PSAT Reading & Writing Practice Test 1 (Module 1)

In Hegel’s dialectic process, the dynamic flow of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis leads to an intricate dance of ______. The seamless integration of opposing forces into a harmonious resolution epitomizes the spirit of his philosophical assertions.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

The surrealist movement in art sought to bridge the chasm between dream and reality, creating an ethereal aesthetic that questions the bounds of ______.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Postmodernist thought in sociology offers a provocative lens, challenging accepted truths. Emphasizing fluidity, this perspective suggests that societal narratives are neither fixed nor universal, but a mosaic of interpretive ______.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

The Global Financial Crisis of 2008, rooted in opaque mortgage securities and excessive risk-taking, sent shockwaves through international economies. Governments worldwide grappled with mounting debts, plummeting asset values, and escalating unemployment rates. Central banks, in an unprecedented move, slashed interest rates and injected massive liquidity into their respective economies, endeavoring to stave off deep recessions. Despite these aggressive measures, the reverberations of the crisis lingered, reshaping the global economic landscape and prompting a revaluation of financial regulation and oversight mechanisms.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

In the pantheon of Baroque literature, one can trace a vivid oscillation between ornate articulation and profound profundity. Amidst this, Cervantes’ Don Quixote emerges, embodying a sardonic commentary on chivalric romances, while simultaneously offering an ode to the indomitable human spirit. This literature, seeped in intricate allegory, bore witness to the tumultuous socio-political landscape of 17th-century Europe, capturing both its grandeur and its grotesque underbelly.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

Passage A:

In the realm of financial forensics, the term “temporal displacement of capital” refers to the deliberate shifting of assets from one temporal financial horizon to another, often with the ulterior motive of obfuscating true asset value or evading fiduciary obligations. This displacement, while sub rosa, is emblematic of broader systemic issues in the global finance industry, where opaque strategies and intricate financial instruments are frequently employed to navigate around regulatory oversight.

Passage B:

In Renaissance literature, the motif of “time’s deceit” frequently emerges, encapsulating the human angst concerning the transitory nature of life and the elusiveness of tangible assets. Poets like John Donne elucidated on the theme, suggesting that just as time can erode the tangible, it can also distort the intangible, creating a mirage of value where none might exist. Such literary expositions can be juxtaposed against modern financial stratagems, wherein the manipulation of temporal factors can create illusory wealth or mask pecuniary deficits.

Based on the two passages, which of the following can be inferred regarding the relationship between temporal manipulations in finance and its representation in literature?

Passage A:

In the intricate tapestry of socio-economic frameworks, neo-mercantilism posits that a nation’s economic hegemony can be sustained through strategic export maximization and import minimization. This philosophy underscores the primacy of a positive trade balance as the linchpin of national prosperity. By constricting imports and championing domestic industries, proponents believe that wealth gets trapped within borders, strengthening national reserves and buttressing against external economic vagaries.

Passage B:

Globalization, in its myriad manifestations, promotes the idea of interdependence and fluid exchange of goods, services, and cultural ideologies. At the core of this paradigm lies the belief that the expansion of trade networks, even at the expense of a negative trade balance, fosters innovation and cultural assimilation. Such interconnectedness, while occasionally leading to economic imbalances, is deemed necessary for the holistic growth of global societies and the fostering of diplomatic ties.

Based on the perspectives presented in Passage A and Passage B, what would the author of Passage A most likely disagree with regarding the author of Passage B’s perspective?

Passage A:

In the realm of finance, the pertinacious pursuit of knowledge and acumen stands paramount. The mercurial nature of global markets demands not just an astute understanding of quantitative analytics but a deep comprehension of socio-political dynamics. It is often argued that financial wizards, with their prescience, can predict market movements; yet, the truth remains that these shifts are undergirded by an intricate tapestry of human behavior and historical precedence.

Passage B:

Economic theories, while grounded in mathematical models and empirical data, should never lose sight of the human element. The caprices of human desires and decisions, influenced by myriad societal factors, often shape the ebb and flow of economies. Financial models, in isolation, can be reductionist; they risk obfuscating the rich nuances of human interplay that invariably influence economic outcomes.

Based on the perspectives provided in Passage A and Passage B, on which point would the author of Passage A most likely agree with the author of Passage B?

In the labyrinthine corridors of modern philosophy, an ever-pervasive dialectic tension emerges between the doctrines of epistemological relativism and foundational absolutism. On one end, the relativists postulate that knowledge is a mercurial entity, perpetually shifting in response to the sociocultural milieu in which it is engendered. No one truth, they argue, can stand unassailable in the face of diverse interpretations and experiential variances. Oppositely, the absolutists assert an immutable foundation for knowledge, contending that irrespective of shifting societal paradigms, certain truths remain sacrosanct and undisputed. This schism, echoing the debates of ancient Hellenistic thinkers, underscores the age-old human quest to delineate the boundaries of truth and understanding.

Based on the passage, which of the following best encapsulates the primary point of contention in modern philosophical debates?

The intricacies of phenomenology, when extrapolated to the existential quandaries within literature, yield a tapestry of allegorical revelations. The conundrum of selfhood in post-modern narrative arcs, underscored by the ephemeral nature of literary paradigms, challenges the status quo of metafictional realms. One cannot simply dismiss the tumultuous journey of the protagonist as mere storytelling; it becomes emblematic of the ontological struggle between existentialism and absurdist perspectives. It’s this dichotomous tension that has given rise to novels of the ilk of Kafkaesque surrealism, and yet, despite their ostensible obscurantism, they resonate profoundly with the discerning reader’s intrinsic search for meaning amidst narrative ambiguity.

What can be inferred about post-modern narrative arcs from the passage?

In the intricate realm of postmodern literary theory, the concept of “intertextuality” insinuates an interconnected web of textual relationships, suggesting that no singular text stands in isolation. Every piece of literature is, in essence, an amalgamation of a multitude of previous texts, either through direct citation or subtle thematic echoes. This complex interplay of texts within a text has been proposed to challenge the traditional idea of authorship, contending that authors don’t birth ideas in a vacuum but are deeply influenced by a vast reservoir of preceding works. While some purists may argue for the originality of literary works, scholars of postmodernism argue that the boundaries between texts are porous, if not entirely nebulous.

Which one of the following, if true, would strengthen the author’s claims in the passage?

The epistemological discourse in contemporary sociology interrogates the axiomatic postulates that undergird society’s structural edifices. Traditional paradigms posit that societal norms emerge organically from collective consciousness, yet recent scholars assert the reverse: that societal structures, in their inherent rigidity, engender these very norms. This intricate dance between structure and agency poses a conundrum. While individuals wield the agency to challenge or uphold societal expectations, they often remain ensnared within the very structures they seek to transcend. This dynamic interplay has further complicated our understanding of societal evolution, questioning the role of external influences, like technology or geopolitical shifts, in either reinforcing or disrupting established norms.

Which one of the following statements, if false, would be the most direct extension of the arguments in the passage?

In the annals of economic philosophy, the “Equilibrium Disparity Paradox” (EDP) is a construct that defies conventional wisdom about market equilibrium. EDP posits that while markets invariably seek equilibrium, it is the inherent disparities and imbalances within them that fuel economic growth and innovation. This paradoxical nature stems from the contention that it is not the balance, but the friction caused by these disparities, that engenders entrepreneurial endeavors and spurs technological advancements. Such a notion, though intricate, challenges the age-old belief of markets naturally aligning resources efficiently. Contrarily, the EDP suggests that these misalignments, often viewed negatively, may be the very crucible in which economic dynamism is forged.

Which one of the following, if false about market imbalances, would invalidate the purpose of the Equilibrium Disparity Paradox as mentioned in the passage?

In the nuanced spheres of philosophical thought, the “Heliocentric Predicament” has been a subject of inexhaustible debates among renowned thinkers. This concept, far from representing the well-known astronomical model that places the sun at the center of our solar system, delves into the philosophical quandary surrounding man’s incessant need to perceive himself as the epicenter of existence. Such anthropocentrism, scholars argue, has shaped much of the sociocultural narratives we’ve fostered, often skewing our perception towards a human-centric cosmos. In a universe so vast, the insistence on human primacy can seem both audacious and myopic. However, it raises pertinent questions about our cognitive abilities, self-awareness, and the inevitable desire to find meaning in an otherwise indifferent cosmos.

What does the passage subtly indicate about the nature of the “Heliocentric Predicament”?

In the expansive sphere of philosophy, the esoteric doctrine of “Existential Transcendentalism” has recurrently piqued the intrigue of prominent intellectuals. This doctrine, antithetical to the more pedestrian precepts of orthodox philosophical realms, delves into the interstice between existential ennui and the desire for a transcendent purpose. It purports that the inherent struggle within sentient beings, perpetually tethered to their corporeal confines, is the incessant yearning to breach these boundaries in pursuit of a sublime ethereal existence. Yet, this is not an unadulterated endorsement of ethereal pursuits over existential concerns. Rather, it illuminates the dialectical tension, suggesting a constant tug-of-war between terrestrial desires and celestial aspirations. Consequently, while several philosophers endeavor to dismantle this paradox, a contingent believes that the oscillation between these dualities might very well be the quintessential nature of human existence.

What can be discerned about the primary contention of “Existential Transcendentalism”?

In the twilight era of the Renaissance, a burgeoning artistic milieu exemplified by polymaths saw the collision of varied art forms. Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” in its portrayal, ____ with an aura that permeates through the very canvas.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

During the tumultuous times of the French Revolution, Parisian streets resonated with cries for liberty. Marie Antoinette, while often vilified in popular narratives, ____ that paints her in a more complex light.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

In the volatile world of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin stands as a pioneering force. Its inception in 2009 by the enigmatic figure, Satoshi Nakamoto, revolutionized digital transactions. As financial experts scrutinize its trajectory, ____ its potential to reshape global financial dynamics.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

In the realm of Keynesian economics, the principle of aggregate demand plays a pivotal role. Fiscal policies, ____ advocated by Keynes himself, can stimulate economic growth during downturns, providing necessary boosts to demand.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Amidst the annals of the Byzantine Empire, the reign of Justinian stands out. His architectural feats, ____ the Hagia Sophia, are a testament to his grand vision.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

The Jungian archetypes, rooted in collective unconsciousness, pervade narratives worldwide. The hero’s journey, ____ depicted in literature and films, draws from these foundational themes.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Observing the notes provided, we can discern the following:

• Julianne Harlow is a celebrated American playwright and theater director.
• Her plays have been showcased in the US, Canada, and France.
• She frequently integrates elements of nature into her narratives.
• Her drama “Moonlit Shadows” (2015) integrated the imagery of a serene lakeside and nocturnal birds.
• Her theatrical piece “Whispers of the Wind” (2016) evoked the sensations of a bustling forest and rustling leaves.

A scholar seeks to draw a comparative analysis between the two dramas. Which option most adeptly employs the pertinent information from the notes to accomplish this?

During a meticulous study, an investigator gathered the following information:

• Claire Deschamps, an influential French economist, focuses on sustainable development and ecological models.
• Her revolutionary theories have been discussed in academic circles in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
• She consistently propounds the idea of incorporating environmental considerations into economic strategies.
• Her groundbreaking paper, “Eco-Enterprises: A Paradigm Shift” (2012), advocates for businesses to adopt sustainable operational measures.
• “The Green Economy” (2015) postulates a transformative economic model where ecological preservation is paramount.

Given the nuances of Deschamps’ work, which selection would best convey the shared ideational focus present in both papers?

During a scholarly analysis, a researcher compiled the following data:

• Elara Patel, a prodigious Indian mathematician, has persistently explored the boundaries of theoretical mathematics.
• Her revolutionary concepts have been lauded in academic gatherings across Asia, Europe, and North America.
• She is renowned for her work on fractals and the intersectionality of mathematics and art.
• “Patterns of Infinity” (2014), Patel’s research paper, delves deep into the recurring sequences found in natural formations.
• “Art in Equations” (2016) breaks down the mathematical precision underlying renowned artworks.

With the depth and breadth of Patel’s contributions in mind, which option best underscores the common intellectual trajectory in both papers?

French philosopher Roland Barthes is known for his poststructuralist insights. He contended that the reader, rather than the author, brings meaning to a text, emphasizing the significance of reception over creation. While this stance shifted the dynamics of literary interpretation, _____ Barthes never dismissed the importance of an author’s intent altogether, even though he made a case for the “Death of the Author.”

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

In the realm of psychology, Sigmund Freud posited the existence of the unconscious mind, a reservoir of suppressed desires and past experiences. His theories are foundational to psychoanalysis and have shaped therapeutic techniques for decades. In employing these methods, _____ Freud was acutely aware of the potential resistance and skepticism they might attract from the medical community.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

The confluence of arts and sociology offers a unique lens through which societal intricacies can be discerned. Paintings, sculptures, and performances often mirror the ethos of their era, revealing underlying cultural dynamics. As art embodies societal nuances, _____ it is an indispensable tool for sociologists to unravel historical contexts.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?