SAT OwlQuestion bank / Words in Context
Economist Farah Siddiqui found that when a city raised its downtown parking fees, the number of drivers circling the blocks in search of a space dropped sharply. Siddiqui notes that this outcome, though it surprised some residents, was entirely ______: when parking costs more, fewer people drive downtown, so open spaces become easier to find.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
predictable
regrettable
arbitrary
temporary
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
After the colon, Siddiqui explains the simple chain of cause and effect behind the result. An outcome that follows so directly from its cause is "predictable," even if some residents were surprised.
Choice B might seem to fit "surprised," but nothing suggests Siddiqui sees the drop in circling as bad.
Why the other choices are wrong
- B. Siddiqui presents less circling as a logical result. Nothing suggests she finds it unfortunate.
- C. The colon introduces a clear cause, which rules out the idea that the result was random.
- D. The text never discusses how long the effect lasted.
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