SAT- Reading: Beecher and Grimke on Slavery and Abolitionism

In Passage 1, Beecher makes which point about the status of women relative to that of men?

• Women depend on men for their safety and security, but men are largely independent of women.

• Women are inferior to men, but women play a role as significant as that played by men.

• Women have fewer rights than men do, but women also have fewer responsibilities.

• Women are superior to men, but tradition requires women to obey men.

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• Lines 6-10 (“But... all-pervading”)

• Lines 13-14 (“A man... debate”)

• Lines 16-18 (“he may coerce... sphere”)

• Lines 41-46 (“but whatever... sphere”)

In Passage 1, Beecher implies that women’s effect on public life is largely

• overlooked, because few men are interested in women’s thoughts about politics.

• indirect, because women exert their influence within the home and family life.

• unnecessary, because men are able to govern society themselves.

• symbolic, because women tend to be more idealistic about politics than men are.

As used in line 2, “station” most nearly means

• region.

• studio.

• district.

• rank.

As used in line 12, “peculiar” most nearly means

• eccentric.

• surprising.

• distinctive.

• infrequent.

What is Grimké’s central claim in Passage 2?

• The rights of individuals are not determined by race or gender.

• Men and women must learn to work together to improve society.

• Moral rights are the most important distinction between human beings and animals.

• Men and women should have equal opportunities to flourish.

In Passage 2, Grimké makes which point about human rights?

• They are viewed differently in various cultures around the world.

• They retain their moral authority regardless of whether they are recognized by law.

• They are sometimes at odds with moral responsibilities.

• They have become more advanced and refined throughout history.

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• Lines 58-61 (“Human... same rights”)

• Lines 61-65 (“These... imperishable”)

• Lines 71-76 (“To suppose... property”)

• Lines 77-81 (“When... nothingness”)

Which choice best states the relationship between the two passages?

• Passage 2 illustrates the practical difficulties of a proposal made in Passage 1.

• Passage 2 takes issue with the primary argument of Passage 1.

• Passage 2 provides a historical context for the perspective offered in Passage 1.

• Passage 2 elaborates upon several ideas implied in Passage 1.

Based on the passages, both authors would agree with which of the following claims?

• Women have moral duties and responsibilities.

• Men often work selflessly for political change.

• The ethical obligations of women are often undervalued.

• Political activism is as important for women as it is for men.