Textual Evidence Questions for Digital SAT (Personalized)
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Question 1
In Thailand, many people visit floating markets. These markets are on rivers, and sellers use boats to carry fruits, vegetables, and snacks. Tourists like taking photos and buying coconut pancakes.
The author mentions “coconut pancakes” to
A) explain why boats are important.
B) give an example of what tourists buy.
C) describe how sellers cook food.
D) show the history of floating markets.
Question 2
Thai farmers grow rice in flooded fields called paddies. This method needs a lot of water but helps the rice grow well. Some farmers now use machines, but many still use water buffaloes to plough the fields.
What does the author suggest about Thai rice farming?
A) Machines are replacing all traditional methods.
B) Water buffaloes are no longer used.
C) Both old and new farming methods exist.
D) Rice cannot grow without machines.
Question 3
Bangkok’s traffic is famous for being very crowded. To avoid long delays, many people use the BTS Skytrain. However, some areas still rely on buses and taxis, which can get stuck in traffic.
Which choice best describes why the BTS Skytrain is popular in Bangkok?
A) It is cheaper than buses.
B) It helps people avoid traffic jams.
C) It goes to every part of the city.
D) It is the oldest transport system.
Question 4
Traditional Thai silk is made by hand, which makes it expensive. Weavers use techniques passed down for generations. Although cheaper factory-made silk exists, many buyers prefer handmade silk for its quality.
The author mentions “cheaper factory-made silk” to
A) criticize modern production methods.
B) explain why handmade silk is valued.
C) suggest that silk weavers should change jobs.
D) prove that all silk is the same.
Question 5
Thailand’s “Songkran” festival is known for its water fights, but it originally marked the Buddhist New Year with family reunions and temple visits. Some elders worry that the modern celebration focuses too much on fun rather than tradition.
The author includes the elders’ concern to
A) argue that Songkran should be cancelled.
B) highlight a cultural change in the festival.
C) prove that young people dislike traditions.
D) suggest that water fights are dangerous.
Question 6
A 2022 study found that Thailand’s coral reefs are recovering in protected areas but declining where tourism is heavy. Marine biologists argue that strict fishing rules help reefs regrow, while uncontrolled snorkeling and pollution damage them.
Which finding would best support the marine biologists’ argument?
A) Reefs in tourist areas with fishing bans are healthier than unprotected reefs.
B) All coral reefs grow at the same speed regardless of human activity.
C) Tourists prefer visiting reefs with many fish, even if they are damaged.
D) Pollution affects fish populations but not coral growth.
Beginner Textual Evidence Questions
- Level 1 (IELTS 5.0–6.5): Simplified vocabulary + direct answers in text.
- Level 2 (IELTS 6.5–7.5): Added nuanced phrasing and subtler evidence.
- Level 3 (IELTS 8.0+): Complex inference + “support/undermine” questions (official SAT level).
- Differences: Level 1 are explicit answers, while Level 2 require analysis of tone, bias, and evidence.
- SAT level: Level 3 mirrors real SAT questions (e.g., “strengthen/weaken” arguments).
Level 1
1. Thai street food is popular. Pad Thai is a famous noodle dish. Tourists often eat it because it is tasty and cheap.
Why do tourists like Pad Thai?
A) It is expensive and rare.
B) It is delicious and affordable.
C) It is only sold in restaurants.
D) It is hard to find.
2. Elephants are important in Thai culture. They work in forests and sometimes appear in festivals. Now, many elephants live in sanctuaries where tourists can feed them.
What is true about elephants in Thailand today?
A) They are only used for work.
B) Some are protected in sanctuaries.
C) They no longer appear in festivals.
D) Tourists are not allowed near them.
3. Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market is one of the largest in the world. It sells clothes, pets, and food. Visitors say it is easy to get lost because it has over 15,000 stalls.
Why does the author mention “15,000 stalls”?
A) To explain why the market is crowded.
B) To show why visitors might feel confused.
C) To prove that the market is shrinking.
D) To criticize the market’s size.
Level 2
4. Thailand’s “Loy Krathong” festival involves floating baskets on water to honor the river goddess. Environmentalists worry because many baskets are made of plastic, which harms fish. Some cities now ban plastic baskets.
The environmentalists’ concern suggests that:
A) The festival should be stopped completely.
B) Plastic baskets create pollution problems.
C) No one cares about the river goddess.
D) All baskets are made of natural materials.
5. Thai students score well in science but struggle with creativity in exams. Educators debate whether rote memorization (repeating facts) limits innovation. Some schools now teach problem-solving, not just memorization.
Which point would an educator who supports problem-solving MOST likely agree with?
A) Memorization is the best way to learn science.
B) Creativity is unimportant for academic success.
C) Current exams may not measure all skills.
D) Schools should focus only on test scores.
Level 3
6. A 2023 study found that Thailand’s mangrove forests reduce coastal flooding better than concrete walls. Mangroves absorb wave energy and grow naturally, while walls erode over time. Yet, 60% of mangroves have been cut down for fishing ponds.
Which finding, if true, would most STRENGTHEN the argument for using mangroves?
A) Mangroves in protected areas survive storms 50% better than walls.
B) Fishing ponds boost the economy more than mangroves.
C) Concrete walls are cheaper to build initially.
D) Mangroves grow slower in polluted water.
Textual Evidence Questions - Answers & Explanations
1 B) give an example of what tourists buy. The passage states that tourists enjoy buying snacks like coconut pancakes, so this is the correct answer.
2 C) Both old and new farming methods exist. The passage says some farmers use machines, but many still use water buffaloes, so this is the best answer.
3 B) It helps people avoid traffic jams. The passage says people use the Skytrain to avoid delays, so this is the correct inference.
4 B) explain why handmade silk is valued. The contrast between factory-made and handmade silk shows why people prefer the traditional method.
5 B) highlight a cultural change in the festival. The elders’ worry shows a shift from tradition to modern fun, which matches the SAT’s “author’s purpose” questions.
6 A) Reefs in tourist areas with fishing bans are healthier than unprotected reefs. This matches the argument that rules help reefs recover, while uncontrolled tourism harms them.
1 B) It is delicious and affordable.
Explanation: The text directly states “tasty and cheap.”
2 B) Some are protected in sanctuaries.
Explanation: The passage mentions sanctuaries as a current practice.
3 B) To show why visitors might feel confused.
Explanation: The link between “easy to get lost” and the number of stalls requires inference.
4 B) Plastic baskets create pollution problems.
Explanation: Requires connecting “plastic harms fish” to environmentalists’ worries.
5 C) Current exams may not measure all skills.
Explanation: Because the educator thinks exams focus too much on memorization and not enough on creativity.
6. A) Mangroves in protected areas survive storms 50% better than walls.
Explanation: Directly supports the claim that mangroves are more effective (SAT “strengthen” question).