Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practie Test 4: Words in Context

1

The author's rebuttal to such concerns is ________. First, he uses tongue-in-cheek humor to brush off such concerns, by assuring his parents that he will not end up homeless. Second, and more effectively, he uses facts to the contrary.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?

2

The skills developed through studying philosophy train us to clear up confusions. Sometimes, when two people are discussing a significant life issue, they talk past one another and use the same terms in different ways. Learning to analyze concepts helps us to step back and clarify what we mean by the terms we use, to realize the assumptions we are making in holding certain views, and to make important distinctions.

As used in the text, what does the phrase talk past most nearly mean?

3

Outward expansion of cities was necessary as we continued to deplete the resources near our urban centers. Modern transportation _______ that need, as the necessities for life could be brought in over long distances.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?

4

Why does one listen to music? Or dance? Or look to the stars? Amusement, surely. Communication and complex stimulation, absolutely. But mostly, I write in the name of indomitable creativity. I am of the distinct opinion that creativity is the most _________ ingredient of erudition, expression, and future success, and being so, must be encouraged inside the classroom.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?

5

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into effect the first minimum wage law in 1933. The Supreme Court overturned this first minimum wage law as unconstitutional, arguing that Congress lacked the legislative __________ for such a far-reaching mandate.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

6

The bad rap of traditional dietary fats is unjustified. While fats may be high in calories, the human body is excellent at transforming fats into long-lasting energy. This isn't to say that all fats are good; the highly processed fats that in the last fifty years have become ubiquitous are bad for the body because the body cannot easily process them. However, modern studies have demonstrated that unrefined fat-e.g., that in milk, butter, eggs, and meat-poses no danger to a healthy person. Instead, in contrast to the 1950s AMA recommendations, people should monitor their intake of sugars and highly processed foods to maintain healthy lifestyles.

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

7

An Enigma operator was given a message to encrypt. As he typed in each letter, a lamp randomly selected a letter different from the first. The letter substituted by the lamp was recorded as the encrypted message. Each key press moved a rotor so that the subsequent key would use a different electrical pathway, which led to the substitution of a whole new letter. The entire initial, unencrypted message would be typed in, and Enigma would produce the encrypted message.

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

8

The governmental structure of the League was rather uncomplicated. The women of each tribe would select men to represent the tribe at the council. Each village and tribe operated independently outside of the council and the council came together to discuss issues important to the entire league. The Iroquois did not vote individually but as tribes. Debates would rage for long periods of time because the Iroquois never had majority rule; they would come to a consensus. All decisions made were made unanimously. The league had no power to enforce decisions; if a tribe did not agree, it could simply ignore the decision. Thus, consensus was crucial.

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

9

The electoral college served its purpose in years past when smaller states were concerned that larger states would _____ their authority.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?