PSAT Reading and Math Practice

In the ancient city of Athens, democracy flourished as citizens engaged in political discourse at the agora. Here, they debated policies and laws that shaped their society. The participation of ordinary people in governance was revolutionary, influencing modern democratic systems around the world.

What is the primary focus of the passage?

• The role of the agora in Athenian culture

• The impact of Athenian democracy on modern systems

• The daily life of ancient Athenians

• The importance of political debate in society

Answer explanation

The passage highlights how Athenian democracy, characterized by citizen participation in governance, has significantly influenced modern democratic systems, making this the primary focus.

The concept of habitat destruction refers to the process by which natural habitats are altered or eliminated, often due to human activity. This phenomenon poses a severe threat to biodiversity, as many species lose their homes and are unable to survive. Conservation efforts are critical to preserving these ecosystems.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• Habitat destruction is beneficial to biodiversity

• Conservation efforts are unnecessary

• Habitat destruction threatens biodiversity

• Human activity has no impact on natural habitats

Answer explanation

The passage highlights that habitat destruction, primarily caused by human activity, poses a significant threat to biodiversity as it leads to the loss of homes for many species. Thus, the main idea is that habitat destruction threatens biodiversity.

Emily Dickinson’s poetry often explores themes of nature, death, and immortality. Despite her reclusive lifestyle, her work reflects a deep engagement with the world around her. Critics admire her unique style, which combines vivid imagery with profound philosophical questions.

How does the passage characterize Emily Dickinson’s poetry?

• As simplistic and unoriginal

• As reflective of her reclusive lifestyle

• As focused solely on nature

• As lacking philosophical depth

Answer explanation

The passage highlights Dickinson's reclusive lifestyle, indicating that her poetry, while deeply engaged with nature and philosophical themes, reflects her personal experiences and isolation.

The scientific method is a systematic approach to research that involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions. This process allows scientists to test their ideas and gather evidence, leading to advancements in knowledge and technology.

What does the passage primarily describe?

• The history of scientific discoveries

• The steps of the scientific method

• The importance of technology in science

• The role of observations in research

Answer explanation

The passage primarily describes the steps of the scientific method, detailing the process of making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

The Renaissance marked a significant cultural rebirth in Europe, characterized by advancements in art, literature, and science. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo pushed the boundaries of creativity, emphasizing realism and humanism. This period laid the groundwork for modern Western culture.

Which statement best summarizes the significance of the Renaissance?

• It was a time of political upheaval in Europe.

• It introduced new forms of government.

• It fostered advancements in various cultural fields.

• It was primarily focused on technological innovation.

Answer explanation

The Renaissance was a pivotal era that fostered advancements in art, literature, and science, highlighting creativity and humanism, making the statement about cultural fields the best summary of its significance.

In "Pride and Prejudice," Jane Austen employs irony to critique social class and marriage norms in 19th-century England. The protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, navigates societal pressures while asserting her independence, ultimately challenging conventions that restrict women's choices.

What is a central theme in the passage?

• The importance of wealth in marriage

• The critique of social class and marriage norms

• The portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet as a villain

• The unchanging nature of society

Answer explanation

The passage highlights how Jane Austen critiques social class and marriage norms through Elizabeth Bennet's journey, making 'the critique of social class and marriage norms' the central theme.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert sunlight into energy. Using chlorophyll, plants absorb light and transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is vital for sustaining life on Earth, as it forms the foundation of the food chain.

What does the passage explain about photosynthesis?

• Its role in the food chain

• Its discovery in the 20th century

• Its effects on climate change

• Its importance for animal life

Answer explanation

The passage explains that photosynthesis is crucial for sustaining life on Earth as it forms the foundation of the food chain, highlighting its role in providing energy for plants, which in turn support animal life.

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement during the 1920s that celebrated Black culture through art, music, and literature. Figures like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston emerged, influencing generations and fostering pride in African American identity.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• The Harlem Renaissance was a brief period of art.

• The movement focused solely on music.

• The Harlem Renaissance celebrated Black culture.

• It had little impact on future generations.

Answer explanation

The main idea of the passage is that the Harlem Renaissance celebrated Black culture through various forms of art, music, and literature, highlighting its significance and impact on African American identity.

In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the protagonist is driven by ambition and the prophecy of the witches, leading to his eventual downfall. The play explores themes of power, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, illustrating the dark side of human nature.

What theme does the passage highlight in "Macbeth"?

• The inevitability of fate

• The dangers of ambition

• The value of friendship

• The importance of loyalty

Answer explanation

The passage highlights the dangers of ambition, as Macbeth's unchecked desire for power, fueled by the witches' prophecy, leads to his guilt and eventual downfall, illustrating the destructive nature of such ambition.

The Great Wall of China, built over several dynasties, served as a defense against invasions. Spanning thousands of miles, it is a monumental feat of engineering. Today, it stands not only as a historical structure but also as a symbol of national pride.

What is the primary purpose of the passage?

• To describe the Great Wall’s architectural features

• To discuss its historical significance and symbolism

• To criticize its construction methods

• To compare it with other ancient structures

Answer explanation

The passage highlights the Great Wall's role as a defense mechanism and its significance as a symbol of national pride, making the correct choice about discussing its historical significance and symbolism.