Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practie Test 13

1

In the early 1990s, a scientist found an extremely large virus that infected an amoeba. The scientist noted that the size and composition of the virus's capsid outer coating was very similar to the protein structure of the nuclear membrane of a eukaryote, which is an organism with a clear nucleus. The scientist hypothesized that the modern cell nucleus may itself have originated from a similar viral infection.

Which finding, if true, would most support the scientist's hypothesis?

2

"Holy Sonnet 10" is an early 1600s poem by John Donne. In the poem, the speaker suggests that death is more of a random process than one of clear destiny: ____________

Which quotation from "Holy Sonnet 10" most effectively illustrates the claim?

3

The text is adapted from the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which protects the human rights of those captured in war.

Until recent times war was ordinarily preceded by a regular diplomatic ceremonial. Before there was any resort to arms, there was a declaration of war by one of the opposing parties, followed by the inauguration of a state of war by both belligerents with all the legal consequences which that entailed, both in relation to nationals and in relation to enemy nationals and enemy property. Consequently, in those days, in theory, where war had not been declared, or the state of war had not been recognized by one of the parties for one reason or another, the applicability of the Convention might be contested. The danger arising in such cases is __________.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

4

The following text is from Kate Chopin's 1899 novel The Awakening.

"Ask Mrs. Pontellier what she would like to hear me play," she requested of Robert. She sat perfectly still before the piano, not touching the keys, while Robert carried her message to Edna at the window. A general air of surprise and genuine satisfaction fell upon everyone as they saw the pianist enter. There was a settling down, and a prevailing air of expectancy everywhere. Edna was a trifle embarrassed at being thus signaled out for the imperious little woman's favor. She would not dare to choose and begged that Mademoiselle Reisz would please herself in her selections.

Upon being asked to select songs for Mademoiselle Reisz to play, Edna could best be described as

5

In retrospect, I should __________ my bat a reprieve from the endless punishment; we should allow ourselves to rest, likewise.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

6

There are a variety of vital skills necessary for one to be a successful candidate for a job. At the top of the list are strong critical thinking skills and complex problem-solving, followed closely by problem sensitivity and deductive reasoning. __________ can be expected to have strengths in analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting highly complex data.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

7

Today we can produce even very large sheets of glass of nearly uniform thickness using the float glass process invented by Sir Alastair Pilkington in the mid-1950s. As the name implies, this technique ________________

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

8

Boiled down to its essence, the problem _________ to learn other languages I must speak other languages, but I rarely have the opportunity to do so.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

9

Once the body recognizes the attack, the inflammation process starts by increasing blood flow to the area and ___________ white blood cells to help fight.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

10

Pluto, discovered in 1930, had long been viewed as the adorable kid brother of the solar system, significantly ___________ the older siblings and tagging along at the back of the line.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?