PSAT Reading & Writing Practice Set 4

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?

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?

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 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?

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?

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?

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 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”?

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 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?

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?

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?