New PSAT Sampler Quiz
A calculator, pencil, and paper may be helpful.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Use the following paragraph to answer the question: What organizational method is used in the passage? In most cases little birds lay little eggs. The kiwi is an astonishing exception to this rule--it is a smallish bird that lays a big egg. The kiwi, a flightless bird found in New Zealand, weighs about four pounds, and its egg weighs, believe it or not, about one pound. That is one-fourth of the birdʹs body weight! If an ostrich laid an egg that was in the same proportion to the ostrich as the kiwi egg is to the kiwi, an ostrich egg would weigh a whopping seventy-five pounds instead of the usual three pounds.
- A.
Cause/effect
- B.
Description
- C.
Comparison/contrast
- D.
Chronological
Correct Answer
C. Comparison/contrastExplanation
The passage uses comparison/contrast as the organizational method. It compares the usual size of bird eggs with the exception of the kiwi bird laying a big egg. It also contrasts the weight of the kiwi bird and its egg with that of an ostrich, highlighting the significant difference in proportions.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Use the following paragraph to answer the question: What is the main subject of the passage? Huge beasts such as the dinosaur have never really become extinct. Mothra, a giant caterpillar who later becomes a moth, destroys Tokyo, and stars in the 1962 Japanese film named for him. Mothra is born, dies, and reborn regularly on classic movie channels. In Japan Mothra is one of the most popular films ever made. Mothra has survived the creation of more current scary creatures such as giant apes, extraterrestrial beings and swamp creatures. More than 30 years after his creation, Mothra still lives.
- A.
The difficulty of marketing good horror movies
- B.
The reasons that fads do not endure
- C.
Old models for creatures are still used because making new monsters is expensive
- D.
The lasting appeal of Mothra
Correct Answer
D. The lasting appeal of MothraExplanation
The passage discusses the lasting appeal of Mothra, a giant caterpillar who later becomes a moth and stars in a popular Japanese film. It mentions that Mothra is still regularly shown on classic movie channels and is one of the most popular films ever made in Japan. It also states that Mothra has survived the creation of more current scary creatures, indicating its enduring popularity. Therefore, the main subject of the passage is the lasting appeal of Mothra.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is x equal to in the following equation?x^2+2x-63
- A.
-9 and 7
- B.
9 and -7
- C.
-7 and 8
- D.
7 and -8
Correct Answer
A. -9 and 7Explanation
The given equation is a quadratic equation in the form of ax^2 + bx + c. By factoring the equation, we can find the values of x that make the equation equal to zero. In this case, the factors of -63 that add up to 2 are -9 and 7. Therefore, x is equal to -9 and 7.Rate this question:
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- 4.
If Catherine can solve 9 puzzles in 12 minutes, how many puzzles can she solve in 4 hours and 36 minutes?
- A.
184
- B.
198
- C.
207
- D.
217
Correct Answer
C. 207Explanation
Catherine can solve 9 puzzles in 12 minutes, which means she can solve 1 puzzle in 12/9 = 4/3 minutes. To find out how many puzzles she can solve in 4 hours and 36 minutes, we need to convert the time to minutes. 4 hours is equal to 4 * 60 = 240 minutes. Adding 36 minutes, the total time is 240 + 36 = 276 minutes. Dividing the total time by the time it takes to solve 1 puzzle, we get 276 / (4/3) = 207 puzzles. Therefore, Catherine can solve 207 puzzles in 4 hours and 36 minutes.Rate this question:
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- 5.
According to the following passage, what is a subtle body?Astral projection is synonymous with OBE -- that is, out-of-body experience. The person who experiences this phenomenon leaves his or her physical body and enters what is called a subtle body, a kind of semi-transparent double that may be either clothed or naked. In the astral form, OBE travelers can roam about the earth or even visit non-earthly realms, passing through objects and moving at the speed of thought.
- A.
The guide that shows the astral traveler other realms, earthly and non-earthly.
- B.
The illusion of a semi-transparent double that makes astral travel possible.
- C.
An exit in the physical body through which the soul of the astral traveler can escape.
- D.
The form in which the astral traveler makes his or her way to other places, earthly and non-earthly.
Correct Answer
D. The form in which the astral traveler makes his or her way to other places, earthly and non-earthly.Explanation
The passage describes a subtle body as the form in which the astral traveler makes his or her way to other places, earthly and non-earthly. It is a kind of semi-transparent double that allows the astral traveler to leave their physical body and explore different realms. This explanation aligns with the information provided in the passage.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The area of the circle is 625π. Find the diameter.
- A.
25
- B.
50
- C.
30
- D.
12.5
Correct Answer
B. 50Explanation
The formula for the area of a circle is A = πr^2, where A is the area and r is the radius. In this case, we are given that the area is 625π. By rearranging the formula, we can solve for the radius: r = √(A/π). Plugging in the given area, we get r = √(625π/π) = √625 = 25. The diameter of a circle is twice the radius, so the diameter is 2 * 25 = 50. Therefore, the correct answer is 50.Rate this question:
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