Mixed Practice Set: College Readiness
Overview
This comprehensive mixed set covers all domains tested on the SAT and ACT. Questions appear in random order, simulating actual test conditions where you must shift between different types of thinking.
- Questions: 15
- Time: 25 minutes suggested
- Domains: Math, Reading, Writing, Science Reasoning
Mixed Practice Questions
1. [Math - Advanced] If f(x) = x³ - 3x² + 2x, find f'(x) and determine where f(x) has a local maximum.
A) x = 1/3 B) x = 2/3 C) x = 1 D) x = 2
2. [Reading - Inference] A passage describes a researcher who "reluctantly published her findings, despite their controversial implications." This suggests the researcher:
A) Was eager for publicity
B) Had reservations about potential reactions
C) Doubted her own data
D) Was pressured by colleagues
3. [Writing - Conventions] Select the sentence with correct punctuation:
A) The committee; however, decided to postpone the vote.
B) The committee, however decided to postpone the vote.
C) The committee, however, decided to postpone the vote.
D) The committee however, decided to postpone the vote.
4. [Math - Data] A survey shows 35% of respondents prefer option A, 40% prefer B, and the rest prefer C. If 200 people were surveyed, how many prefer C?
A) 25 B) 50 C) 70 D) 80
5. [Science - Data Interpretation] A graph shows bacterial growth leveling off after 24 hours despite adequate nutrients. The most likely explanation is:
A) The bacteria died
B) Waste product accumulation inhibited growth
C) Temperature increased
D) The experiment ended
6. [Writing - Expression] Which revision best improves concision? Original: "In my personal opinion, I believe that the policy is ineffective."
A) I personally believe the policy is ineffective.
B) The policy is ineffective.
C) In my opinion, I believe the policy is ineffective.
D) I believe that the policy is ineffective in my view.
7. [Math - Algebra] Solve: |2x - 5| = 7
A) x = 6 only B) x = -1 only C) x = 6 or x = -1 D) x = 1 or x = 6
8. [Reading - Main Idea] An article discusses various renewable energy sources, their benefits, and implementation challenges. The author's primary purpose is most likely to:
A) Advocate for one specific energy source
B) Provide a balanced overview of options
C) Criticize current energy policies
D) Predict future energy consumption
9. [Science - Experimental Design] A student tests whether fertilizer affects plant height. Which is the control group?
A) Plants given double fertilizer
B) Plants given standard fertilizer
C) Plants given no fertilizer
D) Plants of a different species
10. [Math - Geometry] A right triangle has legs of length 5 and 12. What is the length of the hypotenuse?
A) 13 B) 15 C) 17 D) 7
11. [Writing - Transitions] Choose the best transition: "The experiment produced unexpected results. ___, researchers modified their hypothesis."
A) Meanwhile B) Consequently C) Similarly D) Nevertheless
12. [Math - Functions] If g(x) = 2^x, what is g(g(2))?
A) 4 B) 8 C) 16 D) 256
13. [Reading - Evidence] Which type of evidence would BEST support an argument about rising college costs?
A) An anecdote about one student's experience
B) National tuition data over 20 years
C) A quote from a college administrator
D) An opinion from a financial advisor
14. [Science - Scientific Method] A hypothesis is best described as:
A) A proven fact
B) A testable prediction
C) The final conclusion
D) Random speculation
15. [Math - Statistics] The standard deviation of a data set measures:
A) The middle value
B) The most common value
C) The spread of values around the mean
D) The difference between highest and lowest values
Answer Key
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- B) x = 2/3 — f'(x) = 3x² - 6x + 2 = 0; local max at x = (6-√12)/6 ≈ 2/3
- B) — "Reluctantly" suggests reservations about reactions to controversial findings
- C) — "However" as an interrupter needs commas on both sides
- B) 50 — 100% - 35% - 40% = 25%; 200 × 0.25 = 50
- B) — Waste accumulation is the most likely limiting factor when nutrients remain
- B) — "The policy is ineffective" eliminates all redundancy
- C) x = 6 or x = -1 — 2x - 5 = 7 gives x = 6; 2x - 5 = -7 gives x = -1
- B) — Discussing multiple sources with benefits and challenges suggests balanced overview
- C) — Control group receives no treatment to establish baseline comparison
- A) 13 — √(5² + 12²) = √(25 + 144) = √169 = 13
- B) Consequently — Shows cause-effect relationship between results and modification
- C) 16 — g(2) = 2² = 4; g(4) = 2⁴ = 16
- B) — National data over time provides objective, comprehensive evidence
- B) — A hypothesis is a testable prediction that can be investigated
- C) — Standard deviation measures dispersion/spread around the mean