PSAT 8/9 Writing and Language Practice Test 4: Expanding Europe's Understanding

Questions 1-10 refer to the following information.

Expanding Europe's Understanding

In 1295, Italian explorer and trader Marco Polo returned to his home of Venice after 24 years of travel along the Silk Road to China. He brought with him precious gems—such as 1 diamonds, rubies, and, sapphires—as well as a Chinese navigation device: the compass. Polo also 2 carried, alongside the diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and compass, knowledge he had 3 gained; from his journey east. He introduced the ideas of paper currency and burning coal for heat, and he showed Europeans that their societies were not the only advanced civilizations. 4

Polo, along with his father and uncle, had set out to deliver items to China, a journey that took them over three years to complete. Upon arriving in China, Polo became appointed as a diplomat to assist the ruler Kublai Khan. In this 5 role as a diplomat, Polo traveled extensively in the Chinese empire and throughout Asia. He encountered many things that were unknown in 6 Europe.

[1] After returning to Venice with his fortune in gemstones, Polo dictated a detailed tale of his travels to a writer. [2] His book, The Travels of Marco Polo, spread across Europe over the next century. [3] Polo's explanation of paper money, which was very different from the European monetary system, relying on heavy gold and silver, 7 was new and intriguing. [4] The geographic information he provided eventually led to the creation of the Fra Mauro map, one of the most significant historical maps and the most accurate at the time. [5] Polo's book also detailed the paper currency used in the East, which he considered to be a superior system. 8

In addition to these specific effects, Polo's travels also inspired other people to explore the world. The curiosity spurred by his tales contributed to the Age of Discovery, a period of European history that involved significant overseas exploration.

9 The original manuscripts of Polo's book are now lost, but approximately 150 copies in different languages still exist. Because these manuscripts were written before the invention of the printing press, the versions all have significant differences. While it may never be known exactly what Polo's original manuscript said, his influence lives on in many areas, 10 including cartography, currency, and exploration.