SAT Reading Comprehension: Small vs. Large Groups of Things

This situation occurs often when referenced lines address a group of things. It is similar to Small vs. Large Groups of People (Lesson 24).

For example, a passage might discuss mammals.

In this case, an answer choice that contains “animals” would be incorrect because the term also includes crustaceans and reptiles. In other words, the scope of “animals” is too large.

An answer choice that focuses on “dolphins” would also be incorrect because it focuses on one small group of mammals. In other words, its scope is too small.

SAT PRACTICE QUESTION FOR SMALL VS. LARGE GROUPS OF THINGS

Take the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. If the hormones are at normal levels, then emotions are stable. If these thyroid hormones are overly present, however, they produce a profusion of emotions: anxiety, irritability, and depression. In some cases, a person with an overactive thyroid loses control of emotions altogether, laughing uncontrollably when angry or crying wildly when happy.

1. The above lines primarily state that
   (A) hormones can engender a wide range of emotions
   (B) the emotions of anxiety can cause irritability
   (C) overactive thyroids often cause wild laughter
   (D) an excess of thyroid hormones can produce emotions
   (E) hormones are responsible for negative emotions

Get the correct answer, and win a prize on the next page...

1. The above lines primarily state that
   (A) memory diminishes with the progression of time
   (B) autobiographical memory is present only in children
   (C) generalizations from past experiences reduce the need for particulars
   (D) the appearance of a new situation activates semantic memory
   (E) a lack of memory is caused by the accumulation of experience

So what did you come up with? A? B? C? D? E? Let's see...

The referenced lines focus on the idea of "thyroid hormones". So the correct answer must address this concept. Any choice that contains ideas that are "too small" or "too large" can be eliminated.

   Choice (A) is incorrect because it focuses on a larger group (“hormones”)
   Choice (B) is incorrect because it does not address the idea of thyroid hormones
   Choice (C) makes an error by focusing on “overactive thyroids”
   Choice (E) is wrong because it contains an idea that's"too large" ("hormones")
   Only choice (D) properly focuses on "thyroid hormones" and is correct. If you had choice (D), congratulations! You win nothing.

   Only choice (C) contains the groups of things ("generalizations"; "particulars"; "experiences") that are present within the referenced lines.

Small vs. Large Groups of Things

Lesson Includes:

—Overview of Small vs. Large Groups of Things

—Practice Question for Small vs. Large Groups of Things

SAT Math

SAT Writing

SAT Reading

SAT Vocabulary