Sat 2015 Practice Test #1 Answer Explanations

Choice D is the best answer.
The author suggests in lines 19-22 
that space mining may meet “earthly demands for precious metals, 
such as platinum and gold, and the rare earth elements vital for 
personal electronics.” In this sentence, “earthly demands” suggests 
that people want, or desire, these precious metals and rare earth 
elements. 
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in this context “demands” 
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Choice C is the best answer.
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mined in space may be very valuable: “water mined from other worlds 
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assertion by suggesting how mined space water could be used “for 
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Choice A is incorrect because the comparison in the previous 
paragraph (the relative value of gold and water to someone in the 
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because the question asked in the previous paragraph is also answered 
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are made in the previous paragraph; rather, an assertion is made and a 
question is posed. 

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Choice B is the best answer.
The author of Passage 2 recognizes 
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space mining should be carefully considered before it is implemented: 
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here on Earth and in space — merit careful consideration” (lines 57-59). 
Choice A is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 concedes that 
“space mining seems to sidestep most environmental concerns” 
(lines 55-56) but does not imply that space mining will recklessly harm 
the environment, either on Earth or in space. Choice C is incorrect 
because the author of Passage 2 does not address any key resources 
that may be disappearing on Earth. Choice D is incorrect because 
the author of Passage 2 admits that “resources that are valuable in 
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(lines 74-76) but does not mention any disagreement about the 
commercial viabilities of space mining discoveries. 
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