Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practie Test 5: Text Structure and Purpose

1

Think traditions. Think stories, dances, jokes, and old fairy tales. But don't stop there. Think about ways of living and expressing oneself-maybe through language, or cooking, or laughing, or rituals. The Center for Folklore Studies at Ohio State University defines it this way: "Folklore may be seen as the products of human work and thought that have developed within a limited community and that are communicated directly from generation to generation, usually orally, with the author or creator unknown."

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

2

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

The very first chords which Mademoiselle Reisz struck upon the piano sent a keen tremor down [Edna's] spinal column. It was not the first time she had heard an artist at the piano. Perhaps it was the first time she was ready, perhaps the first time her being was tempered to take an impress of the abiding truth.

[Edna] waited for the material pictures which she thought would gather and blaze before her imagination. She waited in vain. She saw no pictures of solitude, of hope, of longing, or of despair. But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her.

The text primarily serves to illustrate that Edna was

3

It is important to acknowledge that research has identified several serious health risks associated with the chronic overconsumption of sugar, and perhaps of fructose in particular. These risks, however, are by no means limited to foodstuffs containing high fructose corn syrup. Depending on the formula, corn syrup contains between 42 percent and 55 percent fructose by volume. For comparison, cane sugar, honey, and agave nectar-three popular sweeteners touted as natural, and therefore, more healthful-contain 50 percent, 52 percent, and 85 percent fructose, respectively. Thus, whereas it is true that fructose should be consumed only in moderation, the singling out of products that contain high fructose corn syrup is not merely insufficient action to curb the fructose-associated obesity epidemic in our country, it's also patently misleading to consumers.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

4

Research shows that animal companionship supports mental and physical health, increasing life expectancy despite the lack of tyrannous flora or fauna. Pets are associated with lower blood pressure, lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Pet owners are known to be more active, less anxious, and more socially adept. Similarly, pets can improve relationship bonds and unite families around a shared responsibility.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

5

Consider the work that you most enjoy doing. How do you figure out what to do when complications arise? Relationships with family members, friends, and others enrich our lives. What makes those relationships go well? Many forms of recreation contribute to living a good life. But is there any ultimate meaning or purpose to these temporary activities, or even to life itself? Studying philosophy equips us with the skills needed to understand these and many other important questions.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

6

The following text is from Meditations on First Philosophy, by René Descartes, 1641, in which he muses about the nature of knowledge.

Several years have now elapsed since . . . I was convinced of the necessity of undertaking once in my life to rid myself of all the opinions I had adopted, and of commencing anew the work of building from the foundation, if I desired to establish a firm and abiding superstructure in the sciences. But as this enterprise appeared to me to be one of great magnitude, I waited until I had attained an age so mature as to leave me no hope that at any stage of life more advanced I should be better able to execute my design. On this account, I have delayed so long that I should henceforth consider I was doing wrong were I still to consume in deliberation any of the time that now remains for action.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?