PSAT Writing and Language Test

PSAT Writing and Language Test

Guided Practice on "Let Music Change Your Mind" passage

Multiple Choice

#1

HINT: Use POE (Process of Elimination) & avoid metaphors on this type of test

BTW: Expect a HARD question to come first! Don't be intimidated!

• NO CHANGE

• was a flash in the pan,

• proved temporary,

• had a short life,

Multiple Choice

#2 is another HARD question because it involves rearranging.

Look for transitions and key words that give hints as to where sentences should go.

What is a key word in sentence 5?

• placed where it is now

• placed after sentence 2

• placed after sentence 3

• DELETED from the paragraph

Multiple Choice

Don't give up! #3 is another HARD question.

It is a SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT question (our next grammar skill) We got this!

First find the subject in question #3

• no change (plural subject agrees w/ plural verb)

• to strengthen

• strengthens

• is strengthening

Multiple Choice

#4 Finally we get to a MEDIUM question. Don't sweat a comma question.

• no change

• memory but cognitive development,

• memory and cognitive development,

• memory, and cognitive development

Multiple Choice

#5 Consider where this sentence appears in the paragraph to pick the most appropriate transition. What choices can you eliminate to make the question easier? BTW: They called this a Hard question.

• no change

• In fact,

• However,

• Similarly,

Multiple Choice

#6 When considering whether to add info, TRUST YOUR GUT, & choose eliminate 1/2 of the time. Then, consider 1) Does it fit in the immediate context? 2) Would the added sentence serve an added purpose?

• Yes, . . . (eliminated)

• Yes, . . .(eliminated)

• No, b/c it details scientific findings that call into question the benefits of learning to play music

• No, because it blurs the paragraph's focus by introducing new information that is unaddressed elsewhere

Multiple Choice

#7 Last year in Eng 9 you might have learned Commonly Confused Words.

This question falls under that category. Trust your ear to narrow down your choices and substitute each word into the original sentence.

• no change

• than

• between

• to

Multiple Choice

#8 Something we'll want to add to our tool box this quarter is a skill called advanced transitions, where the writer repeats a key idea or word from the previous paragraph to start a new paragraph.

Hint: choose the answer that most resembles an advanced transition.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

Two tips for #9: 1) Concise is nice. 2) Keep the subject of the passage the subject of the sentence!

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

#10 We teach you apostrophes for a reason!

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

#11 What's the difference between effect vs. affect?

Generally speaking, effect = noun; affect = verb

After that, apply subject-verb agreement rules. We got this!

• A

• B

• C

• D