PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Test

The primary purpose of the text is to:

argue that traditional farming methods are becoming obsolete due to climate change.

describe the methodology used to collect satellite data on soil moisture.

explain how predictive modeling in agriculture supports more efficient decision-making.

compare the relative accuracy of different crop yield forecasting techniques.

Focus on the conclusion about 'strategic decision-making.'

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Which choice best describes the function of the underlined word in the text?

It introduces a key literary technique used by fantasy authors.

It signals a counterargument that the author will then refute.

It describes the central feature that defines the fantasy genre.

It provides a specific example of a complex ethical question found in the literature.

The second sentence introduces a view opposite to the first.

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The researcher's argument suggests that the discovery about deep-sea sponges challenges which of the following long-held scientific beliefs?

The belief that deep-sea sponges are primitive organisms.

The belief that terrestrial life forms are generally simpler than marine life forms.

The belief that life requires either chemical or solar energy for sustenance.

The belief that radiation is harmful to most biological processes.

What two forms of energy did scientists previously believe were necessary?

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As used in the text, what does the word "staid" most nearly mean?

innovative

rebellious

serious

dull

The word contrasts with 'bold new cinematic style' and is paired with 'utterly conventional.'

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The author's mention of the novel's "slow, measured prose" primarily serves to:

introduce an element that detracts from the novel's thematic ambition.

provide a formal stylistic detail that supports the author's overall praise.

emphasize the novel's adherence to 19th-century writing conventions.

compare Moby Dick with other novels that feature faster pacing.

The phrase shows how the style enhances the reader's experience, supporting the overall positive review.

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Scholar B would most likely respond to Scholar A's claim by:

providing evidence that romanticism is a superior artistic form to classicism.

asserting that the core conflict between classicism and romanticism is purely theoretical.

arguing that while the labels may cycle, the actual content of the movements is not truly repetitive.

suggesting that Scholar A has ignored the influence of technology on art movements.

Scholar B accepts the cycle of 'labels' but denies the 'pure repetition' of content.

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Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at the underlined portion?

NO CHANGE

park that would span twelve city blocks and include a permanent space for local street artists.

park; this park would span twelve city blocks and include a permanent space for local street artists.

park, spanning twelve city blocks and it would include a permanent space for local street artists.

The descriptive clause is essential (restrictive) and should not be set off by a comma.

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Which choice results in the most effective flow of information and clarity of sentence structure?

NO CHANGE

after this process, they should submit

submitting

then submit

The sentence begins with 'requires... to compile and analyze.' Look for a concise option that continues the list of required actions.

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Which choice provides the most logical transition?

NO CHANGE

Furthermore,

By contrast,

Nevertheless,

The second sentence describes the direct result of the positive claim in the first sentence.

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Which choice creates the most effective parallel structure in the sentence?

NO CHANGE

they must pass a technical inspection, and that they must adhere to a strict time limit.

must pass a technical inspection, and must adhere to a strict time limit.

pass a technical inspection, and adhere to a strict time limit.

The items in the list should all be parallel to the initial verb: 'must register... [verb], [verb], and [verb].'

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Which choice corrects the error in the underlined portion?

NO CHANGE

pendulum

its pendulum,

the pendulum

The original sentence is a run-on with a double subject. The main verb 'was entirely missing' needs a simple, singular subject.

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Which choice uses Standard English conventions most appropriately?

NO CHANGE

Due to the extreme weather conditions, the national park closed its primary trail access for three weeks.

The extreme weather conditions, the national park closed its primary trail access for three weeks.

The national park closed its primary trail access for three weeks, because of the extreme weather conditions.

The original sentence is correct: 'Because of' is the proper subordinating conjunction to begin the phrase.

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Which choice provides the most concise and grammatically correct option?

NO CHANGE

the average adult sleeps seven hours per night, a difference of three hours from the recommended amount.

the average adult only sleeps seven hours per night, three hours less than the recommended amount.

the average adult sleeps seven hours per night, three hours less than the recommended amount.

Look for the version that removes unnecessary relative clauses (like 'which is') while maintaining clarity.

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Which choice corrects the error in the underlined portion?

NO CHANGE

is expected

is expecting

they are expected

The subject is 'system' (singular), so the main verb must agree.

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Which choice makes the sentence most concise?

NO CHANGE

caused great excitement

was exciting

caused a lot of excitement

Replace the passive and wordy phrase with a single, active verb.

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PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Set

Exceptional Grammar!

You have a masterful command of the Reading and Writing section. Your skills in Standard English Conventions and Expression of Ideas are excellent. Focus on maintaining speed!

Strong Performance!

Great job! You have a strong foundation. Review the detailed explanations for the question types you missed to ensure you maximize your score on the Digital PSAT.

Needs Practice!

The Reading and Writing section requires focused review. Concentrate on the rules for parallel structure and subject-verb agreement to quickly improve your score.