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PSAT 10 Reading & Writing Practice Test

SAT Practice Test · PSAT 10 · English

PSAT 10 Reading & Writing Practice Test

Question 1

Marine biologist Dr. Elena Santos has dedicated her career to studying bioluminescence in deep-sea organisms. Her recent work focuses on a particularly elusive species of jellyfish found at depths exceeding 3,000 meters. Unlike their shallow-water relatives, these jellyfish emit light in complex patterns that scientists believe may serve as a form of communication. Dr. Santos notes that capturing footage of these creatures requires specialized equipment capable of withstanding extreme pressure while minimizing light pollution that could disturb the organisms' natural behavior. Her team's discoveries have revealed that bioluminescent displays vary significantly based on environmental factors such as water temperature and the presence of potential predators.
As used in the text, "elusive" most nearly means
A. difficult to locate or observe
B. dangerous to approach
C. valuable for research purposes
D. mysterious in origin

Question 2

In her 1899 novel The Awakening, Kate Chopin explores themes of individual identity and social constraint through protagonist Edna Pontellier. The narrative follows Edna's growing awareness of the limitations placed on women in late nineteenth-century Louisiana society. Chopin employs symbolism throughout the text—particularly imagery of the sea and birds—to represent both freedom and entrapment. Critics have noted that Chopin's frank treatment of female desire and independence was considered scandalous at the time of publication, leading to the novel being largely ignored until feminist scholars rediscovered it in the 1960s. Today, The Awakening is recognized as a pioneering work in American literature.
As used in the text, "frank" most nearly means
A. honest but diplomatic
B. critical of society
C. experimental in form
D. candid and unreserved

Question 3

Archaeologist Michael Torres recently published findings that challenge conventional timelines of agricultural development in South America. His excavation in northern Peru uncovered evidence of sophisticated irrigation systems dating to 3500 BCE—nearly a millennium earlier than previously documented. The discovery includes remnants of canals, reservoirs, and drainage networks that suggest complex engineering knowledge. Torres argues that these findings indicate early Andean societies possessed advanced agricultural technology that enabled them to support larger populations than historians had estimated. This technological sophistication may explain how these communities eventually developed into the complex civilizations that flourished in the region centuries later.
What is the main purpose of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
A. To introduce a contradiction that Torres will resolve later in his research
B. To raise questions about the reliability of previous archaeological dating methods
C. To describe the methodology Torres used in his excavation
D. To present the key evidence that supports Torres's argument about earlier agricultural development

Question 4

Text 1: Educational psychologist Dr. Rachel Kim argues that traditional homework assignments often fail to promote deep learning because they emphasize repetition over critical thinking. In her study of middle school students, Kim found that those who completed open-ended projects showed greater retention of concepts compared to students who completed worksheet-based homework. She advocates for reducing the quantity of homework while increasing its quality through assignments that require analysis and creativity.
Text 2: Researcher James Park examined the homework practices of high-achieving schools across twelve countries. His findings suggest that consistent, structured homework—even when routine—builds essential study habits and time management skills. Park observed that students who regularly completed traditional homework assignments demonstrated better academic performance in subsequent years, regardless of the assignment type. He concludes that the discipline developed through regular homework completion may be more valuable than the specific skills practiced.
Based on the texts, how would Park (Text 2) most likely respond to Kim's findings in Text 1?
A. He would point out that Kim's study and his own examine completely different educational outcomes
B. He would agree that homework quality matters more than the specific skills being practiced
C. He would argue that Kim underestimates the value of routine homework in developing beneficial long-term habits
D. He would suggest that both approaches are equally effective depending on student age

Question 5

The phenomenon of synesthesia—where stimulation of one sensory pathway triggers experiences in another—has fascinated neuroscientists for decades. People with grapheme-color synesthesia, for example, consistently perceive specific letters or numbers as having inherent colors; the letter A might always appear red, while 5 appears blue. Researchers using functional MRI scans have discovered that synesthetes show unusual neural connectivity between sensory regions of the brain. Interestingly, these cross-sensory connections appear to be stable throughout an individual's lifetime. Studies indicate that approximately 4% of the population experiences some form of synesthesia, though many people remain unaware they possess this trait until learning that others don't share their perceptual experiences. Scientists now believe synesthesia may result from genetic factors that influence how neural pathways develop during childhood.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
A. Many people with synesthesia don't realize their perception differs from others until they learn about the condition
B. Grapheme-color synesthesia, where letters have consistent colors, occurs in people with specific colors assigned to each letter
C. Synesthesia is a neurological condition involving cross-sensory experiences that affects a small but significant portion of the population
D. Genetic factors have been proven to cause the unusual neural connectivity observed in people with synesthesia

Question 6

Economist Dr. Lisa Chen investigated the relationship between minimum wage increases and small business employment in urban areas. Her analysis of employment data from 2015 to 2022 across fifteen major cities yielded unexpected results. Chen found that cities implementing gradual minimum wage increases (spread over three or more years) showed stable or growing small business employment rates. In contrast, cities implementing immediate, substantial wage increases experienced a temporary decline in small business employment that recovered within 18-24 months. Chen notes that gradual implementation allowed businesses time to adjust pricing and operational strategies, while immediate increases forced rapid adaptations that sometimes included workforce reductions.
Based on the text, what can most reasonably be inferred about small businesses' response to minimum wage policy?
A. Immediate wage increases cause permanent harm to small business employment in urban areas
B. The timeline of implementation may be more critical than the final wage level in determining employment outcomes
C. Higher minimum wages inevitably reduce employment opportunities regardless of implementation method
D. Small businesses in urban areas cannot sustain employment growth when minimum wages increase

Question 7

Literary scholar Professor David Martinez examined publication patterns in nineteenth-century American poetry to test the hypothesis that economic depressions correlate with increased poetic output. Martinez analyzed publication records from 1820 to 1900, identifying three major economic downturns during this period. Which finding from Martinez's records, if true, would most directly support his hypothesis?
Which finding from Martinez's records, if true, would most directly support his hypothesis?
A. "Poetry journal publications increased by 35-40% during each of the three depression periods compared to the preceding five-year averages."
B. "During economic depressions, publishers reduced the number of poetry titles released while increasing print runs of popular novels."
C. "The highest poetry publication rates occurred in the five years immediately following each depression's end."
D. "The total number of published poetry collections grew steadily from 1820 to 1900, regardless of economic conditions."

Question 8

Paleontologist Dr. Sarah Williams studied fossilized pollen samples from sediment layers in northwestern Canada to reconstruct climate patterns from 12,000 years ago. Her analysis revealed that certain tree species migrated northward much more rapidly than current climate models predicted was possible. The pollen record shows that spruce forests, which had been confined to areas 500 kilometers south, established themselves in the studied region within approximately 200 years—a migration rate of 2.5 kilometers per year. This rate significantly exceeds the 0.5 kilometers per year that existing models suggest trees can naturally disperse through seed distribution alone. Williams proposes that early human populations in the region may have intentionally transplanted these valuable trees, though she acknowledges that other mechanisms, such as rapid dispersal by birds, might also explain the accelerated migration.
A researcher examining climate change impacts on plant species distribution presented data showing that spruce populations in Alaska are currently migrating northward at rates between 0.3 and 0.7 kilometers per year in response to warming temperatures. Based on Williams's findings, how would this information relate to her conclusions?
A. It would strengthen Williams's conclusion by confirming that natural tree migration rates are much slower than the ancient pattern she observed
B. It would weaken Williams's argument by showing that trees can naturally migrate at rates approaching what she observed
C. It would be irrelevant to Williams's conclusions since modern climate conditions differ from those 12,000 years ago
D. It would contradict Williams's claim that the ancient migration rate was unusually rapid

Question 9

The ancient Library of Alexandria, established in the third century BCE, represented humanity's first major attempt to collect and preserve universal knowledge. Scholars estimate that the library housed between 400,000 and 700,000 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ its destruction, which likely occurred gradually through multiple incidents rather than in a single catastrophic fire, represents one of history's great intellectual losses.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. scrolls—
B. scrolls, and
C. scrolls;
D. scrolls, so

Question 10

Neuroscientist Dr. Amanda Foster has spent fifteen years researching the neural mechanisms underlying memory formation. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ groundbreaking studies on hippocampal function have revealed that certain proteins play a critical role in converting short-term memories into long-term storage, a process known as memory consolidation.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Their
B. She's
C. Them
D. Her

Question 11

The migration patterns of monarch butterflies have puzzled scientists for decades. Each fall, millions of these insects travel from Canada and the United States to specific forests in central ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ where they overwinter before returning north in spring, following routes their ancestors took despite never having made the journey themselves.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Mexico:
B. Mexico;
C. Mexico
D. Mexico,

Question 12

The murals created by Diego Rivera during the 1930s captured the complexity of Mexican history and culture with unprecedented artistic power. Rivera's technique involved applying pigment to wet plaster, a method called fresco, ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ vibrant colors that have remained remarkably preserved for nearly a century.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. that allow him to achieve
B. which allowed him to achieve
C. allowing him to achieve
D. a method allowing him for achieving

Question 13

Urban planners have long debated the environmental impact of high-density housing developments. Recent studies show that residents of apartment buildings in city centers typically have smaller carbon footprints than suburban homeowners. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ the concentration of people in urban areas can strain local infrastructure and increase demand for public services like transportation and waste management.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. However,
B. Furthermore,
C. Therefore,
D. For instance,

Question 14

Renewable energy sources have become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels over the past decade. Solar panel efficiency has improved dramatically while manufacturing costs have fallen by more than 80%. Wind turbine technology has similarly advanced, with modern designs generating electricity at prices comparable to coal-fired power plants. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ many utility companies are now choosing to invest in renewable infrastructure rather than maintaining aging fossil fuel facilities.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. Nevertheless,
B. As a result,
C. In comparison,
D. On the other hand,

Question 15

While researching the history of women in aviation, a student has taken the following notes:
• Bessie Coleman became the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license in 1921. • Coleman had to travel to France for flight training because American flight schools refused to admit her based on her race and gender. • After earning her license, Coleman performed in airshows across the United States, becoming known as "Queen Bess." • She refused to perform at venues that segregated audiences or prohibited African Americans from attending. • Coleman died in a plane accident in 1926 while practicing for an airshow performance. • Today, Coleman is recognized as a pioneer who challenged both racial and gender barriers in aviation.
The student wants to emphasize Coleman's role as an advocate for civil rights. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A. Despite facing discrimination that forced her to train abroad, Coleman used her fame as an airshow performer to challenge segregation by refusing to perform at venues that excluded African American audiences.
B. Bessie Coleman died in a plane accident in 1926, but she is remembered today as a pioneer who challenged racial and gender barriers in aviation.
C. After earning her pilot's license in France, Bessie Coleman returned to the United States and became a famous airshow performer known as "Queen Bess."
D. Bessie Coleman, who had to travel to France because American schools wouldn't admit her, became the first African American woman licensed pilot in 1921.

PSAT 10 Reading & Writing Practice Test

Question 1

Marine biologists studying coral reef ecosystems have documented an unexpected phenomenon: some coral species actively recruit fish species that provide beneficial services. These corals release chemical signals that attract specific damselfish, which then defend the coral from predatory crown-of-thorns starfish. In exchange, the fish receive shelter within the coral's branches. This relationship demonstrates sophisticated chemical communication, as the corals can adjust signal intensity based on predation pressure, essentially advertising for protection when threats increase and conserving energy when danger subsides.
As used in the text, what does the word 'recruit' most nearly mean?
A. force into service
B. randomly encounter by chance
C. hire for formal employment
D. attract for a specific purpose

Question 2

The invention of the printing press in the 1450s fundamentally altered the distribution of knowledge across Europe. Before Johannes Gutenberg's innovation, books required months of painstaking hand-copying by scribes, limiting literacy to wealthy elites and clergy. The press reduced production time from months to days and slashed costs dramatically—a Bible that previously cost a year's wages became affordable to merchants and professionals. Within fifty years, over twenty million books circulated throughout Europe, fostering literacy rates that tripled in many regions and enabling the rapid spread of Renaissance ideas and Reformation theology.
As used in the text, what does the word 'altered' most nearly mean?
A. damaged beyond repair
B. transformed completely
C. slightly adjusted the details of
D. corrected previous mistakes in

Question 3

Psychologist Carol Dweck's research on mindsets has influenced educational practices worldwide. Her studies distinguish between fixed mindset—the belief that intelligence is static—and growth mindset—the belief that abilities can develop through effort. In one landmark experiment, Dweck praised some students for intelligence ('You're so smart') and others for effort ('You worked really hard'). Those praised for effort subsequently chose more challenging tasks and persisted longer when facing difficulties, while those praised for intelligence avoided challenges that might reveal limitations. This finding has led many educators to emphasize process over inherent ability when providing feedback.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It provides details about the research design that produced the findings discussed subsequently.
B. It summarizes the conclusions drawn from multiple years of research.
C. It presents two contrasting theories that the research aimed to reconcile.
D. It challenges a widely accepted educational practice that Dweck's research overturned.

Question 4

Text 1: Art historian Elena Rodriguez argues that the Renaissance portrait evolved primarily as a tool of political propaganda. Wealthy patrons commissioned idealized images emphasizing power, virtue, and divine favor. Rodriguez notes that few portraits from this era depict subjects with physical imperfections or in vulnerable poses, suggesting artists prioritized flattering representation over realistic documentation.
Text 2: Recent technical analysis of Renaissance portraits reveals unexpected complexity beneath visible surfaces. X-ray imaging shows that artists like Raphael made numerous adjustments to facial features and expressions during painting, sometimes softening critical or unflattering elements. Art conservator James Chen suggests these revisions indicate artists balanced patron expectations with their own aesthetic judgments, negotiating between idealization and authentic observation.
Based on the texts, how would Chen (Text 2) most likely respond to Rodriguez's argument in Text 1?
A. With partial agreement, noting that while idealization occurred, artists' revisions reveal more complex motivations than pure propaganda.
B. With strong disagreement, since technical evidence contradicts the claim that portraits were primarily propagandistic.
C. With support, providing additional technical evidence for propaganda purposes during a different historical period.
D. With skepticism, arguing that Rodriguez overemphasizes political motivations while ignoring aesthetic considerations entirely.

Question 5

Researchers studying language acquisition have discovered that bilingual children develop cognitive advantages that extend beyond linguistic skills. Neuroscientist Ellen Bialystok's team found that children who regularly use two languages demonstrate superior executive function—the mental processes governing attention, problem-solving, and task-switching. Brain imaging reveals enhanced connectivity in regions controlling these processes. Interestingly, this advantage appears regardless of which languages are learned or when acquisition begins, suggesting the cognitive benefit stems from managing multiple linguistic systems rather than from specific language characteristics. These findings challenge earlier assumptions that bilingualism might confuse young learners or delay development.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
A. Ellen Bialystok's brain imaging research has revolutionized our understanding of childhood language development.
B. Bilingual children develop enhanced executive function through managing multiple linguistic systems, regardless of specific languages learned.
C. Brain regions controlling attention and problem-solving show enhanced connectivity in bilingual individuals.
D. Early research incorrectly suggested that learning multiple languages simultaneously could delay children's cognitive development.

Question 6

Historian Michael Patterson argues that the construction of the transcontinental railroad primarily benefited corporate investors rather than ordinary Americans. He claims that while the railroad enabled faster cross-country travel, it concentrated wealth among a small group of industrialists who received massive government subsidies and land grants. Patterson suggests that these resources could have been better invested in local infrastructure serving broader populations.
Which quotation from a historical analysis would most directly support Patterson's argument?
A. "Railroad construction created thousands of jobs and stimulated economic growth in previously isolated regions throughout the West."
B. "The transcontinental railroad reduced travel time from months to days, democratizing westward migration for families of modest means."
C. "Environmental historians now recognize that railroad expansion devastated Native American lands and buffalo populations."
D. "Federal land grants totaling ninety million acres went to just six railroad companies, whose shareholders reaped enormous profits while workers received minimal wages."

Question 7

A sociologist studying urban gardening programs collected data on participation rates and reported benefits. The findings showed:
Program Type | Participants | Reported Improved Mental Health | Reported Increased Vegetable Consumption Community Gardens (shared plots) | 240 | 78% | 65% School Gardens (educational) | 180 | 62% | 71% Rooftop Gardens (apartment buildings) | 95 | 81% | 58% Therapeutic Gardens (hospitals) | 130 | 89% | 52%
Based on the data, which statement is most strongly supported?
A. School Gardens showed the highest percentage of participants reporting increased vegetable consumption among all program types.
B. Community Gardens outperformed all other programs in both mental health improvement and vegetable consumption increases.
C. Programs with more participants consistently showed higher percentages of reported mental health benefits.
D. Therapeutic Gardens had the highest percentage of participants reporting improved mental health but the lowest percentage reporting increased vegetable consumption.

Question 8

Ecologists have long debated whether ecosystems naturally tend toward equilibrium or exist in constant flux. Recent research in Yellowstone National Park following wolf reintroduction provides compelling evidence for the latter view. When wolves returned in 1995 after seventy-year absence, their predation altered elk behavior dramatically—elk avoided river valleys where they were vulnerable to attack. This behavioral shift allowed willow and aspen trees to recover in those areas, which in turn stabilized riverbanks and changed stream courses. The transformation suggests that ecosystems continuously respond to changing conditions rather than settling into stable states, as the ripple effects of one species reintroduction cascaded through multiple interconnected systems.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text?
A. It provides a detailed example supporting the claim that ecosystems exist in constant flux rather than equilibrium.
B. It questions the reliability of research methods used by ecologists studying predator-prey relationships.
C. It synthesizes findings from multiple long-term studies conducted in various national parks.
D. It introduces a contrasting perspective on ecosystem stability that challenges the debate mentioned earlier.

Question 9

The ancient Roman aqueduct system represents one of history's greatest engineering achievements. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ transported millions of gallons of fresh water daily across hundreds of miles, using only gravity to maintain flow. Modern engineers marvel at the precision required to maintain the slight but consistent downward slope necessary for continuous water movement without pumps or mechanical assistance.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. This structure, built between 312 BCE and 226 CE,
B. These structures; built between 312 BCE and 226 CE,
C. These structures, built between 312 BCE and 226 CE
D. These structures, built between 312 BCE and 226 CE,

Question 10

Entomologist Maria Santos has dedicated her career to studying bioluminescent beetles. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ has revealed that these insects use light signals not only for mating but also for territory defense and predator deterrence. Her research challenges the long-held assumption that bioluminescence in beetles serves exclusively reproductive purposes.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Her research
B. Their research
C. Her researches has
D. Her research have

Question 11

The discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 captivated the world ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ archaeologist Howard Carter spent nearly a decade carefully cataloging over five thousand artifacts found within the burial chambers. The meticulous documentation process ensured that scholars could study the cultural and religious practices of ancient Egypt through these preserved objects.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. , and
B. subsequently
C. ; and
D. , subsequently

Question 12

Glaciologist Anya Petrov studies ice cores extracted from Greenland's ice sheet. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ contain trapped air bubbles that preserve atmospheric samples from thousands of years ago, allowing scientists to reconstruct historical climate patterns. This data has proven invaluable for understanding current climate change trends.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. These cylindrical samples, some reaching depths of two miles,
B. These cylindrical samples; some reaching depths of two miles,
C. This cylindrical sample, some reaching depths of two miles,
D. These cylindrical samples, some reaching depths of two miles

Question 13

The development of abstract expressionism in the 1940s marked a significant shift in American art. Artists like Jackson Pollock rejected traditional representational techniques, instead emphasizing spontaneous gesture and emotional intensity. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ this movement established New York City as the center of the international art world, displacing Paris's centuries-long dominance.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. For instance,
B. As a result,
C. Similarly,
D. In contrast,

Question 14

Astronomers have long wondered about the formation of planetary rings. Saturn's iconic rings contain particles ranging from dust-sized grains to house-sized boulders. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune also possess ring systems, though these are far less prominent and composed primarily of smaller particles. This widespread occurrence suggests that ring formation may be a common feature of giant planets.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. Furthermore,
B. Nevertheless,
C. Instead,
D. Therefore,

Question 15

While researching the impact of sleep deprivation on adolescent learning, a student has taken the following notes:
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 8-10 hours of sleep per night for teenagers. • A 2022 survey found that only 22% of U.S. high school students meet this recommendation. • Students sleeping fewer than 6 hours nightly showed 15% lower test scores compared to well-rested peers. • School districts that shifted start times from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM reported improved attendance and academic performance. • Adolescent circadian rhythms naturally shift toward later sleep and wake times during puberty.
The student wants to emphasize the mismatch between biological needs and current school schedules. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A. Students sleeping fewer than 6 hours nightly scored 15% lower on tests, while only 22% of high school students meet recommended sleep guidelines.
B. School districts that moved start times from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM reported better attendance, suggesting schedule changes can improve outcomes.
C. Although adolescent circadian rhythms naturally shift toward later sleep times during puberty, only 22% of high school students get the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep, with early school start times contributing to this deficiency.
D. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 8-10 hours of sleep for teenagers, but surveys show most high school students fall short of this goal.