Masuk ke universitas bergengsi seperti Harvard University adalah impian banyak orang. Proses seleksinya dikenal sangat ketat, menguji tidak hanya kemampuan akademik tetapi juga pola pikir kritis dan analitis. Sementara itu, ujian masuk perguruan tinggi di Indonesia seperti UTBK dan Ujian Mandiri juga menuntut strategi yang matang serta pemahaman yang mendalam terhadap berbagai materi. 

Artikel ini menghadirkan kumpulan 100 soal tes masuk Harvard University beserta kisi-kisi UTBK dan Ujian Mandiri, membantu calon mahasiswa untuk lebih siap menghadapi tantangan seleksi.

Kisi-Kisi Soal Seleksi Masuk Harvard University Terbaru

Masuk ke Harvard University bukan hanya soal nilai akademik yang tinggi, tetapi juga kemampuan berpikir kritis, analitis, dan pemecahan masalah. Setiap tahunnya, ribuan pelamar dari berbagai negara bersaing melalui proses seleksi yang ketat, di mana hanya sedikit yang berhasil lolos. Agar lebih siap menghadapi ujian, penting untuk memahami pola dan jenis soal yang diujikan. 

Berikut adalah kisi-kisi soal seleksi masuk Harvard University 2025 yang dapat membantu dalam persiapan.

1. Reading

Tes ini bertujuan untuk menguji kemampuan dalam memahami, menganalisis, dan menafsirkan teks tertulis, baik fiksi maupun non-fiksi. Pada bagian ini, peserta akan diberikan berbagai jenis teks seperti artikel ilmiah, esai, karya sastra, hingga teks sejarah. Soal yang diberikan akan meminta peserta untuk:

• Menemukan ide pokok dan gagasan pendukung dalam teks.
• Mengidentifikasi hubungan antaride dalam teks.
• Menganalisis sudut pandang penulis dan tujuan penulisan.
• Menafsirkan makna kata atau frasa berdasarkan konteks.
• Menarik kesimpulan berdasarkan informasi yang tersirat dalam teks.

2. Writing and Language

Bagian ini berfokus pada kemampuan menulis dan tata bahasa (grammar). Peserta akan diberi beberapa teks yang berisi kesalahan tata bahasa, struktur kalimat, dan logika penulisan yang harus dikoreksi atau disempurnakan. Soal pada bagian ini meliputi:

• Mengidentifikasi kesalahan tata bahasa dan memperbaikinya.
• Memperbaiki struktur kalimat dan kejelasan makna.
• Menyusun kalimat dengan koherensi dan kesinambungan yang baik.
• Mengubah kalimat atau kata untuk meningkatkan ketepatan dan kejelasan makna.
• Menyesuaikan gaya penulisan dengan konteks dan tujuan teks.

3. Math (Tanpa Kalkulator)

Bagian ini menguji kemampuan dasar matematika tanpa menggunakan kalkulator. Fokus utama pada pemahaman konsep dasar dan kemampuan menyelesaikan soal dengan logika dan perhitungan manual. Materi yang diujikan meliputi:

• Operasi dasar (penjumlahan, pengurangan, perkalian, pembagian).
• Bilangan pecahan dan desimal.
• Persamaan linier dan kuadrat.
• Konsep perbandingan dan proporsi.
• Teorema Pythagoras dan geometri dasar.
• Penyederhanaan ekspresi aljabar.

4. Math (Dengan Kalkulator)

Pada bagian ini, peserta boleh menggunakan kalkulator untuk menyelesaikan soal yang lebih kompleks dan melibatkan perhitungan tingkat lanjut. Materi yang diujikan mencakup:

• Fungsi dan grafik.
• Sistem persamaan linear dan kuadrat.
• Statistika dan probabilitas.
• Matriks dan determinan.
• Logaritma dan eksponen.
• Persamaan trigonometri dan perhitungan sudut.
• Penyelesaian masalah berdasarkan grafik atau tabel.

5. Essay

Bagian ini bertujuan untuk menguji kemampuan menulis argumentatif atau analitis. Peserta akan diminta untuk membaca teks atau pernyataan tertentu, kemudian diminta untuk:

• Menentukan posisi atau pendapat terkait pernyataan tersebut.
• Menyusun argumen yang logis dan terstruktur.
• Menggunakan bukti dan contoh yang mendukung argumen.
• Menunjukkan kemampuan dalam menulis dengan gaya bahasa yang formal dan jelas.
• Menganalisis efektivitas argumen dalam teks.

6. English (ACT)

Bagian ini mirip dengan bagian Writing and Language dalam SAT, namun dengan fokus yang lebih besar pada penguasaan tata bahasa, gaya bahasa, dan penyusunan kalimat dalam bahasa Inggris. Materi yang diujikan meliputi:

• Penggunaan tanda baca (koma, titik dua, titik koma).
• Perbaikan kalimat dan paragraf.
• Struktur kalimat dan kesalahan tata bahasa.
• Kohesi antarparagraf dan transisi kalimat.
• Pemilihan kata dan sinonim yang tepat.

7. Science (ACT)

Bagian ini hanya tersedia dalam tes ACT. Tes ini mengukur kemampuan dalam memahami dan menganalisis informasi ilmiah yang disajikan dalam bentuk teks, grafik, atau tabel. Materi yang diujikan meliputi:

• Penafsiran hasil eksperimen.
• Menganalisis grafik dan data statistik.
• Menentukan hipotesis dan menarik kesimpulan dari data.
• Membandingkan dan mengevaluasi hasil eksperimen.
• Menyelesaikan permasalahan berdasarkan data ilmiah.

8. Reading (ACT)

Bagian ini mirip dengan bagian Reading dalam SAT, namun lebih menekankan pada pemahaman informasi langsung dari teks. Peserta diminta untuk:

• Menemukan informasi utama dalam teks.
• Menarik kesimpulan dari bacaan.
• Mengidentifikasi maksud penulis dan gaya bahasa yang digunakan.
• Menganalisis struktur teks dan hubungan antaride.
• Menyusun jawaban berdasarkan informasi yang tersirat dalam teks.

9. Math (ACT)

Bagian ini menguji kemampuan matematika dasar dan tingkat lanjut yang meliputi:

• Aritmatika dasar.
• Aljabar dan sistem persamaan.
• Geometri bidang dan ruang.
• Trigonometri.
• Analisis data dan probabilitas.
• Penafsiran grafik dan tabel.
• Logaritma dan fungsi eksponensial.

Contoh Soal Seleksi Masuk Harvard University

Soal seleksi masuk Harvard University dirancang untuk menguji lebih dari sekadar pemahaman akademik. Tes ini menuntut kemampuan berpikir kritis, pemecahan masalah, serta kreativitas dalam menganalisis berbagai situasi. Banyak soal yang tidak hanya mengandalkan hafalan, tetapi juga mengukur cara seseorang bernalar dan mengambil keputusan. 

Berikut beberapa contoh soal yang dapat memberikan gambaran tentang tingkat kesulitan dan pola pertanyaan dalam seleksi masuk Harvard University.

Soal Nomor 1

Bacalah teks berikut dengan saksama!

Di sebuah kota kecil pada abad ke-19, seorang ilmuwan bernama Dr. Alistair Murray menciptakan sebuah formula revolusioner yang diyakini dapat memperlambat proses penuaan manusia. Setelah bertahun-tahun meneliti di laboratorium pribadinya, ia akhirnya menemukan zat yang dapat memperpanjang usia sel hingga tiga kali lipat. Namun, sebelum ia sempat mempublikasikan hasil penelitiannya, seorang rekannya, Profesor Leonard Graves, mencuri formula tersebut dan menggunakannya pada dirinya sendiri.

Profesor Graves memang tampak lebih muda, tetapi ia mulai mengalami efek samping yang tidak terduga—ingatan jangka panjangnya mulai kabur, dan ia tidak bisa lagi mengingat kejadian yang terjadi lebih dari satu hari sebelumnya. Dalam kebingungannya, ia mulai mengembangkan paranoia, mengira bahwa semua orang di sekitarnya ingin mencuri kembali formula tersebut. Suatu hari, ia menghilang tanpa jejak, meninggalkan hanya satu catatan samar di laboratoriumnya:

“Masa lalu hanyalah ilusi, masa depan adalah cerminan dari apa yang tak pernah ada.”

Berdasarkan bacaan di atas, apa yang kemungkinan besar dimaksud oleh Profesor Graves dalam catatan terakhirnya?

A. Ia menyadari bahwa ingatan tentang masa lalunya telah hilang, sehingga ia tidak lagi bisa membedakan kenyataan dari ilusi.
B. Ia mengakui bahwa formula tersebut tidak bekerja dengan baik, sehingga ia ingin menghancurkan semua bukti keberadaannya.
C. Ia ingin memperingatkan orang lain agar tidak mencoba menggunakan formula tersebut, karena efek sampingnya sangat berbahaya.
D. Ia percaya bahwa dunia di sekelilingnya hanyalah ilusi dan ia telah menemukan cara untuk hidup di luar realitas.
E. Ia merasa bersalah telah mencuri formula dan memilih untuk menghilang sebagai bentuk penebusan dosa.

Jawaban: A. Ia menyadari bahwa ingatan tentang masa lalunya telah hilang, sehingga ia tidak lagi bisa membedakan kenyataan dari ilusi.

Pembahasan:
Catatan terakhir Profesor Graves menunjukkan bahwa ia mengalami kebingungan akibat kehilangan ingatan jangka panjang. Frasa “Masa lalu hanyalah ilusi” menunjukkan bahwa ia tidak lagi bisa mengingat kejadian sebelumnya, sementara “masa depan adalah cerminan dari apa yang tak pernah ada” mengindikasikan bahwa ia kehilangan kontrol atas ingatannya sendiri. Ini sesuai dengan opsi (a), yang menyatakan bahwa ia tidak bisa lagi membedakan kenyataan dari ilusi.

Soal Nomor 2

Bacalah teks berikut dengan cermat!

Seorang penjelajah abad ke-15, Bernardo de Castille, melakukan perjalanan ke sebuah pulau misterius yang dikatakan memiliki peradaban yang lebih maju dibandingkan Eropa pada masanya. Menurut catatan dalam jurnalnya, ia menemukan kota dengan menara tinggi yang terbuat dari bahan yang tidak dikenal, jalanan yang diterangi oleh sumber cahaya tanpa api, serta sistem pertanian yang mampu menghasilkan panen tiga kali lebih banyak dibandingkan metode tradisional.

Namun, ketika Bernardo mencoba mencatat bahasa dan tulisan penduduk setempat, ia menghadapi kebingungan besar. Ia menemukan bahwa mereka tidak memiliki kata-kata untuk konsep seperti “masa lalu” atau “masa depan”. Sebagai gantinya, mereka hanya memiliki satu istilah yang mencakup semua waktu, yang dalam bahasa mereka disebut Xanati. Dalam jurnalnya, Bernardo menulis:

“Mereka hidup dalam suatu keadaan di mana kemarin, hari ini, dan besok adalah satu kesatuan yang tak terpisahkan. Aku bertanya bagaimana mereka merencanakan kehidupan mereka, namun mereka tampak bingung dengan pertanyaanku. Bagaimana mungkin suatu peradaban maju tidak memiliki konsep waktu sebagaimana yang kita pahami?”

Berdasarkan jurnal Bernardo, bagaimana kita dapat menafsirkan konsep Xanati dalam kehidupan masyarakat pulau tersebut?

A. Mereka memiliki sistem kalender yang sangat maju, sehingga mereka tidak memerlukan konsep waktu linier.
B. Mereka percaya bahwa waktu bersifat siklis, sehingga tidak ada perbedaan nyata antara masa lalu, masa kini, dan masa depan.
C. Mereka tidak memiliki konsep sejarah atau perencanaan, sehingga hidup mereka didasarkan pada peristiwa yang terjadi secara spontan.
D. Mereka memiliki cara berpikir yang jauh lebih sederhana dibandingkan masyarakat Eropa pada masa itu.
E. Mereka mengandalkan intuisi dalam menjalani kehidupan, tanpa perlu mempertimbangkan urutan waktu secara logis.

Jawaban: B. Mereka percaya bahwa waktu bersifat siklis, sehingga tidak ada perbedaan nyata antara masa lalu, masa kini, dan masa depan.

Pembahasan:
Konsep Xanati yang disebutkan dalam jurnal Bernardo menunjukkan bahwa masyarakat di pulau tersebut tidak membedakan antara masa lalu, masa kini, dan masa depan. Ini menunjukkan bahwa mereka memiliki pandangan tentang waktu yang bersifat siklis, di mana semua peristiwa terjadi dalam satu kesatuan yang berulang. Pilihan (b) paling tepat karena menjelaskan bagaimana peradaban mereka tidak melihat waktu secara linier seperti masyarakat Barat, tetapi sebagai sesuatu yang terus berputar dan terhubung.

Soal Nomor 3

Read the following passage carefully.

In 1889, an obscure German physicist named Wilhelm Vogt published a controversial paper proposing that time, as understood by classical Newtonian mechanics, was fundamentally flawed. He suggested that time did not move in a linear fashion but rather fluctuated based on the observer’s perception and external conditions, a theory that directly opposed the prevailing scientific consensus of the era. Vogt’s ideas were largely dismissed by his contemporaries, as they contradicted the rigid mathematical frameworks that had governed physics for centuries.

However, decades later, with the advent of Einstein’s theory of relativity, aspects of Vogt’s hypothesis suddenly gained new relevance. The idea that time could be influenced by external factors, such as velocity and gravitational fields, resonated with Einstein’s notion that time was not an absolute constant but a variable dependent on space-time curvature. Despite these parallels, Vogt’s work remained buried in academic obscurity, primarily due to the lack of experimental evidence supporting his claims.

In his final essay before his death in 1914, Vogt wrote:

“If time is truly as fluid as I suspect, then we are not merely experiencing it—we are constructing it with every thought and action. The past is no more fixed than the future, and memory is merely an anchor we choose to hold onto in a sea of possibilities.”

Based on the passage, what was the primary reason Vogt’s work was dismissed during his time?

A. His theory lacked a mathematical framework that could be tested experimentally.
B. His ideas contradicted the fundamental principles of Newtonian physics.
C. The scientific community was not open to new perspectives on the nature of time.
D. He did not publish his findings in a reputable academic journal.
E. His theories were proven incorrect by later physicists.

Jawaban: B. His ideas contradicted the fundamental principles of Newtonian physics.

Pembahasan:
The passage indicates that Vogt’s hypothesis was largely ignored because it opposed Newtonian mechanics, which was the dominant framework at the time. While answer (a) is partially correct in that experimental evidence was lacking, the primary reason for dismissal was that his ideas fundamentally clashed with the prevailing scientific beliefs. Answer (c) is too broad, as scientific communities are often skeptical but not entirely closed to new perspectives. Answer (d) is not mentioned in the passage, and answer (e) is incorrect because aspects of his theory later gained relevance with Einstein’s work, rather than being outright disproven.

Soal Nomor 4

Read the passage below and choose the best way to improve the underlined portion.

It is widely acknowledged that (1) scientists whom contribute to the field of astrophysics play a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of the universe. Their research, often involving years of meticulous data collection and analysis, has led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the existence of exoplanets and the nature of dark matter. Moreover, in recent years, the study of gravitational waves (2) have emerged as one of the most promising areas of research, allowing scientists to detect cosmic events that were previously beyond human comprehension. As technological advancements continue, it is imperative that funding and support (3) remains stable to ensure further progress in this field.

Which set of revisions most improves the clarity and grammatical correctness of the passage?

A. (1) scientists whom contribute → scientists who contribute (2) have emerged → has emerged (3) remains stable → remain stable

B. (1) scientists whom contribute → scientists which contribute 2) have emerged → has emerged (3) remains stable → remains stable

C. (1) scientists whom contribute → scientists that contributes (2) have emerged → have emerged (3) remains stable → remain stable

D. (1) scientists whom contribute → scientists who contribute (2) have emerged → have emerged (3) remains stable → remain stable

E. (1) scientists whom contribute → scientists who contributes (2) have emerged → has emerged (3) remains stable → remains stable

Jawaban: D.  (1) scientists whom contribute → scientists who contribute (2) have emerged → have emerged (3) remains stable → remain stable

Pembahasan:

• “Whom” is incorrect because “scientists” is the subject of the clause; the correct relative pronoun is “who.”
• “Have emerged” correctly matches “gravitational waves,” which is plural.
• “Remain stable” correctly agrees with “funding and support,” which is a compound subject requiring a plural verb.

Soal Nomor 5

Read the passage below and choose the most effective way to rewrite the underlined sentence.

In modern societies, the role of social media (1) has transformed from just a simple tool of communication to an indispensable platform that shapes political opinions, spreads information, and influences consumer behavior. Unlike traditional media, where information dissemination is controlled by a few entities, social media allows users to generate and distribute content at an unprecedented rate. However, this rapid flow of information has also raised concerns about misinformation and its potential consequences.

Which option best revises the underlined sentence to improve clarity and conciseness?

A. Has transformed from just a simple tool of communication into an indispensable platform that shapes political opinions, spreads information, and influences consumer behavior.
B. Has transformed from a simple communication tool to a necessary platform that is shaping political opinions, spreading information, and influencing consumer behavior.
C. Has changed from a basic tool for communicating to an essential platform that shapes political opinions, spreads information, and impacts consumer decisions.
D. Has evolved from being a mere communication tool into a powerful medium influencing politics, information flow, and consumer habits.
E. Has changed from a simple way to communicate into something that plays a role in politics, information sharing, and marketing.

Jawaban : D. Has evolved from being a mere communication tool into a powerful medium influencing politics, information flow, and consumer habits.

Explanation:

• This option removes redundancy (e.g., “just a simple tool” is too wordy).
• “Evolved” is a more precise verb than “changed” or “transformed” in this context.
• The phrase “a powerful medium influencing politics, information flow, and consumer habits” is more concise and impactful than alternatives.

Soal Nomor 6

Read the passage and choose the sentence that best maintains logical flow and coherence.

The industrial revolution marked a significant shift in human history, leading to rapid advancements in technology, production, and urbanization. However, with this progress came challenges such as labor exploitation, environmental degradation, and social inequality. Many scholars argue that the (1) effects of industrialization are still deeply visible today, particularly in the economic and social structures of developing nations. While some view industrialization as a symbol of progress, others contend that its consequences continue to shape contemporary issues. (2) For instance, some countries still struggle with pollution and unequal wealth distribution, both of which are rooted in the industrial-era economic model.

Which of the following sentences would best replace sentence (1) to maintain coherence and logical flow?

A. The impact of industrialization continues to manifest in various aspects of modern society, particularly in economic and social disparities.
B. The industrial era’s challenges have disappeared in most developed nations, leaving behind only historical artifacts and lessons.
C. The consequences of industrialization were only relevant in the past and have no significant effect on the present.
D. While some countries successfully mitigated the negative aspects of industrialization, others still face ongoing issues like political instability.
E. The rise of new industries in the digital age has completely erased any lingering effects of the industrial revolution.

Jawaban: A. The impact of industrialization continues to manifest in various aspects of modern society, particularly in economic and social disparities.

Pembahasan:

• This option logically connects the past impact of industrialization with its present-day consequences.
• It aligns well with the following sentence, which discusses contemporary issues like pollution and wealth distribution.
• Other options either contradict the passage (e.g., options b, c, e) or introduce unrelated ideas (option d).

Soal Nomor 7

Di sebuah desa terpencil, sekelompok petani memutuskan untuk membangun sebuah waduk untuk mendukung irigasi selama musim kemarau. Waduk ini dirancang berbentuk balok sempurna dengan panjang 30 meter, lebar 20 meter, dan kedalaman 8 meter. Namun, karena masalah struktural, mereka disarankan untuk mengurangi kedalaman sebanyak 25% sebelum pembangunan dimulai.

Setelah selesai dibangun, waduk ini diisi air dengan kecepatan 1,5 meter kubik per menit. Diketahui bahwa waduk tersebut sudah terisi setengahnya saat pengisian dimulai. Berapa jam waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk mengisi sisa kapasitas waduk hingga penuh?

A. 4 jam
B. 6 jam
C. 8 jam
D. 10 jam
E. 12 jam

Jawaban: C. 8 jam

Pembahasan:

Volume awal sebelum pengurangan kedalaman:

Setelah kedalaman dikurangi 25%:

Sisa volume yang harus diisi:

Karena waduk sudah terisi setengahnya saat pengisian dimulai

Waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk mengisi dengan laju 1,5 meter kubik per menit:

Soal Nomor 8

Sebuah ladang berbentuk persegi panjang dibagi menjadi tiga bagian: satu untuk jagung, satu untuk gandum, dan satu untuk kedelai. Total luas ladang adalah 2.400 meter persegi. Luas ladang untuk jagung dua kali luas ladang untuk gandum, sementara luas ladang untuk kedelai setengah dari luas ladang untuk gandum.

Berapakah luas (dalam meter persegi) bagian ladang yang digunakan untuk gandum?

A. 300 m²
B. 400 m²
C. 500 m²
D. 600 m²
E. 700 m²

Jawaban: B. 400 m²

Pembahasan:

Misalkan x adalah luas ladang untuk gandum.

• Luas ladang untuk jagung = 2x
• Luas ladang untuk kedelai = ½x

Persamaan total luas ladang:

Menyelesaikan untuk x:

Jadi, luas ladang yang digunakan untuk gandum adalah 400 m².

Soal Nomor 9

Sebuah tangga bersandar pada dinding vertikal. Bagian bawah tangga berjarak 9 meter dari dasar dinding, dan bagian atas tangga mencapai 12 meter di dinding.

Jika bagian bawah tangga digeser 3 meter lebih jauh dari dinding, seberapa jauh lebih rendah ujung atas tangga akan mencapai dinding?

A. 1,5 meter
B. 2 meter
C. 3 meter
D. 4 meter
E. 5 meter

Jawaban: E. 5 meter

Pembahasan:

Menentukan panjang tangga menggunakan Teorema Pythagoras:

Setelah tangga digeser:

Menentukan tinggi baru tangga menggunakan Teorema Pythagoras:

Perubahan ketinggian:

Jadi, ujung atas tangga akan turun 5 meter dari posisi awalnya.

Soal Nomor 10

Seorang investor sedang menganalisis dua perusahaan teknologi, AlphaTech dan BetaSoft. Ia mencatat bahwa pendapatan bulanan dari kedua perusahaan dapat dimodelkan oleh sistem persamaan berikut:

3x + 5y = 250000

4x – 2y = 100000

di mana x adalah pendapatan bulanan (dalam USD) AlphaTech, dan y adalah pendapatan bulanan BetaSoft.

Berapakah pendapatan bulanan dari masing-masing perusahaan?

A. x = 50000, y = 40000
B. x = 55000, y = 35000
C. x = 60000, y = 30000
D. x = 65000, y = 25000
E. x = 70000, y = 20000

Jawaban: C. x = 60000, y = 30000

Pembahasan:

• Gunakan metode eliminasi:

3x + 5y = 250000

4x – 2y = 100000

• Kalikan persamaan pertama dengan 2 dan persamaan kedua dengan 5:

6x + 10y = 500000

20x – 10y = 500000

• Jumlahkan kedua persamaan:

26x = 1000000

• Selesaikan untuk x:

x = 1000000 / 26

x = 60000

• Substitusikan x = 60000 ke dalam persamaan pertama:

3(60000) + 5y = 250000

180000 + 5y = 250000

5y = 70000

y = 30000

Soal Nomor 11

Sebuah mesin produksi di pabrik dapat menghasilkan barang dengan kecepatan N(t) = 50t² – 200t + 600 dalam satuan barang per jam, di mana t adalah waktu dalam jam sejak mesin mulai bekerja.

Manajer ingin mengetahui pada jam ke berapakah produksi mencapai jumlah minimum.

A. t = 1 jam
B. t = 2 jam
C. t = 3 jam
D. t = 4 jam
E. t = 5 jam

Jawaban: B. t = 2 jam

Pembahasan:

• Fungsi produksi berbentuk kuadrat:

N(t) = 50t² – 200t + 600

• Gunakan rumus titik minimum parabola:

t = -b / 2a

• Dengan a = 50 dan b = -200, maka:

t = -(-200) / (2 * 50)

t = 200 / 100

t = 2

Jadi, produksi mencapai minimum pada t = 2 jam.

Soal Nomor 12

Dalam suatu sistem keamanan, kata sandi dibentuk berdasarkan kombinasi 4 angka unik yang berbeda, diambil dari angka 1 hingga 9.

Jika setiap angka hanya bisa digunakan sekali dalam satu kombinasi, berapakah jumlah kemungkinan kombinasi kata sandi yang dapat dibuat?

A. 1512
B. 3024
C. 4536
D. 5040
E. 6720

Jawaban: D. 5040

Pembahasan:

• Karena setiap angka harus unik, maka pemilihan angka dilakukan tanpa pengulangan.
  
• Banyaknya cara memilih 4 angka dari 9 angka berbeda dan menyusunnya dalam urutan tertentu adalah permutasi:

P(9,4) = 9! / (9-4)!

• Hitung: 

P(9,4) = 9! / 5!

P(9,4) = (9 × 8 × 7 × 6 × 5!) / 5!

P(9,4) = 9 × 8 × 7 × 6

P(9,4) = 5040

Jadi, jumlah kemungkinan kata sandi adalah 5040 kombinasi.

Soal Nomor 13

Read the following passage carefully and determine the best revision for the underlined sentence.

Despite being one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, coffee has a long and complex history that dates back to the 15th century. Originating in Ethiopia, it quickly spread to the Arabian Peninsula, where it became a staple of social and intellectual gatherings. By the 17th century, coffeehouses had emerged across Europe, serving as hubs for lively discussions among scholars and merchants. Today, coffee culture remains deeply ingrained in many societies, influencing everything from global trade to daily routines.

The impact of coffee on human productivity is undeniable, people around the world rely on it to boost their energy levels and stay alert.

Which of the following options best corrects the underlined sentence?

A. The impact of coffee on human productivity is undeniable; people around the world rely on it to boost their energy levels and stay alert.
B. The impact of coffee on human productivity is undeniable: people around the world rely on it to boost their energy levels and stay alert.
C. The impact of coffee on human productivity is undeniable. People around the world rely on it to boost their energy levels and stay alert.
D. The impact of coffee on human productivity is undeniable—people around the world rely on it to boost their energy levels and stay alert.
E. The impact of coffee on human productivity is undeniable, because people around the world rely on it to boost their energy levels and stay alert.

Jawaban:
A. The impact of coffee on human productivity is undeniable; people around the world rely on it to boost their energy levels and stay alert.

Pembahasan:
The original sentence is a comma splice, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without an appropriate conjunction. The best way to correct this is by using a semicolon (;) because the two clauses are closely related but can stand alone as complete sentences.

Soal Nomor 14

Read the passage below and choose the best sentence transition.

In the 19th century, the expansion of the railway system transformed transportation and commerce in the United States. With the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, travel across the country became faster and more efficient, connecting previously isolated regions. (Sentence X). However, the rapid development of the railway industry also led to widespread economic disparities and labor disputes, as workers faced harsh conditions and low wages.

Which sentence best replaces (Sentence X) to improve coherence between the ideas?

A. This remarkable achievement allowed people and goods to move across the nation with unprecedented speed.
B. The railroad industry created new challenges for rural farmers who struggled to compete in a changing economy.
C. Despite this progress, many critics argued that railroads contributed to environmental damage and deforestation.
D. The government invested significant resources into railway development, seeing it as a means to modernize the nation.
E. In response, labor unions began to advocate for better working conditions and fair wages.

Answer: A. This remarkable achievement allowed people and goods to move across the nation with unprecedented speed.

Explanation:
To ensure smooth cohesion and logical flow, the missing sentence must connect the discussion of the Transcontinental Railroad’s efficiency to the subsequent discussion of economic challenges. Option A serves as a logical bridge, emphasizing the benefits of the railway before shifting to the drawbacks mentioned in the following sentence.

Soal Nomor 15

Read the following passage and answer the question below.

A group of scientists conducted an experiment to test the effects of different concentrations of a new plant fertilizer on the growth of tomato plants. They divided 60 tomato plants into four groups:

• Group 1: No fertilizer (control group)
• Group 2: 10% fertilizer concentration
• Group 3: 20% fertilizer concentration
• Group 4: 30% fertilizer concentration

Each plant was exposed to the same amount of sunlight and water for six weeks. At the end of the experiment, the average height of the plants was measured. The results are shown in the table below:

Fertilizer Concentration	Average Plant Height (cm)
0% (Control)	12.5
10%	18.2
20%	24.7
30%	22.1

Based on the data, what is the most reasonable conclusion?

A. Increasing the fertilizer concentration always leads to taller plant growth.
B. A 20% concentration of fertilizer results in the greatest average plant height.
C. The 30% fertilizer concentration is the most effective for plant growth.
D. Plants do not respond to different concentrations of fertilizer.
E. The control group showed the highest rate of growth compared to the experimental groups.

Jawaban: B. A 20% concentration of fertilizer results in the greatest average plant height.

Pembahasan:
The data shows that the plants in the 20% fertilizer group had the highest average height (24.7 cm), whereas the 30% group had a lower height (22.1 cm). This suggests that beyond a certain concentration, increasing the fertilizer does not necessarily improve growth and may even have diminishing returns or negative effects.

Soal Nomor 17

A research team conducted an experiment to study the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. They measured the rate of reaction of an enzyme at different temperatures and recorded the results in the table below:

Temperature (°C)	Enzyme Activity (Rate of Reaction)
10	0.3
20	0.7
30	1.2
40	1.5
50	1.3
60	0.8

Which of the following statements best explains the trend observed in the data?

A. Enzymes function best at higher temperatures and continue increasing in activity indefinitely.
B. The enzyme has an optimal temperature around 40°C, after which its activity declines.
C. The enzyme activity is directly proportional to temperature.
D. Enzyme activity remains constant regardless of temperature.
E. The enzyme works best at 10°C and decreases at higher temperatures.

Jawaban: B. The enzyme has an optimal temperature around 40°C, after which its activity declines.

Pembahasan:
The data shows that enzyme activity increases with temperature up to 40°C, reaching its maximum reaction rate. However, beyond 40°C, the activity declines, likely due to denaturation—a process where high temperatures cause the enzyme to lose its functional shape. This pattern is typical of many biological enzymes, which operate efficiently within a certain optimal temperature range.

Soal Nomor 18

Read the following passage and answer the question below.

(Excerpt from an article about the psychology of decision-making)

Many believe that humans make decisions based purely on logic and reason. However, research in cognitive psychology suggests otherwise. The concept of bounded rationality, introduced by Herbert Simon, argues that decision-making is limited by the cognitive capacity of the human brain, the available information, and the time constraints under which the decision is made.

For example, in a study conducted by behavioral economists, participants were asked to choose between two investment options: one with a guaranteed small return and another with a higher but uncertain return. Despite the latter being statistically more beneficial over time, the majority of participants chose the safer option, demonstrating a common cognitive bias known as loss aversion—where individuals fear losses more than they value potential gains.

In another study, participants were presented with two medical treatment plans for a hypothetical disease. Plan A was described as saving 80 out of 100 people, while Plan B was framed as allowing 20 out of 100 people to die. Although both statements convey the same outcome, most participants preferred Plan A, showcasing the framing effect, where the way information is presented influences decision-making.

These findings highlight that human choices are often driven by heuristics, or mental shortcuts, rather than pure logic. While heuristics can be helpful in making quick judgments, they can also lead to systematic errors, shaping the way individuals perceive risk, value, and probability in their daily lives.

Pertanyaan:
What is the main argument presented in the passage?

A. Human decision-making is primarily rational and logical.
B. People always make the best economic choices when given statistical data.
C. Cognitive biases and heuristics heavily influence human decision-making.
D. Behavioral economics proves that people never make good decisions.
E. The framing effect and loss aversion are not significant in real-world decisions.

Jawaban: C. Cognitive biases and heuristics heavily influence human decision-making.

Pembahasan:
The passage discusses how human decision-making is influenced by cognitive limitations, biases such as loss aversion and the framing effect, and the use of heuristics. These factors show that humans do not always make purely rational choices, contradicting the idea that decision-making is strictly logical. Options A, B, D, and E either misrepresent or oversimplify the passage’s key argument.

Soal Nomor 19

Read the following passage and answer the question below.

(Excerpt from a literary analysis)

Emily Dickinson’s poetry is renowned for its exploration of themes such as nature, death, and the human condition. However, what sets her work apart is her unconventional use of punctuation, syntax, and form. Many of her poems, including “Because I could not stop for Death,” lack traditional poetic structure and instead rely on dashes, abrupt line breaks, and unusual capitalization to convey meaning.

Consider the following lines:

_”Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.” _

Rather than portraying death as terrifying or sorrowful, Dickinson presents it as a gentle guide, emphasizing the inevitability and natural transition of life. Her use of dashes forces the reader to pause, mirroring the uncertainty and contemplation surrounding mortality. Additionally, her capitalization of words such as “Death” and “Immortality” suggests that these concepts hold significant weight, as if personified forces rather than abstract ideas.

Some literary critics argue that Dickinson’s distinct style was a rebellion against the rigid poetic norms of her time, while others believe it was simply an expression of her reclusive and introspective nature. Regardless of interpretation, her poetry remains influential, challenging readers to reconsider conventional ideas about life, death, and the passage of time.

Pertanyaan:
What can be inferred about Emily Dickinson’s poetry based on the passage?

A. She followed traditional poetic structures common in her era.
B. Her use of unconventional punctuation and syntax added depth to her themes.
C. She viewed death as a terrifying and sorrowful experience.
D. Literary critics unanimously agree on the meaning of her work.
E. Her poetry was entirely misunderstood by her contemporaries.

Jawaban: B. Her use of unconventional punctuation and syntax added depth to her themes.

Pembahasan:
The passage explains how Dickinson’s unique style, including dashes, abrupt line breaks, and capitalization, enhanced her exploration of themes like death and immortality. It specifically states that her punctuation forces readers to pause and reflect, adding meaning beyond the words themselves. Option A is incorrect because the passage highlights her departure from traditional forms. Option C misinterprets her depiction of death as a “gentle guide.” Option D is incorrect because the passage acknowledges different critical interpretations. Option E is too extreme; the passage does not claim that her poetry was entirely misunderstood.

Soal Nomor 20

Read the following passage carefully and answer the question below.

(Excerpt from a historical analysis of political rhetoric)

Throughout history, political leaders have utilized rhetorical devices to shape public opinion, rally support, and justify policies. One of the most powerful tools in political speech is the use of strategic ambiguity, in which language is intentionally vague or open to multiple interpretations. This technique allows politicians to appeal to a broader audience while minimizing the risk of alienating specific groups.

For example, during the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously stated, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” This phrase, while inspiring, lacks a concrete policy proposal. Instead, it serves as a psychological rallying cry, uniting citizens under a shared sentiment rather than a specific action plan.

Similarly, in more recent history, leaders have employed ambiguous slogans such as “Hope and Change” or “Make America Great Again.” These statements resonate emotionally, yet their meanings vary depending on the listener’s personal beliefs and experiences. This flexibility is what makes strategic ambiguity so effective—it fosters a sense of collective identity while allowing individuals to project their own interpretations onto the message.

However, this rhetorical device is not without controversy. Critics argue that excessive ambiguity can lead to policy vagueness, where politicians avoid making clear commitments. This can result in public disillusionment when expectations are not met. Others contend that ambiguity is necessary in diplomacy and governance, as rigid language can limit negotiation flexibility and create unnecessary conflict.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of strategic ambiguity depends on the context in which it is used. When wielded skillfully, it can inspire and unify; when misused, it can mislead and deceive.

Pertanyaan:
Based on the passage, what is the primary function of strategic ambiguity in political rhetoric?

A. To mislead the public and obscure the speaker’s true intentions.
B. To allow politicians to avoid making any policy commitments.
C. To create a sense of unity while appealing to a broad audience.
D. To ensure that all political messages contain precise meanings.
E. To manipulate public perception without any political consequences.

Jawaban: C. To create a sense of unity while appealing to a broad audience.

Pembahasan:
The passage explains that strategic ambiguity allows political leaders to connect with a wide range of individuals by using flexible, emotionally resonant language. It cites examples like Roosevelt’s speech and campaign slogans that evoke broad support without specific definitions.

• Option A is incorrect because the passage does not state that ambiguity is always used to mislead.
• Option B is partially true but too narrow; avoiding commitments is a side effect rather than the primary function.
• Option D contradicts the concept of ambiguity, which inherently lacks precise meaning.
• Option E is incorrect because the passage acknowledges potential political consequences, such as public disillusionment.

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