PSAT Reading & Writing Practice Set 1

In organizational dynamics, the Hawthorne effect posits that individuals modify their behavior in response to being observed, emphasizing the influence of ______ on productivity.

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

Existentialist philosophy, with its intricate tapestry woven around human freedom, anguish, and responsibility, delves into the very essence of individual existence. It challenges the deterministic constructs of the universe, positing that humans craft their destiny through choices and actions. Sartre, in his magnum opus, expounded on the idea that “existence precedes essence,” underscoring that it’s not predefined doctrines but our actions that define our essence. Such a stance was revolutionary, pushing against age-old theological and philosophical beliefs, suggesting instead a radical autonomy of the human spirit.

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

Passage A:

In the annals of economic anthropology, the concept of “value relativism” suggests that the intrinsic worth of an asset is not universal but contingent upon socio-cultural mores and zeitgeist influences. This hypothesis postulates that economic determinants are not just the product of supply and demand but are deeply interwoven with cultural narratives and collective psychologies. For instance, during the tulip mania of the 17th century, a single tulip bulb’s value skyrocketed not merely because of market dynamics but due to the cultural prestige and symbolic meanings associated with it.

Passage B:

Epistemological inquiries into art valuation often lead to a perplexing conundrum. Take, for instance, the Postmodern art movement. The price tags associated with seemingly random splashes of paint or an assemblage of everyday objects can be confounding to the layperson. However, to deduce that their value is solely anchored in aesthetic appreciation would be reductive. Much like rare commodities, art derives its value from socio-historical contexts, intertwined narratives, and the collective subconscious that attributes worth beyond the tangible.

Based on the content and themes of Passage A and Passage B, which of the following statements would the author of Passage A most likely agree with regarding the author of Passage B’s perspective?

The ineluctable movement of financial markets, driven by the interplay of myriad factors, is a conundrum that has baffled even the most sagacious of analysts. While some posit that market fluctuations are an inevitable result of global socio-political dynamics, others aver that they stem from a deeper, almost labyrinthine maze of human psychology. This psychological undercurrent, although inscrutable to the untrained eye, plays a pivotal role in shaping the intricacies of market mechanics. Philosophers of old, from Plato to Nietzsche, have opined on the nature of human desires and their profound impact on societal structures. Transposing these philosophical musings to the contemporary financial domain yields fascinating insights, revealing that the age-old quest to decipher human behavior continues to mold the very foundation of economic landscapes.

Based on the provided passage, what can be inferred about the primary influence on financial markets?

In the corridors of existential philosophy, the notion of “absurdism” has often been juxtaposed against the perennial human pursuit of meaning. Absurdism posits that while humans incessantly search for inherent value and significance in life, the universe remains indifferent, perhaps even hostile to such endeavors. This chasm between man’s quest and the universe’s inscrutability often culminates in an unsettling cognitive dissonance. Renowned thinkers have suggested that this divergence can only be reconciled through embracing the absurd, where one acknowledges the futility of his search yet continues it regardless. Such a dialectical approach, however, has been a subject of contention among various philosophical circles, leading to myriad interpretations and discourses.

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

In the realm of finance, the Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) stands as a testament to the rigorous mathematical modeling applied to asset allocation and diversification. The central tenet of MPT pivots on the argument that an investor can construct an optimal portfolio through diversification, which mitigates unsystematic risk without compromising expected returns. Yet, the efficacy of MPT has often been scrutinized in the wake of financial crises that defy its foundational presumptions. One might contend that the intricate global financial interconnections and the tumultuous ebb and flow of market sentiment often derail the static nature of MPT models. Thus, while the MPT offers a sophisticated framework, its real-world applicability, especially in turbulent times, remains a subject of intense debate.

Which one of the following, if true about the financial markets, would invalidate the purpose of the Modern Portfolio Theory as discussed in the passage?

Within the economic conundrums that beset the modern global economy, the intricacies of “Quantum Financial Fluctuations” have posed a perplexing dilemma for even the most astute financiers. This principle, distanced from the rudimentary tenets of traditional economic models, investigates the volatile interplay between nanoeconomic forces and macroeconomic stability. It posits that infinitesimal economic interactions, often overlooked due to their minuscule scale, can have profound, cascading effects on the broader financial ecosystem. However, this does not merely extrapolate quantum physics into the realm of finance. Instead, it challenges the prevailing orthodoxy that prioritizes large-scale economic forces, hinting at a paradigm shift towards recognizing the immense potential of micro-level influences. Consequently, while the world grapples with overarching fiscal challenges, some pioneering thinkers believe that the key to stability might lie in understanding and harnessing these diminutive economic nuances.

What can be inferred about the perspective of some pioneering thinkers on “Quantum Financial Fluctuations”?

As the global market navigates the labyrinthine alleys of supply-chain disruptions, the macroeconomic paradigms are constantly in flux. Policymakers, in their bid to stabilize economies, ____ as a bulwark against unforeseen adversities.

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

Ruminating on the nuances of Romanticism, poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge delved into the heart of nature. The sonnet, in its 14-line brilliance, ____ is a manifestation of the myriad emotions that poets of this era sought to capture, encapsulating the very essence of life.

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

In contemporary societies, the interplay between tradition and modernity poses challenges. Cultural norms, ____ once static, now undergo transformation due to globalization’s relentless march.

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

In the midst of an extensive research project, an academic ascertained the following insights:

• Dimitri Volkov, a noted Russian author and literary theorist, often emphasizes the transient nature of memory in his works.
• His writings have captivated readers in Russia, the UK, France, and Australia, to name a few.
• A recurrent theme in his novels is the inscrutable interplay between history and individual memories.
• His magnum opus, “Shadows of the Past” (1997), beautifully weaves personal recollections with significant historical events of the 20th century.
• “Whispers of Time” (2001) intricately melds characters’ reminiscences with iconic moments from Russian history.

Given the intricate nature of Volkov’s works, which option would best elucidate the shared thematic exploration present in both novels?

In the course of a deep dive into modern artistry, an art critic discerned the following:

• Amara Bello, an avant-garde Nigerian painter, often juxtaposes traditional African motifs with contemporary art styles.
• Her artwork has adorned galleries in Nigeria, South Africa, the UK, and the USA.
• She persistently blurs the lines between tradition and modernity.
• “Tribal Reverie” (2018) by Bello, is an artistic masterpiece merging traditional patterns with abstract techniques.
• “Modern Ancestry” (2019) is a painting that bridges ancient tribal symbols with modern art forms.

Given Bello’s nuanced artistic expressions, which selection effectively elucidates the symbiotic thematic presence in both paintings?