PSAT/NMSQT Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

A passage states the author 'reluctantly conceded' a rival's point. What does this word choice suggest about the author's attitude?

Accepted Answer

The author admits the point despite disagreement

Answer

'Reluctantly conceded' signals grudging agreement while underlying disagreement remains.

Question 2

In a science passage, a researcher's data 'challenges the prevailing consensus.' This implies the findings are:

Accepted Answer

Contradicting what most experts hold

Answer

To challenge a consensus means the data opposes the majority view.

Question 3

A paired-passage question asks how Passage 2's author would respond to Passage 1's claim. The best strategy is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify Passage 2's stance and apply it to Passage 1's claim

Answer

Synthesis questions require applying one author's viewpoint to the other's argument.

Question 4

The phrase 'the experiment was anything but conclusive' most nearly means the experiment was:

Accepted Answer

Inconclusive

Answer

'Anything but' negates 'conclusive,' yielding 'inconclusive.'

Question 5

A 'command of evidence' question asks which lines best support a prior answer. You should choose the option that:

Accepted Answer

Directly justifies the previous answer

Answer

Evidence questions require lines that logically support the answer just given.

PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test