SAT READING AND WRITING PSAT 8&9'F 7 MeSRA A Words in Context (Medium)Question ID 27754367 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat ID: 27754367 Studying how workload affects productivity, Maryam Kouchaki and colleagues found that people who chose to do relatively easy tasks first were less __ compared to those who did hard tasks first. Finishing easy tasks gave participants a sense of accomplishment, but those who tackled hard tasks first actually became more skilled and productive workers over time, and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A secretive B. efficient C. outgoing D. unsympathetic, ID: 27754367 Answer Correct Answé Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion about Kouchaki and colleagues’ research into how workload affects productivity, In context, “efficient” means effective or well organized. The text indicates that, according to Kouchaki and colleagues’ research, people who worked on hard tasks first were “more skilled and productive” than those who did easy tasks first. This context conveys the idea that despite their sense of accomplishment, the people who chose to do the easy tasks first were less efficient or productive than those who tackled hard tasks first. Choice A is incorrect because there's nothing in the text to suggest that workers who do easy tasks first are less “secretive,” or uncommunicative or silent, than those who do hard tasks first, Rather, the text suggests that people are less skillful or efficient if they tackle easy tasks before the hard ones. Choice C is incorrect because “outgoing” means openly friendly, which wouldn't make sense in this context. The text focuses on Kouchaki and colleagues’ research in which people who worked on hard tasks first were “more skilled and productive” than those who did easy tasks first and were therefore less efficient. Choice D is incorrect because there's nothing in the text to suggest that workers who do easy tasks first are less “unsympathetic” or insensitive or unkind, than those who do hard tasks first. Rather, the text suggests that people are less skillful or efficient if they tackle easy tasks before the hard ones Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 90ca3e8c Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat ID: 90ca3e8c The following text is adapted from Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano “The second thing is to find my way into that lovely garden. | think that will be the best plan.” It sounded like an excellent plan, no doubt, and very neatly and simply arranged: the only difficulty was, that Alice had not the smallest idea how to set about it. As used in the text, what does the word “simply” most nearly mean? A faintly B. Hastily C Easily D. Foolishly ID: 90ca3e8c Answer Correct Answé Rationale Choice C is the best answer because as used in the text, “simply” most nearly means easily, or involving minimal difficulty or effort. The text first provides Alice's reflections on her plan to gain access to a garden and then offers commentary on her plan by the novel's narrator. The text indicates that a reason Alice likes her plan despite not being fully thought through is that she nonetheless believes it can be efficiently arranged. In other words, the text indicates that one of the supposed benefits of Alice's plan is that it can be easily arranged. Choice A is incorrect because the text describes how Alice's plan can be arranged, and it wouldn't make sense to say that it can be arranged “faintly” or with little strength or not strongly. Instead, the text indicates that the plan can be arranged with little difficulty. Choice B is incorrect. Although in some contexts “simply* can mean quickly, hastily, or hurriedly, the word “hastily” indicates that something is done too quickly. Although it may be true that Alice's plan was made in haste, the text doesn’t focus on this aspect of her plan. Instead, the text focuses on the plan's seemingly good qualities, saying that Alice thinks of it as “the best” and the narrator refers to it as “excellent” and “neatly” or efficiently, arranged. Choice D is incorrect. Although in some contexts “simply” can mean foolishly, or lacking good sense, it doesn’t have this meaning in this context. Although the text says that Alice doesn’t know how to go about her plan, it begins by presenting her plan in a positive light: Alice describes her plan as “the best,” and the narrator refers to the plan as “excellent” and “neatly,’ or efficiently, arranged. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 54d3a786 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat ID: 54d3a786 Ménica Lopes-Ferreira and others at Brazil's Butantan Institute are studying the freshwater stingray species Potamotrygon rex to determine whether biological characteristics such as the rays’ age and sex have effect on the toxicity of their venom—that is, to see if differences in these traits are associated with considerable variations in venom potency. and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? Aa disconcerting B. an acceptable C.an imperceptible D. a substantial ID: 54d3a786 Answer Correct Answer: D Rationale Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the research that Lopes- Ferreira and her colleagues are conducting on the stingray species Potamotrygon rex. As used in this context, "a substantial” effect means an effect that is sizable or noteworthy, The text indicates that the researchers are seeking to determine whether there are "considerable variations" in the potency of stingray venom that are associated with variation in the stingrays’ age and sex. This context suggests that the researchers want to find out whether stingray age and sex have a substantial effect on venom toxicity. Choice A is incorrect because there's nothing in the text that suggests that the researchers have been studying whether the stingrays’ age and sex have "a disconcerting” or an unsettling and disturbing, effect on the stingrays’ venom, The text indicates that the researchers wish to determine if stingray age and sex cause large variations in the toxicity of stingray venom, not if the effect of age and sex is disconcerting. Choice B is incorrect because the text indicates that researchers want to find out whether differences in stingray age and sex produce differences in stingray venom, not that the researchers want to find out whether age and sex have “an acceptable” or a satisfactory, effect on venom, The text makes no mention of what would make an effect on venom toxicity acceptable and gives no indication that the researchers are interested in that question. Choice C is incorrect because it wouldn't make sense in context for the researchers to be looking for “an imperceptible,’ or an unnoticeable, effect of age and sex on stingray venom. The text says that the researchers are trying to determine if there are ‘considerable variations" in venom toxicity linked to age and sex, not that the researchers are trying to find effects that they can't perceive Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 6330f566 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao ID: 6330f566 A brief book review cannot fully convey the _ of Olga Tokarczuk’s novel The Books of Jacob, with its enormous cast of characters, its complicated, wandering plot, and its page numbers that count backward (beginning at 965 and ending at », Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. accuracy B. inactivity C. complexity D.restraint ID: 6330f566 Answer Correct Answer: C Rationale Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Olga Tokarczuk’s novel The Books of Jacob. As used in this context, “complexity” means having many complicated parts that when taken as a whole are difficult to follow or explain, The text indicates that The Books of Jacob has a large cast of characters, a complicated and wandering plot (that is, a plot that is difficult to follow), and reverse page numbering. Together, these features make up a novel that's challenging to read and summarize. This context supports the idea that a brief book review can't do justice to the novel's complexity. Choice A is incorrect. Although the word “accuracy” or being free from error or falsehood, can sometimes be used to describe a novel, the text doesn’t discuss whether Tokarczuk’s novel has this quality, Instead, the text describes the novel as having a large cast of characters, a difficult-to-follow plot, and reverse page numbering These features suggest complexity, not accuracy. Choice B is incorrect because “inactivity” means being ina state of idleness or doing nothing, neither of which would make sense in this context. The text describes Tokarczuk’s novel, and although it's possible the novel could portray its characters as inactive, it wouldn't make sense to describe the novel itself as such. Choice D is incorrect because in this context “restraint” would mean holding back or showing self-control, and the text doesn't indicate that Tokarczuk’s novel has either of these qualities. In fact, the features of the novel that the text describes, such asa large cast of characters, a complicated and wandering plot, and reverse page numbering, suggest excess and complexity, not restraint. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 1483dee6 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao ID: 1483dee6 Particle physicists like Ayana Holloway Arce and Aida El-Khadra spend much of their time __ what is invisible to the naked eye: using sophisticated technology, they closely examine the behavior of subatomic particles, the smallest detectable parts of matter. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A selecting B. inspecting C.creating D. deciding ID: 1483dee6 Answer Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the work of particle physicists. In this context, “inspecting” means viewing closely in order to examine, The text indicates that as patticle physicists, Arce and El-Khadra's work involves using advanced technology to “closely examine” subatomic particles, In other words, they use technology to inspect small parts of matter that can’t be seen by the naked eye. Choice A is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that Arce and El-Khadra spend time “selecting, or choosing, subatomic particles for some purpose; the text simply states that the particle physicists use advanced technology to see and study the behavior of those tiny parts of matter, Choice Gis incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that Arce and El-Khadra spend time “creating” subatomic particles, or bringing them into existence; the text simply states that the particle physicists use advanced technology to see and study the behavior of those tiny parts of matter. Choice D is incorrect. In this context, “deciding” would mean making a final choice or judgment about something, It wouldn't make sense to say that particle physicists get to choose what is and isn’t visible to the naked eye, especially when the text presents it as fact that subatomic particles are “the smallest detectable parts of matter” and would therefore be invisible. The text focuses on Arce and El- Khadra's close observation of those particles, not on any decisions they might make. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 80025650 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat ID: 80025650 ‘A musician and member of the Quechua of Peru, Renata Flores Rivera was eager to promote the Quechua language in her music, but she was Quechua, to help her pronounce words in her song lyrics and also by taking classes in the language. and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano speaking it. She met this challenge by asking her grandmother, a native speaker of Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A prepared for 8. inexperienced with . skilled in D. excited about D: 80025650 Answer Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Renata Flores Rivera's use of Quechua in her music. In this context, “inexperienced with” means not accustomed to. The text indicates that Flores Rivera wanted to promote the Quechua language in her music and overcame a challenge by seeking help with pronunciation from her grandmother and by taking language classes, This context conveys the idea that Flores Rivera was not sufficiently familiar with Quechua to use it in her music without help. Thus, she was inexperienced with speaking the language, which she addressed by seeking help. Choice A is incorrect because describing Flores Rivera as "prepared for’—or ready for-speaking Quechua wouldn't make sense in context, The text indicates that speaking Quechua presented a challenge, but if she were ready to speak the language, then there would be no challenge, Choice C is incorrect because describing Flores Rivera as ‘skilled in’-meaning good at or capable of—speaking Quechua wouldn't make sense in context. The text indicates that speaking Quechua presented a challenge, but if she were capable of speaking the language, then there would be no challenge. Choice D is incorrect. Flores Rivera was likely “excited about’—or thrilled or delighted with—speaking Quechua, but this wouldn't make sense in context. The text indicates that speaking Quechua presented a challenge, but if she were delighted with speaking the language, then there would be no challenge. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 13009229 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao ID: 13009229 Although the playwrights hoped that their play would be _ when performed live, critics generally agreed that the production and performances had the opposite effect, wearying audiences instead of energizing them, Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. multifaceted B. realistic . rousing D. subtle ID: 13009229 Answer Correct Answer: C Rationale Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the play's effect on audiences. As used in this context, “rousing” means exciting or energizing. The text indicates that critics found the play to have "the opposite effect” on audiences of what the playwrights hoped for. The critics, the text says, thought the play was wearying rather than energizing to viewers, This context supports the idea that the playwrights hoped live performances of the play would be energizing, or rousing, to audiences, Choice A is incorrect because there's no information in the text suggesting that the playwrights hoped live performances of the play would be “multifaceted” or be varied or have many aspects. The text indicates that critics found the play to be wearying to audiences and that this was the opposite of what the playwrights hoped for. Multifaceted is not the opposite of wearying, but rousing is, which suggests that the playwrights hoped the play would be rousing, Choice B is incorrect because there's no information in the text suggesting that the playwrights hoped live performances of the play would be “realistic” or lifelike or sensible. The text says that critics found the play to be wearying to audiences and that this was the opposite of what the playwrights hoped for. Realistic is not the opposite of wearying, but rousing is, which suggests that the playwrights hoped the play would be rousing. Choice D is incorrect because there's no information in the text suggesting that the playwrights hoped live performances of the play would be subtle, or complex or understated. The text says that critics found the play to be wearying to audiences and that this was the opposite of what the playwrights hoped for. Subtle is not the opposite of wearying, but rousing is, which suggests that the playwrights hoped the play would be rousing. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 86a66353 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao ID: 86266353 Nigerian American author Teju Cole's ___his two passions—photography and the written word—culminates in his 2017 book, Blind Spot, which evocatively combines his original photographs from his travels with his poetic prose. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. indifference to B. enthusiasm for C. concern about D. surprise at IDES Cg Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Cole's book Blind Spot. In this context, “enthusiasm for" means excitement about. The text explains that Blind Spot consists of original photographs as well as poetic prose—two elements that correspond to Cole's passions, identified in the text, for photography and the written word, This context suggests that Cole's excitement about photography and writing led him to create a book that successfully combines the two mediums, Choice A is incorrect because describing Cole as feeling “indifference to" his two passions wouldn't make sense in context. If Cole is indifferent to his passions, that would mean he doesn't care about photography or writing— in which case they wouldn't be his passions at all. Choice C is incorrect because there's nothing in the text to suggest that Cole feels "concern about or uneasiness about, his passions, The text's use of the word ‘culminates’ indicates that Blind Spot represents a triumphant climax of Cole's passions, not a work that results from his sense of discomfort with photography and writing, Choice D is incorrect because there's nothing in the text to suggest that Cole feels “surprise at” or astonished by, his passions. The text indicates that Cole's feeling about his passions “culminates in a book that “evocatively" combines photographs and writing, suggesting that Cole has a long-standing and skillful relationship to his passions, not that he is startled by them. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 96e18c60 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat ID: 96e18c60 The fashion resale market, in which consumers purchase secondhand clothing from stores and online sellers, generated nearly $30 billion globally in 2019. Expecting to see continued growth, some analysts __ that revenues will more than double by 2028, and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A produced B. denied C. worried D. predicted ID: 96e18c60 Answer Correct Answer: D Rationale Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the fashion resale market's continued growth. As used in this context, “predicted” means forecast, or indicated that something would happen in the future, The text indicates that the fashion resale market made a lot of money in 2019 and that some analysts expected the market to continue to grow, This context suggests that the analysts believed that the fashion resale market was going to make more money than it had already made, with the analysts indicating that revenues would more than double by 2028 Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn't make sense in context to say that some analysts “produced,” or manufactured or brought about, the increase in future revenues of the fashion resale market, The analysts themselves couldn't have brought about the future revenue growth, since, as the text suggests, they were merely in the position of drawing conclusions about future fashion resale market revenue based on 2019 revenue. Choice B is incorrect because the text indicates that some analysts expected the fashion resale market to continue to grow in the future, not that they “denied,” or rejected, this notion. Nothing in the text supports the idea that these analysts thought the revenues wouldn't grow. Choice C is incorrect because the text indicates that some analysts expected the fashion resale market to continue to grow in the future, not that they “worried” or felt concerned, that revenue would significantly increase by 2028. Nothing in the text suggests that the analysts felt concerned about the increase; rather, the text suggests that the increase would represent a favorable outcome, since it would mean that the fashion resale market grew to generate even more revenue. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID chObaa54 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano DR EELr In 1929 the Atlantic Monthly published several articles based on newly discovered letters allegedly exchanged between President Abraham Lincoln and a woman named Ann Rutledge. Historians were unable to ___ the authenticity of the letters, however, and quickly dismissed them as a hoax, Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A validate B. interpret C relate D. accommodate ID: cbObaa54 Answer Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of letters allegedly exchanged between President Lincoln and Rutledge. In this context, “validate” means to confirm that something is real or correct, According to the text, it was alleged, or claimed, that the newly discovered letters had been written by Lincoln and Rutledge, The text also indicates that historians ultimately decided the letters were a hoax, or fraudulent, This context suggests that the historians couldn't confirm that the letters were authentic. Choice B is incorrect, The text focuses on the authenticity of the letters, which were claimed to have been written by Lincoln and Rutledge and were then quickly dismissed as fraudulent by historians. Rather than conveying that the historians simply weren't able to “interpret,’ or explain in an understandable way, the letters’ authenticity, the text suggests that the historians decided the letters lacked authenticity altogether, Choice C is incorrect. The text states that the historians quickly dismissed the letters claimed to have been written by Lincoln and Rutledge as fraudulent; this suggests that rather than being unable to “relate”’or tell others about, the letters’ authenticity, the historians were able to share what they'd decided about the letters. Choice D is, incorrect because it wouldn't make sense to suggest that the historians couldn't “accommodate,’ or give consideration to, the authenticity of the letters claimed to have been written by Lincoln and Rutledge; the text states that the historians decided that the letters were fraudulent, which indicates that they did consider whether the letters were authentic. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID e44a8ele Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: ed4aBele The following text is from Claude McKay's 1922 poem "Morning Joy.” The speaker is looking out a window and observing a wold, or large area of land. At night the wide and level stretch of wold, Which at high noon had basked in quiet gold, Far as the eye could see was ghostly white; Dark was the night save for the snow's weird light, | drew the shades far down, crept into bed; Hearing the cold wind moaning overhead Through the sad pines, my soul, catching its pain, ‘Went sorrowing with it across the plain. As used in the text, what does the word "drew" most nearly mean? A. Pulled B. Drained C. Inspired D. Sketched ID: e44a8e1e Answer Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer because as used in the text, “drew” most nearly means pulled. In the text, the speaker stands at a window, looking out on a landscape at night. The speaker then “drew the shades far down, crept into bed.” That is, the speaker pulled down, or lowered, the shades until they were completely shut before going to sleep. Choice B is incorrect. Although in some contexts, “drew” can refer to draining or removing liquid, especially water, as when someone draws water from a well, in this context it refers to the speaker pulling down window shades for the night. Choice C is incorrect. In some contexts, “drew” can be used to describe how a person or thing inspires, or elicits, a response from someone, as when a performer draws applause from an audience. But in this context it refers to the speaker pulling down window shades for the night. Choice D is incorrect. Although “drew” has several meanings, including sketched, or illustrated with a pen or pencil, in this context it refers to the speaker pulling down window shades for the night. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID cae07228 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: cae07228 In recommending Bao Phi's collection Séng / Sing, a librarian noted that pieces by the spoken-word poet don't lose their nature when printed: the language has the same pleasant musical quality on the page as it does when performed by Phi Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A scholarly B. melodic . jarring D. personal ID: cae07228 Answer Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer. Based on the text, we're looking for a word that means something similar to “pleasant musical quality” That's exactly what “melodic” means. Choice A is incorrect. This isn't a logical word choice, Based on the text, we're looking for a word that means something similar to “pleasant musical quality” Scholarly" would suggest something that is academic or well- researched, which doesn't match the meaning we're looking for. Choice C is incorrect. This isn't a logical word choice. Based on the text, we're looking for a word that means something similar to "pleasant musical quality” “Jarring" would suggest the opposite: something unpleasant or discordant. Choice D is incorrect. This isn't a logical word choice, Based on the text, we're looking for a word that means something similar to "pleasant musical quality” “Personal” would suggest something that is expressive or intimate, which doesn't match the meaning we're looking for. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 515ff639 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat 1g and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context ano Scientists previously thought that all electric eels belong to a single species, but a team of researchers led by zoologist C. David de Santana proved this idea wrong by __ that there are in fact three distinct species of electric eels, Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A pretending B. complaining requiring D. demonstrating DAE Unig Correct Answer: D Rationale Choice D is the best answer. “Demonstrating” means “showing,” and the text describes how de Santana disproved a previous belief in only one species of electric eel by showing that three electric eel species actually exist. Choice A is incorrect, Pretending that there are three species of electric eel might be a fun game for marine biologists, but it wouldn't prove the existence of more than one species. Choice B is incorrect. Complaining won't prove anything about eels, so de Santana could not have proved wrong the idea of only one species of electric eel by complaining about it. Choice C is incorrect. “Requiring” means “needing” It wouldn't make sense to say that de Santana “needed” there to be three distinct species of electric eel. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 9bd0c5b4 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao DEED} The printing of Virginia Woolf's novels featured a creative _ between Woolf and her sister Vanessa Bell: a talented painter, Bell worked closely with Woolf to create original cover art for most of the novels. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A.rebellion B. partnership C.discovery D. disagreement TP) a Ung Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the cover art of Virginia Woolf's novels. In this context, “partnership” means collaboration or joint effort. The text states that Woolt's sister Vanessa Bell was a talented painter and that Bell worked with Woolf to provide the cover art for most of Woolf's novels, Thus, this context suggests that Woolf and Bell pursued a creative partnership in order to produce several of Woolf's novels, Choice A is incorrect because there is no indication that Woolf or Bell were undergoing a “rebellion,” or revolt, against anything in particular. Instead, the text focuses on how they worked together in some aspects of the production of Woolf's novels. Choice C is incorrect because there is nothing in the text to indicate that Woolf or Bell made a “discovery,” or encountered anything new for the first time as they worked together, The text suggests that Woolf had already written her novels and that Bell then assisted Woolf with the cover art for many of them. Choice D is incorrect because the text implies that Woolf and Bell had a positive relationship. According to the text, the sisters “worked closely” together to produce the cover art for many of Woolf's novels; the text doesn't mention whether while working together, Woolf and Bell had a “disagreement,” or conflict. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 62fd7cce Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 62fd7cce Visual artist Gabriela Alemén states that the bold colors of comics, pop art, and Latinx culture have always fascinated her. This passion for the rich history and colors of her Latinx community translates into the artworks she produces. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? Avivid B. unknown, C. definite D. reserved DAS ree Ung Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer. "Vivid" can mean "colorful" or "bright-colored.” This definition fits the context clues about Alemén's fascination with and passion for bold colors. Choice B is incorrect, This doesn't fit the logic of the text. Nothing in the text indicates that Aleman’s artworks are "unknown." Choice Cis incorrect. This doesn't fit the logic of the text, "Definite" means “certain” or “decided” It wouldn't make sense to describe artwork as "definite." Choice D is incorrect. This doesn't fit the logic of the text, "Reserved can either mean “slow to reveal emotions” or "booked But the clues suggest that Aleman’s artworks are boldly colorful-almost the opposite of "reserved." Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 22d44387 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 22444387 In the early 1800s, the Cherokee scholar Sequoyah created the first script, or writing system, for an Indigenous language in the United States. Because it represented the sounds of spoken Cherokee so accurately, his script was easy to learn and thus quickly achieved ___use: by 1830, over 90 percent of the Cherokee people could read and write it. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? ‘A. widespread B. careful unintended D. infrequent ID: 22444387 Answer Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the writing system created by Sequoyah. In this context, “widespread” means widely accepted or practiced. The text indicates that because Sequoyah's script accurately represented the spoken sounds of the Cherokee language and was easy to learn, nearly all Cherokee people were able to read and write it soon after it was created, This context demonstrates that the script was widely used by the Cherokee people. Choice B is incorrect. In this context, ‘careful” would mean exercised with care and attentive concer, Although the work of creating a writing system likely involved great care, the text indicates that the system was “easy to leam; which conflicts with the idea that using this system requires a noteworthy amount of care, Choice Cis incorrect because in this context “unintended” means not deliberate, The idea that using Sequoyah’s script was unintentional conflicts directly with the claim that it was easy to learn and used by “over 90% of the Cherokee people” by 1830. In fact, because one had to leam this system, it's not clear how one could use it unintentionally. Choice D is incorrect because in this context “infrequent” means rare or not occurring often, which conflicts directly with the claim that ‘over 90% of the Cherokee people” were using Sequoyah’s script by 1830 Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 7a0f5cdb Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao DER ANete Ly In the mid-nineteenth century, some abolitionist newspapers __ westward migration in the United States; by printing a letter that described the easy fortunes and high salaries miners could make in California during the Gold Rush, Frederick Douglass's newspaper North Star was one such publication that inspired readers to relocate. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. stimulated B. assigned C. opposed D. disregarded ID: 7a0fScdb Answer Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer. “Stimulated” means "encouraged interest or increased activity in” Because the newspapers discussed the benefits of westward migration and “inspired readers to relocate,” we can infer that they encouraged people to move west. Choice B is incorrect. “Assigned” means “gave a job or duty." Newspapers do not have the power to assign people to move west, although they can encourage it. Choice C is incorrect. "Opposed" means "disapproved of." We can tell that this isn't the case, because the newspapers discussed "the easy fortunes and high salaries miners could make in California" and “inspired readers to relocate." Choice D is incorrect. “Disregarded" means "ignored." If the newspapers are writing about the west and "inspirling] readers to relocate," they can't be ignoring it at the same time. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 9900ab9e Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 9900ab9e The following text is from Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1911 novel The Secret Garden. Mary, a young girl, is outside trying her new jump rope. The sun was shining and a little wind was blowing—not a rough wind, but one which came in delightful little gusts and brought a fresh scent of newly turned earth with it. She skipped round the fountain garden, and up one walk and down another. As used in the text, what does the word “rough” most nearly mean? A Harsh B, Scratchy Basic D. Vague ID: 9900ab9e Answer Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer because as used in the text, "rough" most nearly means harsh, or forceful and unpleasant, The text describes Mary's surroundings as she plays: the sun is out and there's “a little wind." To further illustrate the wind, the narrator contrasts the word "rough" with a description of the wind blowing in “delightful little gusts,” suggesting that the wind is not unpleasant or harsh at all. Choice B is incorrect. Although in some contexts "rough" objects, or objects with irregular surfaces, can sometimes be scratchy, rough doesn’t mean scratchy in this context. The text explains that the wind is not rough but rather gentle, "delightful little gusts,” which suggests that the use of “rough” here is referring to the degree of force of the wind. Choice C is incorrect because there's nothing in the text to suggest that the wind wasn't "basic," or simple and uncomplicated. Instead, the text describes the wind as blowing not roughly or harshly but in “delightful little gusts,” Choice D is incorrect because the word "vague" means not clearly expressed or seen. Nothing in the text indicates that the wind was barely noticeable to Mary as she played outside, but rather the text states that it was delightful. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 347b6747 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 347b6747 The recent discovery of a carved wooden figure dating to around 2,000 years ago in a ditch in England was truly surprising. Wooden objects __ survive for so long due to their high susceptibility to rot, but archaeologists suspect, layers of sediment in the ditch preserved the figure by creating an oxygen-free environment. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A sturdily B. carelessly C.rarely D. simply D: 347b6747 Answer Correct Answer: C Rationale Choice ¢ is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the discovery of a carved wooden figure dating to around 2,000 years ago. In this context, “rarely” means infrequently. The text states that the discovery of the figure was “truly surprising” and notes that wooden objects are highly prone to rot. This context conveys the idea that wooden objects infrequently survive for as long as the carved figure has survived. Choice A is incorrect because “sturdily” means strongly, which wouldn't make sense in context. If wooden objects in general could strongly survive for long periods of time, then the discovery of a wooden figure that's around 2,000 years old wouldn't be surprising. Choice B is incorrect because “carelessly” means accidentally. The text conveys the idea that wooden objects in general don't survive for very long because they rot, not that wooden objects in general accidentally survive despite this, Choice D is incorrect because the text conveys the idea that wooden objects in general don't survive for very long because they rot, not that wooden objects in general “simply” or merely, survive for long periods of time. If wooden objects in general could merely survive for as long as the figure has survived, then the discovery of the figure wouldn't have been surprising. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID f85c34d8 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao Derry ‘As Mexico's first president from an Indigenous community, Benito Juarez became one of the most ___ figures in his, country's history: among the many significant accomplishments of his long tenure in office (1858-1872), Juarez consolidated the authority of the national government and advanced the rights of Indigenous peoples. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? ‘A. unpredictable B. important C. secretive D. ordinary Deter PU g Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Juarez. In this context, “important” means marked by significant work or consequence. The text indicates that Juarez, who was the first president of Mexico from an Indigenous community, became a certain kind of figure in Mexico's history. It then supports that claim by describing some of the "many significant accomplishments” from Juarez’s long tenure in office. This context conveys that Juarez is a significant and consequential figure in Mexico's history. Choice A is incorrect because the text focuses on Juarez's role as the first president of Mexico from an Indigenous community and on his many major accomplishments during his lengthy time in office; nothing in the text suggests that Juarez was ‘unpredictable’ or tended to behave in ways that couldn't be predicted. Choice Cis incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that Juarez was a particularly "secretive" figure, or that he tended to keep things private or hidden from others. Instead, the text focuses on things that are known about Juarez: that he was the first president of Mexico from an Indigenous community, that he had a lengthy tenure, and that his many major accomplishments included consolidating the national government's authority and advancing Indigenous rights. Choice D is incorrect because the text focuses on the idea that Juarez, who was the first president of Mexico from an Indigenous community, had many major accomplishments during his lengthy time in office. Rather than suggesting that Juarez was an “ordinary” or common and typical, figure in Mexico's history, this context conveys that Juarez was instead a notable figure. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 2f08e056 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 2f08e056 Some people have speculated that two helmets with attached horns discovered in Denmark in 1942 belonged to Vikings, but scholars have long been skeptical. Archaeologist Helle Vandkilde and colleagues recently provided radiocarbon dates for the helmets, and their findings ___ scholars’ skepticism: the helmets date to the Nordic Bronze Age, centuries before the Vikings existed, Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. anticipate B. inspect C reveal D. justify DAC Ung Correct Answé Rationale Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the helmets found in Denmark. In this context, “justify” means confirm or give reasons for, The text indicates that scholars have long been skeptical about the supposed Viking origin of two helmets found in Denmark, The radiocarbon dating of the helmets conducted by Vandkilde and colleagues demonstrates that the helmets date from the Nordic Bronze Age, making the helmets too old to have belonged to Vikings. This context supports the idea that the scholars’ skepticism is justified. Choice A is incorrect because “anticipate” means expect or come before, neither of which would make sense in context. The text indicates that scholars have long been skeptical of the idea that the helmets belonged to. Vikings. Because the skepticism has existed for a long time, Vandkilde and colleagues’ research couldn't be said to anticipate it. Instead, the radiocarbon dating results justify or confirm the scholar's skepticism. Choice B is incorrect because “inspect” means examine or review, which wouldn't make sense in this context. Research findings are inanimate and therefore unable to inspect scholars’ skepticism. The text focuses on the origin of two helmets, which some people believe belonged to Vikings. Vandkilde and colleagues found that the helmets are from the Nordic Bronze Age and therefore much older than the Vikings. This context suggests that the researchers’ findings justify, not inspect, the scholars’ skepticism. Choice C is incorrect because “reveal” means uncover or report, which wouldn't make sense in context. The text focuses on the origin of two helmets, which some people believe belonged to Vikings. Vandkilde and colleagues tested the helmets and found that they date to the Nordic Bronze Age and therefore are much older than the Vikings. This context suggests that the researchers’ findings confirm or justify the scholars’ skepticism, which was already known so didn’t need to be revealed. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID d219e922 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: d219e922 According to botanists, a viburnum plant experiencing insect damage may develop erineum—a discolored, felty growth —on its leaf blades. A__viburnum plant, on the other hand, will have leaves with smooth surfaces and uniformly green coloration, Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A struggling B. beneficial C. simple. D. healthy ID: d219e922 Answer Correct Answer: D Rationale Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of damage to viburnum plants. In this context, “healthy” would mean not distressed or diseased, The text states that insect damage may cause viburnum plants to be discolored and have abnormal growths, In the next sentence, the phrase “on the other hand” indicates a contrast with the description of plants suffering from damage, Thus, the context contrasts the appearance of healthy, undamaged plants with the appearance of damaged plants. Choice A is incorrect because in this context, “struggling” would mean working against difficulties. The text first describes viburnum plants experiencing damage by insects, and the phrase “on the other hand” then establishes a contrast with that description, It wouldn't make sense to contrast struggling viburnum plants with those being damaged by insects, because in both cases the plants would be experiencing difficulties, Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “beneficial” would mean producing good or helpful effects. The text doesn’t discuss how vibumum plants affect other things or suggest that the plants are helpful in some way; rather, it focuses on how vibumum plants are affected by certain conditions. Choice C is incorrect because in this context ‘simple" would mean plain or uncomplicated. The text doesn't discuss whether certain viburnum plants are complicated or uncomplicated; rather, it focuses on how viburnum plants are affected by certain conditions. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 33ba7d74 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 33ba7d74 In 1877, 85% of California's railways were already controlled by the Southern Pacific Railroad. The company further solidified its __in rail access to the state's Pacific coast when it completed the Sunset Route in 1883: running from Louisiana to Southern California, the route established the first transcontinental rail line across the southern United States. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. dominance B. creativity . insignificance D. neutrality ID: 33ba7d74 Answer Correct Answé Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically and precisely completes the text's discussion of the Southern Pacific Railroad, As used in this context, "dominance" means the state of being more successful than others. The text states that the Southern Pacific Railroad already controlled 85% of California's railways in 1877, and that the Sunset Route it constructed in 1883 was the first transcontinental rail line across the southemn United States. Therefore, the Southern Pacific Railroad would be more successful than other railroads in the area, and the construction of the Sunset Route would further solidify its dominance in rail access to California's coast, Choice B is incorrect, Although the construction of the Sunset Route must have required some creativity, or use of imagination, the word “creativity” would not also encompass the fact that the Southern Pacific Railroad already controlled 85% of California's railways. The text is more focused on the railroad’s control of the field and overall success rather than its imaginative thought processes. Choice C is incorrect because if the Souther Pacific Railroad controlled the majority of California's railways, it would not make sense to refer to its “insignificance,” or the state of being unimportant. Rather, the opposite would be true. Choice D is incorrect because in context it would not make sense to refer to the Southern Pacific Railroad's "neutralit strong opinion on a matter, since no opinions are mentioned. Nor would “neutrality” in the sense of impartiality or absence of in a conflict be a logical or precise choice since no conflict is explicitly described. There might be an implied conflict between the Southern Pacific Railroad and other railroads doing business in California, but that is not a conflict in which the Southern Pacific Railroad would take an impartial position Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 1b09506e Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 1b09506e When Mexican-American archaeologist Zelia Maria Magdalena Nuttall published her 1886 research paper on sculptures found at the ancient indigenous city of Teotihuacan in present-day Mexico, other researchers readily __ her work as groundbreaking; this recognition stemmed from her convincing demonstration that the sculptures were much older than had previously been thought. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? ‘A. acknowledged B. ensured C.denied D. underestimated DAR ce Ge Correct Answé Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Nuttall's 1886 research paper. In this context, “acknowledged” means recognized as having a certain status, The text indicates that other researchers recognized Nuttall's work as groundbreaking because of its “convincing demonstration” related to the age of the ancient sculptures. In other words, the researchers recognized the groundbreaking status of Nuttall’s work, Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “ensured” would mean to have guaranteed or made sure something was the case. The text states that other researchers gave Nuttall's work recognition after it was published, but, there's no indication that they contributed to the work or had any involvement that would have allowed them to make sure the work would be groundbreaking, Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that other researchers “denied” or refused to admit or accept, that Nuttall’s work was groundbreaking; on the contrary, it indicates that researchers praised the work, recognizing it as groundbreaking due to its “convincing demonstration” related to the age of the ancient sculptures. Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn't suggest that other researchers “underestimated; or undervalued, Nuttall's work; on the contrary, it indicates that researchers praised the work, recognizing it as groundbreaking due to its "convincing demonstration” related to the age of the ancient sculptures. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 6d26bf62 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 6d26bf62 Suefio de Familia is an exhibition of drawings, paintings, and ceramics that explores the artistic heritage of US-based artist, Yolanda Gonzalez. The exhibition __five generations, featuring works by Gonzélez’s great-grandfather, grandmother, mother, and niece as well as Gonzélez herself. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A, borrows B. spans judges D. neglects ID: 6d26bf62 Answer Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the Suefio de Familia art exhibition. In this context, “spans” means extends across or covers. The text states that the exhibition explores Gonzélez's artistic heritage and features artwork by her great-grandfather, grandmother, mother, and niece. This context conveys the idea that the exhibition spans, or extends across, five generations of Gonzélez's family. Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn't make sense to say that the exhibition “borrows;" or acquires, five generations of Gonzélez's family. The text indicates that the exhibition features artwork by family members from five generations, not that the five generations themselves have been acquired for inclusion in the exhibition. Choice C is incorrect because the text indicates that the purpose of the exhibition is to highlight artwork, not to ‘judge,’ or give an opinion on, five generations of the artist's family, Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that the exhibition “neglects” or gives little attention to, five generations of Gonzélez's family. On the contrary, the text indicates that the exhibition is dedicated to exploring Gonzéler’s artistic heritage and therefore designed to bring attention to her family members and their artwork Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID f96b0d03 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: £96b0d03 Beginning in the 1950s, Navajo Nation legislator Annie Dodge Wauneka continuously worked to promote public health; this____ effort involved traveling throughout the vast Navajo homeland and writing a medical dictionary for speakers of Diné bizaad, the Navajo language. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. impartial 8. offhand C. persistent D. mandatory DARE Ung Correct Answer: C Rationale Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Annie Dodge Wauneka's work as a Navajo Nation legislator, As used in this context, “persistent” means existing continuously. The text states that Wauneka “continuously worked to promote public health’ traveling extensively and authoring a medical dictionary; this indicates that Wauneka’s effort was persistent, Choice A is incorrect because describing Wauneka's effort related to public health as “impartial? or not partial or biased and treating all things equally, wouldn't make sense in context. The text suggests that Wauneka's continuous work was partial in one way, as she focused specifically on promoting public health throughout the Navajo homeland and to speakers of the Navajo language, Choice B is incorrect because the text emphasizes that Wauneka’s effort to promote public health as a Navajo Nation legislator was continuous and extensive, involving wide travels and the authoring of a medical dictionary, Because this work clearly involved care and dedication, it wouldn't make sense to describe it as “offhand, or casual and informal. Choice D is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that Wauneka's effort to promote public health was “mandatory,” or required by law or rule, even though Wauneka was a Navajo Nation legislator. Rather than suggesting that Wauneka's effort was required for any reason, the text emphasizes the continuous and extensive nature of her work Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 4975287b Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 4975287b In the 1970s, video cameras became increasingly affordable for ordinary consumers and gave Ulysses Jenkins and other artists capabilities that were previously unavailable except to television broadcasters. Jenkins recognized and took full advantage of this __access to powerful technology to create groundbreaking works of video art, such as Mass of Images (1978) Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A.newfound B. delicate C. inevitable D. habitual DRO Org Correct Answé Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Ulysses Jenkins's video art. As used in this context, “newfound” means recently discovered or established, The text indicates that in the 1970s, video cameras became cheaper and therefore more widely available than they had been in the past. The text goes on to say that this development provided Jenkins and other artists with capabilities that they previously didn’t have, As a result, Jenkins began producing groundbreaking works of video art. This context supports the idea that Jenkins took advantage of newfound access to video cameras. Choice B is incorrect because “delicate” means fine in texture or structure or easily broken, neither of which would make sense in this context, The text doesn’t focus on describing what video art looks like or whether it's breakable. Choice C is incorrect because “inevitable” means impossible to avoid, which wouldn't make sense in. this context. The text doesn’t discuss the likelihood of artists, or anyone else, gaining access to video cameras Choice D is incorrect because “habitual” means doing something regularly or repeatedly. Although the text does suggest that Jenkins created multiple pieces of video art, its focus is on the fact that video cameras had only just become widely available to artists in the 1970s. Jenkins's ability to take advantage of video cameras to make art was therefore newfound, not habitual, at the time. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 56c66383 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 56c66383 Cucurbits, a group of plants that includes squash and melons, relied on mastodons to spread their seeds in the Ice Age. When these animals died out, cucurbits faced extinction in turn, having lost their means of seed dispersal. Around this, time, however, the ancestors of Indigenous peoples in North America began raising cucurbits as crops, thus __the plants’ survival. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A.verifying 8, multiplying . comforting D. ensuring ID: 56c66383 Answer Correct Answé Rationale Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of cucurbits. In this, context, “ensuring” means guaranteeing, or making sure of, the cucurbits’ survival, The text states that cucurbits faced extinction in the past because their means of seed dispersal disappeared, but the ancestors of Indigenous peoples in North America began farming cucurbits around that same time, so the crops were no longer threatened, Therefore, the context supports the idea that the ancestors of Indigenous peoples in North America helped with ensuring the cucurbits’ survival. Choice A is incorrect because in this context verifying means making sure that something is accurate. In the text, the ancestors of Indigenous peoples in North America were ensuring the survival, not the accuracy of, the cucurbits. Choice B is incorrect, Although the cucurbit crops themselves were multiplying, or growing in number, as a result of the work of the ancestors of Indigenous peoples in North America, it wouldn't make sense in context to say that the survival of the plants was multiplying, Choice C is incorrect because according to the text, in raising cucurbits as crops, the ancestors of Indigenous peoples in North America were attempting to help the plants grow and survive; they weren't attempting to comfort, or free the plants from pain. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 11d3e3fb Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 11d3e3fb The following text is from Nella Larsen’s 1928 novel Quicksand. The trees in their spring beauty sent through her restive mind a sharp thrill of pleasure. Seductive, charming, and beckoning as cities were, they had not this easy unhuman loveliness. As used in the text, what does the word "beckoning" most nearly mean? ‘A. Demanding B, Signaling C Inviting D. Shifting ID: 11d3e3fb Answer Correct Answer: C Rationale Choice C is the best answer because as used in the text, “beckoning” most nearly means “inviting” or attractive The text portrays a woman who is looking at “trees in their spring beauty.” She compares them to cities, which have their own pleasures even if they do not have the “easy unhuman loveliness" of trees: she thinks of cities as “seductive” and “charming, both adjectives that signify something that is enticing, or attractive. Therefore, cities that are seductive and charming would also be described as inviting people closer to them. Choice A is incorrect because there is no indication in this context that cities are “demanding” or requiring effort. Choice B is incorrect. Though ‘signaling’ or communicating something, might be considered a key feature of the act of “beckoning, in the context here, "beckoning" suggests that cities have attractive qualities that naturally draw people to them, Such attractive qualities are not described by the word “signaling” alone. Therefore, ‘signaling’ is an incorrect answer because it is insufficiently precise; Choice D is incorrect because there is no reason to think in this context that the cities are ‘shifting,’ or changing shape. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 9f63df6f Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano DRE In the 1960s, Sam Gilliam, a Black painter from the southern United States, became the first artist to drape painted canvases into flowing shapes. He later explored a different style, quilt-like paintings inspired by the patchwork quilting tradition of Black communities in the South Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A predicting B. refusing hiding D. creating ID: 9f63df6f Answer Correct Answer: D Rationale Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Sam Gilliam's artworks. As used in this context, “creating” means producing or bringing something into existence, The text indicates that Gilliam is an artist who made draped canvases and, later, quilt-like paintings, This context supports the idea that Gilliam explored different styles in his art by creating special types of paintings. Choice A is incorrect because the text indicates that Gilliam actually explored and pursued the creation of quilt- like paintings; he wasn't just “predicting” or declaring in advance, the existence of these paintings. Choice B is incorrect because in this context “refusing” would mean rejecting, and there is nothing in the text to suggest that Gilliam rejected his quilt-like paintings, Instead, the text indicates that he was exploring and pursuing a new art style in these paintings, Choice C is incorrect because in this context "hiding" would mean concealing from view, and there is nothing in the text to suggest that Gilliam attempted to conceal his quilt-like paintings. Instead, the text indicates that he was exploring and pursuing a new art style in these paintings. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 077d5d3a Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano DEAE LCEL) Sumerian civilization (which lasted from around 3300 to 2000 BCE) many concepts that persist into present-day civilizations: for example, the first description of the seven-day week appears in the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. transformed B. introduced G inherited D. overlooked ID: 077d5d3a Answer Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the contributions of the Sumerian civilization. In this context, “introduced” means brought into practice or use, The text states that the first reference to a seven-day week appears in the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. The text presents this information about the seven-day week as an example of a concept introduced by the Sumerian civilization that persists into present-day civilizations, Choice A is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that the Sumerian civilization "transformed," or changed the nature of, concepts that persist into present-day civilizations. Instead, the text's presentation of a ‘Sumerian literary work that contains the first description of the seven-day week is an example of the phenomenon described in the first half of the sentence, suggesting that the Sumerians invented many concepts that still persist, Choice C is incorrect because the information that a Sumerian literary work includes the first description of the seven-day week suggests that Sumerian civilization may have originated the seven-day week and other concepts that persist into present-day civilizations, not that it “inherited” the concepts, or received them from an ancestral figure or culture. Choice D is incorrect because the information that Sumerian civilization produced the first description of the seven-day week is presented as an example of the phenomenon described in the first half of the sentence, suggesting that Sumerian civilization originated this and other concepts that still persist, not that the Sumerians "overlooked, or failed to notice or consider, such concepts Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 08cbebaa Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: O8cbebaa The spacecraft OSIRIS-REx briefly made contact with the asteroid 101955 Bennu in 2020. NASA scientist Daniella DellaGiustina reports that despite facing the unexpected obstacle of a surface mostly covered in boulders, OSIRIS-REx successfully ___a sample of the surface, gathering pieces of it to bring back to Earth. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A attached B. collected C followed D. replaced ID: O8cbebaa Answer Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft's contact with the asteroid 101955 Bennu. In this context, “collected” means acquired and took away. The text indicates that although the boulders on the asteroid’s surface caused some unforeseen problems, OSIRIS-REx was able to gather a sample to return to Earth. This context suggests that OSIRIS-REx successfully collected a sample of 101955 Bennu. Choice A is incorrect because in this context “attached” means connected or affixed. The text indicates that OSIRIS-REx gathered pieces of 101955 Bennu to bring to Earth; it doesn't suggest that the spacecraft attached anything to the asteroid, Choice C is incorrect because in this context “followed” means tracked or traveled behind and the text discusses OSIRIS-REx's brief encounter with 101955 Bennu during which the spacecraft gathered a sample to bring to Earth. The text doesn’t suggest that the spacecraft tracked the sample, and it's not clear what it would mean for the spacecraft to travel behind the sample it collected. Choice D is incorrect because in this context “replaced” means put back or returned. The text indicates that OSIRIS-REX gathered pieces of 101955 Bennu to bring to Earth but doesn't suggest that anything was returned to the asteroid, Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 4d56718d Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 4d56718d Researchers have struggled to pinpoint specific causes for hiccups, which happen when a person's diaphragm contracts However, neuroscientist Kimberley Whitehead has found that these uncontrollable contractions may play an important role in helping infants regulate their breathing, Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A involuntarily B. beneficially C strenuously D. smoothly ID: 4d56718d Answer Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of diaphragm contractions and hiccups. In this context, “involuntarily” means done without any control, or by reflex. The text explains that when a person’s diaphragm repeatedly contracts and results in hiccups (which may be beneficial for infants), those muscle contractions are “uncontrollable” This context indicates that the diaphragm contractions occur without the person's control. Choice B is incorrect because it wouldn't support the logical relationship established in the text's discussion of diaphragm contractions and hiccups. The text indicates that although specific causes for hiccups haven't been identified, it may be the case that the muscle contractions that occur have an important purpose in infants. It wouldn't make sense to say that even though the contractions occur “beneficially.” or with a good or helpful effect, they might play a positive role in infants’ breathing regulation. Choice C is incorrect because the text indicates that the diaphragm contractions that result in hiccups are “uncontrollable” Because those muscle contractions are described as happening automatically and without the person's control, it wouldn't make sense to describe them as occurring “strenuously” or in a way that requires great effort or energy. Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn't describe the quality of the diaphragm contractions that result in hiccups beyond stating that they are “uncontrollable Nothing in the text indicates that those muscle contractions occur “smoothly, or evenly and continuously. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID eda4f69f Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: eda4f6of Like other tribal nations, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is self-governing; its National Council generates laws regulating aspects of community life such as land use and healthcare, while the principal chief and cabinet officials those laws by devising policies and administering services in accordance with them, Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A implement B. presume C. improvise D. mimic Dace eg Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of self-government among the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, In this context, “implement” means to carry out or put into effect, The text states that the National Council generates laws, while the principal chief and cabinet officials are responsible for “devising policies and administering services in accordance with” those laws. This context suggests that the principal chief and cabinet officials implement the laws: they put the laws into effect by creating policies and administering services that accord with those laws. Choice B is incorrect because “presume” in this context would mean to assume based on incomplete information, and the text does not suggest that the principal chief and cabinet officials either made assumptions about the content of the laws or had incomplete information about them, Choice ( is incorrect because in this context “improvise” would mean to create something without preparation, and the text does not suggest that the principal chief and cabinet officials create policies and administer services without advance preparation. Choice Dis incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that the principal chief and cabinet officials “mimic” or imitate, the laws generated by the National Council. To mimic laws would mean to generate new laws that are imitations of existing laws, but the text indicates that the National Council, not the principal chief and cabinet officials, is responsible for generating laws. Instead of generating laws, the principal chief and cabinet officials put laws into effect by “devising policies and administering services in accordance with" the laws Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 3d9dfd96 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 3d9dfd96 Charles “Teenie” Harris was a photographer for the Pittsburgh Courier from 1936 to 1975. During his career he took over 70,000 photographs documenting everyday life in Pittsburgh's Black communities. The Carnegie Museum of Art maintains thousands of his photographs, carefully _ them so that audiences can continue to view them well into the future. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A.replacing B. inventing C. preserving D. counting ID: 3d9dfd96 Answer Correct Answé Rationale Choice C is the best answer. "Preserving" means "maintaining" or "keeping in good condition; so preserving the photographs means that audiences should be able to view them for a long time, Choice A is incorrect. "Replacing" means "putting something new in place of" the photographs. Replacing the photos will make it so that audiences can't view them at all. Choice B is incorrect. "Inventing" means ‘creating a new idea, process, or thing” The museum can't invent photographs that already exist. Choice D is incorrect. Counting the photographs will not help audiences view them well into the future. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID ea5alafe Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano The following text is adapted from Sui Sin Far's 1912 short story “Mrs. Spring Fragranc immigrated to the United States from China Mr. and Mrs. Spring Fragrance Mrs. Spring Fragrance was unaware that Mr. Spring Fragrance, tired with the day's business, had thrown himself down on the bamboo settee on the veranda, and that although his eyes were engaged in scanning the pages of the Chinese World, his ears could not help receiving the words which were borne to him through the open window. As used in the text, what does the word “receiving” most nearly mean? ‘A. Denying B. Entering C. Carrying D. Hearing ID: eaSalafe Answer Correct Answer: D Rationale Choice D is the best answer because as used in the text, “receiving” most nearly means hearing, or perceiving sound. The text describes Mr. Spring Fragrance as he reads a newspaper, focusing on his eyes and ears. While his eyes look at the newspaper, he is unwillingly distracted by words coming through a nearby open window (that is, “his ears could not help receiving the words’). The words are being perceived specifically by his ears and not his eyes, and ears are the organs of sense with which one hears, so therefore Mr. Spring Fragrance is hearing the words through the open window, Choice A is incorrect because there is no indication in the text that Mr. Spring Fragrance is denying, or refusing the truth of, the words coming to him through the window. He is merely distracted by them. Choice B is incorrect because it wouldn't make sense to say that Mr. Spring Fragrance's ears couldn't help entering, or coming into, the words coming to him through the window, Instead, the text indicates that the opposite occurs: that is, when Mr. Spring Fragrance hears the words, they enter his ears, but his ears don't enter the words. Choice C is incorrect because it doesn't make sense in this context to think of Mr. Spring Fragrance as carrying the words coming to him through the window, even though the word “carry” can have a number of different meanings depending on context: for example, he is not lifting them, he is not supporting them, and he is not accepting blame for them (as one “carries the blame' for a mistake), Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID f16c2e8b Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano Dera tets:13) Former astronaut Ellen Ochoa says that although she doesn’t have a definite idea of when it might happen, she that humans will someday need to be able to live in other environments than those found on Earth. This conjecture informs her interest in future research missions to the moon. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? ‘A. demands B. speculates C. doubts D. establishes Dect od Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Ochoa's prediction that humans will one day need to live in places other than Earth. As used in this context, “speculates” would mean puts forward an idea without firm evidence, The text states that Ochoa "doesn't have a definite idea’ about when humans might need to live in other environments and characterizes Ochoa's prediction as a “conjecture? or a conclusion presented without convincing evidence. This context indicates that Ochoa speculates when she makes this prediction. Choice A is incorrect because saying that Ochoa “demands’’ or insists or requires, that humans will one day need to live in other environments than Earth's would not make sense in context, The text indicates that she's unsure about the timing but hypothesizes that it will someday happen, Choice Cis incorrect because saying that Ochoa “doubts,’ or questions or disbelieves, that humans will one day need to live in other environments than Earth's would not make sense in context. The text indicates that although Ochoa is unsure about the timing, she hypothesizes that humans will need to live in places other than Earth and encourages research into future travel to the moon, Choice D is incorrect because saying that Ochoa “establishes” or proves, that humans will one day need to live in other environments than Earth's would not make sense in context. Rather than stating that Ochoa discusses her idea with certainty and supports it with evidence, the text indicates that Ochoa is unsure about when humans might need to live in other environments Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID cOfad33d Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao ID: cOfad33d Physicist Joseph Weber performed ___ work in gravitational wave research in the 1960s and 1970s, conducting key experiments that scientists later used as the basis for their own investigations that led to the first verified detection of a gravitational wave in 2015. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. foundational 8. supplementary C repetitive D. ineffective ID: cOfad33d Answer Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of physicist Joseph Webster's research on gravitational waves, In this context “foundational” means the basis on which something else develops. The text indicates that Webster's experiments in the 1960s and 1970s were earlier than, and “key” to, the work of later scientists in the field; thus, Webster's work was foundational to the later scientists’ experiments and the eventual detection of a gravitational wave in 2015, Choice B is incorrect because the text does not suggest that Webster's work was supplementary, or an additional element of an existing, larger project, but rather it was "the basis for" later experiments. Choice C is incorrect because the text does not assert that Webster's work was repetitive, or involved doing something the same way many times. Rather, the text indicates that Webster's work formed the basis for later investigations in the field of gravitational wave research. Choice D is incorrect because the text does not state that Webster's work was ineffective, or failed to produce the desired outcome. Rather, the text strongly implies that Webster's work was productive and extremely important to later work in the field of gravitational wave research. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 2e4795d7 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reat ID: 2e4795d7 The following text is adapted from Amy Lowell’s 1912 poem “Summer.” and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano It is summer, glorious, deep-toned summer, The very crown of nature's changing year When all her surging life is at its full To me alone it is a time of pause, Avoid and silent space between two worlds, ‘When inspiration lags, and feeling sleeps, Gathering strength for efforts yet to come. As used in the text, what does the phrase “a void” most nearly mean? A Auseless B. An empty C.A forgotten D. An incomplete ID: 2e4795d7 Answer Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because as used in the text, a span of time is described as “a void” space, which most nearly means an empty or vacant one, In the text, the speaker describes summertime in counterintuitive terms: although nature's "surging life is at its full’ during the season, the speaker feels summer to be "a time of pause, / A void and silent space between two worlds." The speaker says further that during summer, “feeling sleeps / Gathering strength’ for future efforts. Thus, the speaker regards summer as an empty stretch of time, to be followed by a period of greater activity. Choice A is incorrect, Although the text does present summer as a time of inactivity, it doesn’t characterize that inactivity as useless, or as having no purpose; in fact, the speaker regards summer as a time when “feeling” gathers "strength for efforts yet to come” Choice C is incorrect. Although the text characterizes summer as a time "when inspiration lags, and feeling sleeps,’ it doesn’t discuss the season's relationship to the speaker's, memory or suggest that summer can easily be forgotten, Choice D is incorrect. In some contexts, "void" can mean devoid of, or lacking, a particular element, and such a lack could be conceived of as incompleteness, However, the text doesn't portray summer as not being complete or whole; instead, it characterizes vacancy or inactivity as being an essential quality of the season, as experienced by the speaker. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 2a9e5b71 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Rear and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 2a9e5b71 The Appalachian Trail is a hiking path in the eastern United States. Much of the 2,000 mile trail passes through wilderness areas. In order to__ those areas, the United States Congress passed the National Trails System Act in 1968, ensuring that the trail would not be sold or commercially developed. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. borrow B. postpone C. protect D. decorate ID: 2a9e5b71 Answer Correct Answer: C Rationale Choice C is the best answer. “Protect” means “preserve” or "keep safe from." By ensuring that the wilderness areas along the Appalachian Trail can't be sold or developed, the National Trails System Act protects them. Choice A is incorrect. "Borrow" means "to take something with intent to return it" The text doesn't say anything about taking and returning the wilderness that surrounds the Appalachian Trail. Choice Bis incorrect. "Postpone" means "to put off until later” Nothing in the passage suggests that Congress wants to “postpone” the wilderness areas (and that doesn't make sense anyway-they can postpone doing something to the wildemess areas, but they can't postpone the areas themselves). Choice D is incorrect. "Decorate” means “to adorn” or "add extra items or pictures to make more attractive," No details in the text suggest that Congress wishes to make the trail fancier or more attractive, Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 1fe42bd4. Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Rear ID: 1fe42bd4 The following text is from Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula. The narrator is being driven in a carriage through a remote region at night. and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano The baying of the wolves sounded nearer and nearer, as though they were closing round on us from every side. | grew dreadfully afraid, and the horses shared my fear. The driver, however, was not in the least disturbed; he kept turning his head to left and right, but | could not see anything through the darkness As used in the text, what does the word “disturbed” most nearly mean? A. Disorganized 8. Alarmed C. Offended D. Interrupted DAR Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because as used in the text, “disturbed” most nearly means alarmed. The text portrays the narrator traveling in a carriage as wolves how! in the surrounding darkness. The text contrasts the reaction of both the narrator and the horses pulling the carriage with that of the driver of the carriage: the narrator and horses are “dreadfully afraid,” but the driver is “not in the least disturbed.” In other words, the driver is not alarmed by the wolves nearby, Choice A is incorrect. Although in some contexts, “disturbed” can mean disorganized, the text doesn't portray a character acting in a disorganized manner; instead, the driver continues to drive the carriage, even though the horses pulling it are alarmed. Choice Cis incorrect. Although in some contexts, “disturbed” can mean offended, the text doesn't portray one character feeling offended, or upset, by another's actions; instead, it contrasts the fear felt by the narrator with another character's lack of fear, Choice D is incorrect, Although in some contexts, “disturbed” can mean interrupted, the text doesn’t portray an action being interrupted; indeed, the travel depicted in the scene continues despite the threat of the wolves outside the carriage. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 7c9526e2 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao Defers) Researchers and conservationists stress that biodiversity loss due to invasive species is For example, people can take simple steps such as washing their footwear after travel to avoid introducing potentially invasive organisms into new environments. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A preventable B. undeniable . common D. concerning Dee Cera Org Correct Answer: A Rationale Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of how biodiversity loss. due to invasive species can be avoided. As used in this context, "preventable" means able to be stopped or kept from happening, The text indicates that "people can take simple steps" to avoid bringing possible invasive species into new environments, It presents these steps as an example of how biodiversity loss due to invasive species is preventable. Choice B is incorrect because it wouldn't make sense to say that a simple step like washing your shoes after traveling is an example of biodiversity loss due to invasive species being “undeniable, or something that can't be proved to be wrong, Although the text may suggest that biodiversity loss due to invasive species is something that really happens, the word that completes the text must make the first sentence into an assertion that is illustrated by the second sentence, and the second sentence illustrates the idea that biodiversity loss due to invasive species is preventable, not undeniable. Choice C is incorrect because it wouldn't make sense to say that a simple step like washing your shoes after traveling is an example of biodiversity loss due to invasive species being “common;’ or something that happens regularly. Additionally, the text doesn't provide any information about how frequently invasive species cause biodiversity loss. Choice D is incorrect because it wouldn't make sense to say that a simple step like washing your shoes after traveling is an example of biodiversity loss due to invasive species being ‘concerning’ or something that is troubling or causes worry. Although the text implies that the phenomenon of biodiversity loss due to invasive species is itself a concerning phenomenon, the word that completes the text must make the first sentence into an assertion that is illustrated by the second sentence, and the second sentence illustrates the idea that biodiversity loss due to invasive species is preventable, not concerning Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 7c1776e6 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Rear ID: 7c1776e6 The Mule Bone, a 1930 play written by Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes, is perhaps the best-known of the few examples of ___in literature. Most writers prefer working alone, and given that working together cost Hurston and Hughes their friendship, itis not hard to see why. and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. characterization 8. interpretation €. collaboration D. commercialization ID: 7¢1776e6 Answer Correct Answer: C Rationale Choice ¢ is the best answer because it logically and precisely completes the text's discussion of The Mule Bone, a play that Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes wrote together. In this context, “collaboration” means working together with someone to write a literary work, The text indicates that most writers prefer to work alone and that working together destroyed the friendship between Hurston and Hughes, This establishes that The Mule Bone is a relatively rare example of collaboration in literature, Choice A is incorrect because in this context, “characterization” would mean a literary work's portrayal of characters’ psychological experiences and motivations, but the text doesn't discuss characterization in The Mule Bone specifically or in collaborative works more generally, Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “interpretation” would mean the explanation of aliterary work's meaning or significance, but the text doesn't discuss how readers or critics have interpreted The Mule Bone; instead, the text discusses how the play was written collaboratively and how the writing process affected the two authors. Choice D is incorrect because in this context, “commercialization’ would mean writing a literary work in such a way as to ensure its commercial appeal, but the text never discusses commercial appeal as a factor in the writing of The Mule Bone specifically or the writing of collaborative works more generally. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 99d13338 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Rear and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 ano ID: 99d13338 Although critics believed that customers would never agree to pay to pick their own produce on farms, such concerns didn’'t__ Booker T. Whatley’s efforts to promote the practice. Thanks in part to Whatley’s determined advocacy, farms that allow visitors to pick their own apples, pumpkins, and other produce can be found throughout the United States. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? ‘A.enhance B. hinder C. misrepresent D. aggravate D: 99d13338 Answer Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Booker T, Whatley. In this context, “hinder” means hold back or obstruct. The text explains that Whatley encouraged farms to allow customers on site to pick their own produce for a fee, He did so despite critics’ concerns that the customers would never pay to do so, This context establishes that the critics’ concems didn’t hinder Whatley’s efforts to promote the practice, Choice A is incorrect. The text indicates that critics’ skepticism of the idea that customers would pay to pick their own produce didn’t have some effect on Whatley’s promotion of the practice. The text illustrates this assertion by describing Whatley's “determined advocacy’ for the practice, This context suggests that critics’ concerns didn’t obstruct Whatley's efforts, not that critics’ concerns didn’t “enhance” or increase or improve, Whatley's efforts. Choice C is incorrect because in this context, "misrepresent" would mean portray inaccurately, and the text includes no information relevant to the issue of how Whatley’s efforts were portrayed by critics of the practice of charging customers to pick their own produce. Choice D is incorrect. The text indicates that critics’ skepticism of the idea that customers would pay to pick their own produce didn’t have some effect on Whatley’s promotion of the practice. The text illustrates this assertion by describing Whatley's “determined advocacy” for the practice. This context suggests that critics’ concerns didn’t obstruct Whatley's efforts, not that critics’ concerns didn't “aggravate,” or irritate or make more severe, Whatley's efforts. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 110dd096 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing | Craft and Structure | Words in Context mao DASE For painter Jacob Lawrence, being ___ was an important part of the artistic process. Because he paid close attention to all the details of his Harlem neighborhood, Lawrence's artwork captured nuances in the beauty and vitality of the Black experience during the Harlem Renaissance and the Great Migration Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A skeptical B. observant C. critical D. confident DAR ECL Cee Unt Correct Answer: B Rationale Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion of Jacob Lawrence's artistic process. In this context, “observant” means watchful and perceptive. The text emphasizes that the “close attention” Lawrence paid to “all the details" of his neighborhood allowed him to reflect subtle elements of ‘the beauty and vitality of the Black experience” in his artwork, This context indicates that being observant of his surroundings was an important part of Lawrence's work as an artist. Choice A is incorrect because the text gives no indication that Lawrence was ‘skeptical,’ or had an attitude of doubt in general or about particular things, let alone that skepticism was important to him as an artist. Rather than indicating that he was skeptical, the text focuses on how Lawrence paid careful attention to everything around him and reflected his observations in his artwork, Choice C is incorrect because the text gives no indication that Lawrence was “critical” which in this context would mean inclined to criticize harshly or unfairly. Rather than indicating that Lawrence found fault in things, the text suggests that he paid careful attention to everything around him and that his artwork reflects this careful attention. Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn't suggest that Lawrence was “confident” or self-assured. Rather than addressing how Lawrence felt about himself and how that feeling affected his artistic process, the text emphasizes the careful attention Lawrence paid to everything around him—attention that allowed him to capture subtle elements of a particular place and time in his artwork. Question Difficulty: MediumQuestion ID 01084ed2 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty PSAT 8/9 Rear and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context 8 8 ano ID: 01084ed2 Logically, a damaged fossil should provide less information than an intact one, but for paleontologist Brigitte Schoeneman, a broken area on a fossilized trilobite (a crustacean-like creature) fresh insight, allowing her to view the inner structure of the organism's eye. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A.resolved B. adjusted C offered D. directed ID: 01084ed2 Answer Correct Answer: C Rationale Choice ¢ is the best answer because it most logically completes the text's discussion about how, for ‘Schoenemann, a damaged trilobite fossil was informative. In context, “offered” means provided or gave. The text suggests that although it may seem counterintuitive, a broken fossilized trilobite allowed Schoenemann to observe more details of the trilobite's eye than an intact fossilized trilobite would, This context conveys the idea that a damaged fossil offered, or provided, fresh insight into the structure of a trilobite’s eye. Choice A is incorrect because “resolved” means determined or figured out, which wouldn't make sense in this, context. The text focuses on how Schoenemann was able to get more information from a broken fossil than an intact one. Although the damaged fossil may have allowed her to determine certain information, as an inanimate object the fossil isn’t capable of resolving anything, Choice Bis incorrect because saying that the broken part of atrilobite fossil "adjusted or changed or modified, fresh insight wouldn't make sense in this context. The text focuses on how Schoenemann was able to get more information from a broken fossil than an intact one. This context suggests that the fossil offered fresh insight, or understanding, not that it adjusted fresh insight. Choice Dis incorrect because “directed” means managed or instructed, which wouldn’t make sense in this context, The text focuses on how Schoenemann was able to get more information from a broken fossil than an intact one. This context suggests that the fossil offered fresh insight, or understanding, not that it directed fresh insight Question Difficulty: Medium