PSAT/NMSQT Expression of Ideas 2

Question 1

Which transition word BEST connects these two sentences? 'The new train line reduced commute times by 40%. _____ traffic congestion on major highways decreased significantly.'

Accepted Answer

As a result,

Answer

'As a result' correctly signals a cause-and-effect relationship between reduced commute times and decreased highway congestion.

Question 2

A writer is drafting an introduction about space exploration. Which opening sentence would be MOST effective?

Accepted Answer

Space exploration, from the first moon landing to current Mars missions, has fundamentally transformed our understanding of the universe.

Answer

This choice engages readers with specific examples and a compelling claim, avoiding the vague, formulaic structures of the other options.

Question 3

Read this paragraph: 'Many scientists study climate change. Climate change affects weather patterns. Weather patterns affect agriculture. Agriculture feeds people.' Which revision BEST improves style and flow?

Accepted Answer

Scientists studying climate change have found that shifting weather patterns threaten global agriculture, putting food security at risk for millions.

Answer

The revision combines choppy sentences into one cohesive sentence with clear causal connections and more sophisticated vocabulary.

Question 4

Which sentence serves as the BEST topic sentence for a paragraph about the drawbacks of fast fashion?

Accepted Answer

Fast fashion's rapid production cycles generate significant environmental waste and exploit workers in developing countries.

Answer

This sentence clearly states the paragraph's main claim — drawbacks of fast fashion — with specific details about environmental and labor issues the paragraph can then develop.

Question 5

A student wants to add this sentence to a paragraph about renewable energy advantages: 'Coal has been used as a fuel source for centuries.' Where should it be placed?

Accepted Answer

Nowhere — it is irrelevant to a paragraph focused on renewable energy's advantages

Answer

A sentence about coal's history does not support a paragraph about renewable energy's advantages and would distract from its focus.

PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test

PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test

PSAT/NMSQT Expression of Ideas 2