SAT for Lincoln

1. Reading — Main Idea

Abraham Lincoln had limited formal education but became a dedicated reader and largely educated himself. He studied law independently and continued developing his knowledge throughout his early career. His experience demonstrates that limited access to formal schooling does not necessarily prevent a person from developing significant intellectual abilities.

Which choice best states the main idea of the passage?

A. Lincoln believed formal education was unnecessary.
B. Lincoln’s commitment to self-education helped him overcome limitations in formal schooling.
C. Lincoln became a lawyer primarily because of his political career.
D. Lincoln preferred reading law books to studying other subjects.

2. Reading — Inference

Lincoln experienced political defeats before becoming president. His unsuccessful campaigns did not end his public career. Instead, he continued speaking, studying political issues, and participating in public life.

Which inference is best supported by the passage?

A. Lincoln never cared about winning elections.
B. Lincoln considered political failure a reason to abandon public service.
C. Lincoln’s response to political setbacks included continuing to prepare and participate.
D. Lincoln won every major election after his first defeat.

3. Writing — Transitions

Lincoln experienced several political defeats during his career. ________, he continued developing his political ideas and eventually became a major national political figure.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A. Nevertheless,
B. For example,
C. Similarly,
D. In particular,

4. Writing — Rhetorical Synthesis

A student wants to emphasize how Lincoln’s self-education contributed to his later responsibilities.

Notes:

Lincoln had limited formal schooling.
He read extensively on his own.
He studied law independently.
He later served as president during the Civil War.

Which choice most effectively uses the notes to accomplish the goal?

A. Lincoln was president during the Civil War.
B. Lincoln read many books during his youth.
C. Lincoln’s independent study and legal education helped prepare him for the responsibilities he later assumed as president.
D. Lincoln had limited formal schooling and later became president.

5. Reading — Central Idea & Reasoning

Diligence and perseverance are related but distinct qualities. Diligence involves consistently applying effort to a responsibility, while perseverance involves continuing despite obstacles or failure. Lincoln’s life provides examples of both qualities.

Which statement best expresses the central idea?

A. Diligence and perseverance have exactly the same meaning.
B. Lincoln demonstrated both consistent effort and persistence through difficulty.
C. Perseverance is more important than diligence in every situation.
D. Historical figures cannot be used to study character.

SAT Practice: Abraham Lincoln — Diligence & Perseverance