5. C The first paragraph discusses how tin is found in nature, mined, and processed into an industrial
form. The second paragraph discusses the uses of tin. Choice (A) is incorrect because
assumptive generalizations do not match the specific numbers provided in the second
paragraph. Choice (B) can be eliminated because industrial processes would be a better fit for
the discussion in the first paragraph about refining tin; the second paragraph mainly details the
uses for tin. Choice (C) may be vague, but it matches the prediction and is therefore the correct
answer. Choice (D) is is incorrect because it does not match the prediction.
6. B The passage states that Solder has been made from lead and tin, but since the Safe Drinking
Water Act, tin has become the primary metal in solder. This suggests that the Safe Drinking
Water Act may have caused the change from solder being made with both lead and tin to
primarily tin. Choice (A) is incorrect because specified is extreme. Similarly, eliminate (C)
because all applications is too extreme. Choice (D) does not match the prediction, so it is
incorrect. Choice (B) is the correct answer, as it matches the prediction.
7. D According to the passage, Because tin is not harmful to humans, it is a preferred method of
canning and preserving food. Choices (A) and (B) can be eliminated because they do not
match the predicted answer. Choice (C) is tempting, as the passage indicates a demand for tin in
solder, but the best is extreme and unsupported by the passage. Choice (D) is the correct
answer because the impact on an individual’s health can be not harmful.
8. D Based on the previous question, tin has a high demand because it is not harmful to humans.
Choices (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect because they do not match the previous answer’s
prediction. Only (D) matches the predicted answer.
9. C According to the passage, companies...may not describe which of their plants use which
starting materials, plants...may or may not consume and (or) produce all of the tin materials
reported, and companies that were reported to have been tin suppliers could not be
confirmed as such, among other descriptions of what results in an extremely difficult—if not
impossible—trail to follow. Therefore, a phrase to use in place of opaque is “very difficult to
understand.” Choices (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect because they do not match the prediction.
Only (C) matches the predicted answer, as impenetrable can mean “inaccessible to knowledge”
or something that can’t be known.
10. D The final paragraph discusses the complex nature of the tin supply chain and lists a number of
reasons why the tin supply chain is difficult—if not impossible—to follow. The sentence
companies changed names, were referred to imprecisely, changed ownership, or went out of
business provides another example to support the idea that the tin supply chain is complex.
Choices (A) and (B) do not match the prediction and are therefore incorrect. Choice (C) may be
tempting, but sole is too extreme; eliminate (C). Choice (D) matches the predicted answer
because the earlier statement is that the tin supply chain is complex. The answer is (D).
Reading Drill 2
1. B The main narrative point of view in this passage is from a man who is living in a house next to a
pond (I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond), which is near the woods (the
