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 & avoid metaphors on this type of test

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

• 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. 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

#7This quarter we'll learn Commonly Confused Words (in fact, you can already study these on No Red Ink)!

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 repertoire 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