PSAT/NMSQT Expression of Ideas 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student writes: 'Climate change affects ecosystems worldwide. Rising temperatures disrupt migration patterns. [BLANK] Marine life is also threatened by ocean acidification.' Which sentence best fills the blank to maintain coherence?
- Some animals migrate south during winter.
- Furthermore, melting polar ice reduces habitat for Arctic species. (Correct answer)
- The study of ecosystems is called ecology.
- Many people enjoy outdoor activities.
Correct answer: Furthermore, melting polar ice reduces habitat for Arctic species.
The sentence about melting polar ice directly connects rising temperatures to the next point about marine threats, maintaining logical flow through the paragraph.
Question 2: Which revision most effectively improves the focus of this sentence: 'The Amazon rainforest, which contains many animals including birds and mammals and reptiles and insects and other creatures, produces 20% of Earth's oxygen.'
- The Amazon rainforest, home to an extraordinary diversity of species, produces 20% of Earth's oxygen. (Correct answer)
- The Amazon rainforest produces 20% of Earth's oxygen and has birds.
- The Amazon rainforest has many animals and also makes oxygen which is 20% of the total.
- The Amazon rainforest, located in South America near rivers, produces 20% of Earth's oxygen.
Correct answer: The Amazon rainforest, home to an extraordinary diversity of species, produces 20% of Earth's oxygen.
The revision replaces the redundant animal list with a concise phrase that supports the main point without overshadowing the sentence's key claim about oxygen production.
Question 3: A paragraph about the benefits of exercise ends with 'Regular physical activity can also improve mental health.' Which sentence would be the BEST conclusion for this paragraph?
- Running shoes come in many different styles and colors.
- The human body has 206 bones and many muscles.
- Clearly, incorporating exercise into daily life offers profound benefits for both body and mind. (Correct answer)
- Swimming is a popular form of exercise around the world.
Correct answer: Clearly, incorporating exercise into daily life offers profound benefits for both body and mind.
The concluding sentence synthesizes the paragraph's key themes of physical and mental benefits and signals closure, making it the most effective ending.
Question 4: Read the following: 'Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. [BLANK] This breakthrough saved millions of lives during World War II.' Which choice best fills the blank?
- However,
- His discovery revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. (Correct answer)
- Nevertheless,
- For example,
Correct answer: His discovery revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.
A full sentence explaining the significance of the discovery logically bridges the date of discovery to its wartime impact, making the causal connection clear.
Question 5: Which sentence is MOST relevant to include in a paragraph about the economic benefits of tourism?
- Tourists often take many photographs during their trips.
- Tourism generates revenue for local businesses and creates employment opportunities in host communities. (Correct answer)
- Different cultures celebrate different holidays throughout the year.
- Air travel can be tiring, especially on long international flights.
Correct answer: Tourism generates revenue for local businesses and creates employment opportunities in host communities.
This sentence directly addresses economic benefits — revenue and employment — that align with the paragraph's stated focus.
Question 6: A writer wants to add a supporting detail to strengthen the claim that 'Social media has changed how people communicate.' Which addition would be MOST effective?
- Social media websites were invented in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- For instance, studies show that 72% of adults use social media platforms to stay connected with friends and family. (Correct answer)
- Some people prefer face-to-face communication over digital methods.
- Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook while attending Harvard University.
Correct answer: For instance, studies show that 72% of adults use social media platforms to stay connected with friends and family.
The statistic about 72% of adults provides concrete, specific evidence that directly supports the claim about changed communication patterns.
Question 7: Which organizational strategy would be MOST appropriate for an essay comparing two historical figures?
- Chronological order, listing events as they happened throughout history
- Point-by-point comparison, alternating between the two figures for each key characteristic (Correct answer)
- Spatial order, describing physical locations associated with each figure
- Order of importance, starting with the least significant detail
Correct answer: Point-by-point comparison, alternating between the two figures for each key characteristic
Point-by-point comparison allows readers to directly evaluate each characteristic across both figures simultaneously, making similarities and differences clear.
PSAT/NMSQT Expression of Ideas 1
A student writes: 'Climate change affects ecosystems worldwide.
Rising temperatures disrupt migration patterns. [BLANK] Marine life is also threatened by ocean acidification.' Which sentence best fills the blank to maintain coherence?