PSAT/NMSQT Expression of Ideas

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?

Accepted Answer

Furthermore, melting polar ice reduces habitat for Arctic species.

Answer

Some animals migrate south during winter.

Answer

The study of ecosystems is called ecology.

Answer

Many people enjoy outdoor activities.

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.'

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest, home to an extraordinary diversity of species, produces 20% of Earth's oxygen.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest produces 20% of Earth's oxygen and has birds.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest has many animals and also makes oxygen which is 20% of the total.

Answer

The Amazon rainforest, located in South America near rivers, produces 20% of Earth's oxygen.

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?

Accepted Answer

Clearly, incorporating exercise into daily life offers profound benefits for both body and mind.

Answer

Running shoes come in many different styles and colors.

Answer

The human body has 206 bones and many muscles.

Answer

Swimming is a popular form of exercise around the world.

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?

Accepted Answer

His discovery revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.

Answer

However,

Answer

Nevertheless,

Answer

For example,

Question 5

Which sentence is MOST relevant to include in a paragraph about the economic benefits of tourism?

Accepted Answer

Tourism generates revenue for local businesses and creates employment opportunities in host communities.

Answer

Tourists often take many photographs during their trips.

Answer

Different cultures celebrate different holidays throughout the year.

Answer

Air travel can be tiring, especially on long international flights.

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?

Accepted Answer

For instance, studies show that 72% of adults use social media platforms to stay connected with friends and family.

Answer

Social media websites were invented in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Answer

Some people prefer face-to-face communication over digital methods.

Answer

Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook while attending Harvard University.

Question 7

Which organizational strategy would be MOST appropriate for an essay comparing two historical figures?

Accepted Answer

Point-by-point comparison, alternating between the two figures for each key characteristic

Answer

Chronological order, listing events as they happened throughout history

Answer

Spatial order, describing physical locations associated with each figure

Answer

Order of importance, starting with the least significant detail