlike some people who read the entire passage at once and go to the questions.)

You said it yourself: use process of elimination! This is a relatively easy question because four answers can be eliminated without interpretation, leaving only (A). That said, I do recommend reading the passage before answering the questions, esp. those about main ideas and tone.