PSAT 8/9 Reading

Which choice best describes a main theme of the passage?

• A) Courage emerges when close friends are near.

• B) Trust is the basis upon which friendships are built.

• C) It is easier for one to choose what is comfortable instead of what the majority wants.

• D) Facing one’s fears leads to new and meaningful experiences.

The author includes the conversation in lines 1-6 (“Finally... hangs up”) most likely to

• A) create a tense mood by showing that Gol-Maryam’s decisions are in contrast to her father’s advice.

• B) set the scene by revealing that Gol-Maryam is not comfortable with what she is about to do.

• C) lay a foundation for the plot by explaining why Gol-Maryam is uneasy around other people.

• D) introduce the setting to provide context for Gol-Maryam’s actions.

Which choice best supports the idea that Gol-Maryam “feels out of place” (line 17) when she is with her schoolmates?

• A) Lines 19-20 (“The jokes... her”)

• B) Lines 23-24 (“At the corner... stop”)

• C) Lines 25-27 (“The cousins... limping”)

• D) Lines 53-55 (“The Flowers... tree”)

According to the passage, The Flowers of Shiraz mock Gol-Maryam because

• A) she does not know how to swim.

• B) they resent and envy her.

• C) she does not have a bicycle.

• D) they dislike her family.

As used in line 37, “overtakes” most nearly means

• A) frightens.

• B) passes.

• C) surprises.

• D) tricks.

As used in line 38, “eyes wide with fear” most strongly suggests that Gol-Maryam

• A) is worried about getting in trouble with her father.

• B) has a look of excitement on her face.

• C) can see danger that others cannot.

• D) is startled and anxious about what is happening.

At the end of the passage, it can reasonably be inferred that the narrator

• A) is surprised by Gol-Maryam’s playfulness.

• B) is angry that Gol-Maryam is splashing Parviz.

• C) realizes that Gol-Maryam was only pretending to be afraid.

• D) feels bad that the girls had misjudged Gol-Maryam’s character.

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• A) Line 31 (“We put... him”)

• B) Lines 42-43 (“The Flowers... smirking”)

• C) Line 56 (“I think... no”)

• D) Lines 57-58 (“She hops... laughs”)