Identify Supporting Details in Informational Texts: SAT Reading Foundation Guide

Passage:

Coral reefs support extraordinary marine biodiversity despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. Scientists estimate that coral reef ecosystems are home to approximately 25% of all marine species. These ecosystems provide essential services including coastal protection, fisheries support, and tourism revenue. A single reef system can support thousands of species of fish, invertebrates, and algae. However, rising ocean temperatures threaten these vital habitats, with some regions experiencing up to 50% coral mortality in recent years.

Question 1: Which detail best supports the claim that coral reefs have high biodiversity?

A) Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor.
B) Scientists estimate coral reef ecosystems are home to approximately 25% of all marine species.
C) These ecosystems provide coastal protection and tourism revenue.
D) Rising ocean temperatures threaten these vital habitats.

Answer: B — The statistic that reefs contain 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of ocean area directly proves high biodiversity. This percentage quantifies the concentration of species variety.

Passage:

Sleep deprivation negatively affects cognitive performance in significant ways. Research conducted at the University of Pennsylvania found that individuals who slept only six hours per night for two weeks performed as poorly on cognitive tests as people who had been completely sleep-deprived for 48 hours. Memory consolidation, attention span, and decision-making abilities all decline with insufficient sleep. Students who get adequate sleep before exams consistently score higher than those who stay up late studying. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning.

Question 2: Which detail provides the strongest evidence that sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function?

A) Sleep deprivation negatively affects cognitive performance in significant ways.
B) Memory consolidation, attention span, and decision-making abilities decline with insufficient sleep.
C) People who slept six hours for two weeks performed as poorly as those sleep-deprived for 48 hours.
D) The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Answer: C — This University of Pennsylvania research finding provides specific, comparative evidence: six hours nightly for two weeks = cognitive performance equivalent to 48-hour total deprivation. This measurable equivalence from actual research most strongly proves impairment.

Passage:

Electric vehicles produce significantly lower lifetime emissions than gasoline-powered cars, even when accounting for battery production. A recent analysis by the International Energy Agency calculated that over a vehicle's lifetime, an electric car produces approximately 50% less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline vehicle in most countries. In regions where electricity comes primarily from renewable sources, the emissions reduction can exceed 70%. The environmental advantage increases as electrical grids become cleaner. Manufacturing EV batteries does require substantial energy, but this initial emission cost is offset within the first few years of driving.

Question 3: Which detail best supports the claim that electric vehicles have lower lifetime emissions than gasoline cars?

A) Electric vehicles produce significantly lower lifetime emissions than gasoline-powered cars.
B) An electric car produces approximately 50% less CO₂ than a gasoline vehicle over its lifetime.
C) In regions with renewable electricity, emissions reduction can exceed 70%.
D) Manufacturing EV batteries requires substantial energy.

Answer: B — The International Energy Agency's calculation that EVs produce approximately 50% less CO₂ over their lifetime directly proves lower lifetime emissions with a specific, measurable percentage from a credible source.

Passage for Questions 4-5:

Urban tree canopy coverage provides substantial economic and health benefits to cities. A study of ten major U.S. cities found that urban trees provide approximately $18 billion annually in benefits including air pollution removal, stormwater management, and energy savings. Trees reduce ambient temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration, lowering urban heat island effects by 2-5°F in summer. Each tree removes an average of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year while also filtering pollutants like ozone and particulate matter. Cities with higher tree coverage report lower rates of respiratory illness and reduced cooling costs.

Question 4: Which detail best supports the claim that urban trees provide economic value?

A) Urban tree canopy coverage provides substantial economic and health benefits to cities.
B) A study found that urban trees provide approximately $18 billion annually in benefits.
C) Trees reduce ambient temperatures by 2-5°F in summer.
D) Each tree removes an average of 48 pounds of CO₂ per year.

Question 5: Which detail provides measurable evidence of trees' environmental impact?

A) Trees reduce urban heat island effects.
B) Each tree removes an average of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year.
C) Cities with higher tree coverage report lower rates of respiratory illness.
D) Trees filter pollutants like ozone and particulate matter.

Passage for Questions 6-7:

Early childhood education programs yield long-term social and economic benefits. The Perry Preschool Project, a landmark longitudinal study, tracked participants for over 40 years and found that those who attended quality preschool had higher earnings, were more likely to graduate high school, and had lower rates of criminal involvement than the control group. Specifically, preschool participants earned an average of $42,000 more over their lifetimes. The return on investment was calculated at $7 for every $1 spent on the program, primarily through increased tax revenue and reduced social service costs. These findings have influenced education policy worldwide.

Question 6: Which detail best supports the claim that early childhood education has long-term economic benefits?

A) Early childhood education programs yield long-term social and economic benefits.
B) Participants were tracked for over 40 years in the Perry Preschool Project.
C) Preschool participants earned an average of $42,000 more over their lifetimes.
D) These findings have influenced education policy worldwide.

Question 7: Which detail provides the strongest evidence of program cost-effectiveness?

A) The Perry Preschool Project was a landmark longitudinal study.
B) Participants had higher earnings and lower criminal involvement.
C) The return on investment was $7 for every $1 spent on the program.
D) Preschool participants were more likely to graduate high school.

Passage for Question 8:

Honeybee populations have declined dramatically in recent decades, raising concerns about agricultural productivity. Bees pollinate approximately one-third of the food crops humans consume, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts valued at over $15 billion annually in the United States alone. Colony Collapse Disorder, first identified in 2006, has caused some beekeepers to lose 30-90% of their hives. Scientists attribute the decline to multiple factors: pesticide exposure, habitat loss, parasites, and disease. Without intervention, the loss of pollination services could significantly disrupt food production and increase prices for consumers.

Question 8: Which detail most effectively supports the claim that honeybees are critical to agriculture?

A) Honeybee populations have declined dramatically in recent decades.
B) Bees pollinate approximately one-third of the food crops humans consume.
C) Colony Collapse Disorder has caused beekeepers to lose 30-90% of their hives.
D) Scientists attribute the decline to pesticide exposure, habitat loss, parasites, and disease.