PSAT/NMSQT Prep with Practice Tests - Princeton Review 2021
Words
PSAT/NMSQT prep
THE WORDS CHANGE, BUT THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME
In the last chapter, we looked at what to do when the PSAT is testing punctuation. In this chapter, we’re going to look at what to do when the PSAT is testing the parts of speech—mainly verbs, nouns, and pronouns.
Our basic strategy, however, has remained the same. As we saw in the previous two chapters, when faced with a PSAT Writing and Language question, you should always
Check what’s changing in the answer choices and use POE.
As you will notice, throughout this chapter, we talk a lot about certain parts of speech, but we don’t really use a lot of grammar terms. That’s because we find that on the PSAT, the best answers across a lot of different parts of speech can be summed up more succinctly with three basic terms: consistency, precision, and concision.
You don’t need to know a ton of grammar if you can remember these three basic rules.
CONSISTENCY: Correct answers are consistent with the rest of the sentence and the passage.
PRECISION: Correct answers are as precise as possible.
CONCISION: Barring other errors, correct answers are as concise as possible.
Let’s look at some examples of each.
CONSISTENCY
The purveyors of the philosophy known as Pragmatism 1 is part of a long and complex movement.
1. A)NO CHANGE
B)has been
C)are
D)being
Here’s How to Crack It
First, as always, check what’s changing in the answer choices. In this case, the forms of the verb to be change. Therefore, because the verbs change, we know that the question is testing verbs.
When you see verbs changing in the answer choices, the first thing to check is the subject of the sentence. Is the verb consistent with the subject? In this case, it’s not. The subject of this sentence is purveyors, which is plural. Therefore, (A) and (B) have to be eliminated, and (D) creates an incomplete idea. Only (C) can work in the context.
Thus, when you see verbs changing in the answer choices, check the subject first. Subjects and verbs need to be consistent with each other.
Let’s have a look at another.
Pragmatism has entered the popular language as a kind of synonym for “realistic” or “cynical,” but William James, perhaps the greatest of the American Pragmatists, 2 show that the movement can in fact be much more human and adaptable.
2. A)NO CHANGE
B)showed
C)will show
D)has shown
Here’s How to Crack It
Check what’s changing in the answer choices. The verbs are changing. Remember from the first question that whenever you see verbs changing, you want to make sure the verb is consistent with the subject. Because the subject of this part of the sentence is William James, a singular noun, you can eliminate (A), which isn’t consistent.
Then, because all the others are consistent with the subject, make sure they are consistent with the other verbs. It looks like the other main verb in this sentence is has been, so the underlined verb should be in this form, as it is in (D). Choices (B) and (C) could work in some contexts, but not this one!
As you can see, verbs are all about consistency.
When you see verbs changing in the answer choices, make sure those verbs are:
· CONSISTENT with their subjects
· CONSISTENT with other verbs in the sentence and surrounding sentences
Let’s try one that has a little bit of everything.
Reading James and the other theorists 3 reveal that as we make the big decisions in our lives, we think about those decisions in interestingly pragmatic ways.
3. A)NO CHANGE
B)reveal that we made the decisions in our lives, we have thought
C)reveals that as we make the big decisions in our lives, we could have been thinking
D)reveals that as we make the big decisions in our lives, we think
Here’s How to Crack It
Check what’s changing in the answer choices. It looks like lots of verbs!
Let’s start with the first. See which one, reveal or reveals, is consistent with the subject. That subject is Reading, which is singular, thus eliminating (A) and (B).
Then, we have to choose between think and could have been thinking. Since both of these are consistent with the subject we, let’s try to pick the one that is more consistent with other verbs. The only other verbs are reveals and make, both of which are in the present tense and don’t use the odd could have been form. Therefore, if we have to choose between (C) and (D), (D) is definitely better.
Consistency applies across the test. Let’s see another question in which the idea of Consistency might help us.
The early Pragmatists and 4 their follower suggest that the big decisions in life should be measured by their possible outcomes alone.
4. A)NO CHANGE
B)they’re followers suggest
C)their followers suggest
D)their follower suggests
Here’s How to Crack It
Check the answer choices first. It looks like pretty much everything is changing here: they’re/their, followers/follower, and suggest/suggests. Let’s look at the ones we have done already.
We can’t cite a good reason to use an apostrophe, so let’s get rid of (B). Then, the verb changes, so let’s check the subject. That subject is The early Pragmatists and their follower/followers, which is plural regardless of the word follower or followers. Keep the verb consistent with the plural subject and eliminate (D).
Then, we have to choose between follower and followers, two nouns. As with verbs, nouns are all about consistency. When you see nouns changing in the answer choices, make sure they are consistent with the other nouns in the sentence. In this case, we are talking about The early Pragmatists, all of them, who must have many followers as well, as (C) suggests.
Noun consistency can show up in other ways as well. Let’s have a look the next question.
The logical processes of the Pragmatists are much different from 5 other schools of thought.
5. A)NO CHANGE
B)other school’s
C)those of other schools
D)schools that are otherwise
Here’s How to Crack It
Look at what’s changing in the answer choices. It looks like the main change is between the nouns—schools and those. We saw in the last question that when nouns are changing in the answer choices, you want to make sure those nouns are consistent with other nouns in the sentence.
In this case, the nouns are being compared. The logical processes of the Pragmatists are being compared with the logical processes of people from other schools. Choices (A), (B), and (D) suggest that the processes are being compared with the schools, so both (B) and (D) are inconsistent. Only (C) is left.
SAT calls this concept “faulty comparison,” but you don’t have to know that name. Instead, just remember that nouns have to be consistent with other nouns. When the answer choices show a change in nouns, look for the sentence’s other nouns. They’ll provide the clue!
Pragmatism may be rooted in the German philosophers Immanuel Kant and Georg Friedrich Hegel, but it has found more popularity in Anglo-American communities than in 6 German or French ones.
6. A)NO CHANGE
B)German or French.
C)other ones.
D)European.
Here’s How to Crack It
Check what’s changing in the answer choices. There’s a fairly significant change between German or French and German or French ones. As in the previous sentence, let’s make sure this is consistent. The part of the sentence right before the underlined portion refers to Anglo-American communities, so we should make our part of the sentence consistent: German or French communities, not merely German or French or European, as in (B) and (D).
Then, we are down to (A) and (C). The difference here comes between the words German or French and other. While you do want to be concise when possible, you need to make sure first and foremost that we are being precise. Choice (A) is more precise than (C) in that it has a clearer relation to the Anglo-American communities with which it is being contrasted. Therefore, (A) is the best answer in that it is the most consistent with the rest of the sentence and the most precise of the remaining possible answers.
7 However, the term ’Pragmatism’ was first used by Americans—philosophers William James and Charles Sanders Peirce.
7. A)NO CHANGE
B)In fact,
C)Likewise,
D)Therefore,
Here’s How to Crack It
Look to see what’s changing in the answer choices: transition words. A transition connects the previous idea to the current sentence, so look back at the previous sentence (in question 6) to identify the relationship between the sentences. The previous sentence states that Pragmatism has German roots but has found more popularity in Anglo-American communities. This sentence states that the name of the philosophy was first used by Americans. This agrees with the previous idea that the field was popular in the United States, so the sentence needs a same-direction transition. Eliminate (A) because however is a contrasting transition, so it’s not consistent.
The other answers are all same-direction transitions, so consider how consistent they are with the relationship between the sentences. Choice (B) works because in fact can be used to reinforce a previous statement, which is the relationship between these sentences. Choice (C) can be eliminated because likewise is used to provide another point or example that is similar to what was previously stated, but this sentence isn’t a separate point—it’s just agreeing with and adding on to the previous statement. Eliminate (D) because therefore comes before a conclusion, and this sentence doesn’t draw a conclusion from previously stated evidence. Therefore, (see what we did there?) the correct answer is (B).
Consistency
· When the verbs are changing in the answer choices, make sure those verbs are consistent with their subjects and with other verbs.
· When the nouns are changing in the answer choices, make sure those nouns are consistent with the other nouns in the sentence and the paragraph.
· When transitions are changing in the answer choices, choose a transition that is consistent with the relationship between ideas before and after the underlined portion.
PRECISION
Consistency is probably the most important thing on the Writing and Language section of the PSAT, but precision is a close second. Once you’ve made sure that the underlined portion is consistent with the rest of the sentence, make sure that the underlined portion is as precise as possible. Perfect grammar is one thing, but it won’t matter much if no one knows what the writer is talking about!
Let’s hear that one more time.
Once you are sure that a word or phrase is consistent with the non-underlined portion of the sentence, make that word or phrase as precise as you can.
Although purporting to be systems of universal truth, 8 most are bound to their countries of origin.
8. A)NO CHANGE
B)most of them
C)most from philosophy
D)most philosophical systems
Here’s How to Crack It
Check what’s changing in the answer choices. The changes could summed up with the question “most what?” We have four different options, so let’s use our main guiding principles of consistency and precision.
Be as precise as possible. Choices (A) and (B) are very similar in that they say most, but they don’t specify what that most refers to. Even though these are grammatically consistent with the rest of the sentence, they’re not quite precise enough. Choice (C) is a little more precise, but it doesn’t actually clarify what most refers to. With these answers out of the way, we can see that (D) is the best of the bunch because it is the only one that is sufficiently precise.
As this question shows, pronouns can be a bit of a challenge. They can appear in otherwise grammatically correct sentences. Still, precision is key when you’re dealing with pronouns. Circle the potentially imprecise pronouns in each of the following sentences and rewrite each one.
1.Certain philosophers can be confusing, but it’s still an important endeavor.
2.Each of us uses some of this philosophical logic in their everyday life.
3.Whether Anglo-American or Continental models, it can all tell us something important about how to live.
4.A philosopher’s life cannot help but influence their work.
5.Self-help, psychology, economics are the cornerstones: it is each in a way part of the philosophical tradition.
Answers are on this page.
Precision can show up in some other ways as well. Have a look at this question.
The Continental school’s approach 9 has a tendency to problems to be far more abstract than the Anglo-American school’s.
9. A)NO CHANGE
B)has a tendency to be far more abstract to problems
C)to problems has a tendency to be far more abstract
D)has a tendency to be to problems far more abstract
Here’s How to Crack It
Check what’s changing in the answer choices. This step is crucial here because there are no obvious grammatical errors, so the answer choices are essential to figuring out exactly what the question is asking you to do.
In the end, the only difference among the answer choices is that the phrase to problems is in different places. In the end, we will just need to put that phrase in the most precise place, hopefully right next to whatever it is modifying.
In this case, we can choose from among approach, tendency, be, and abstract. Which of these would have the most precise need for the phrase to problems? Because problems seem to have something to do with how those problems are solved, it would go best with approach, creating the phrase approach to problems, particularly because the other combinations don’t make a lot of sense. What does it mean to be abstract to problems? Nothing! The best answer is (C).
Let’s have a look at some more of these modifiers. Rewrite each sentence below so the modifier makes the precise sense that it should.
1.Given all its logical twists and turns, many people struggle with philosophy.
2.Readers in different times tend to gravitate toward different philosophers and places.
3.Once cracked, you can find incredible guidance and solace in philosophy.
4.I first learned about Pragmatism from a professor in college at 20.
5.Boring and uninteresting, Jack didn’t care much for the work of William James.
Answers are on this page.
CONCISION
When it comes to consistency and precision, you may find yourself sometimes choosing an answer that uses more words but makes the meaning more clear. This is fine—sometimes more words are needed. However, when the additional words don’t make the meaning more precise, it’s best to leave them out. For example, if you were to ask for directions, which answer would you rather receive?
Turn right at Main Street and walk four blocks.
Or
Since this street, Elm Street, is facing in a northerly direction, and your destination is due northeast, go east when you arrive at the intersection of Elm and Main. Going east will entail making a right turn in quite that easterly direction. After having made this turn and arrived on the perpendicular street…
The first one. Obviously.
And that’s because concision is key when you want to communicate meaning. Really, as long as everything else is in order—as long as the grammar and punctuation are good to go—the best answer will almost always be the shortest.
Let’s see an example.
I find Pragmatism to be one of the most 10 interesting and fascinating of the philosophical schools.
10. A)NO CHANGE
B)interesting
C)fascinatingly interesting
D)interestingly fascinating
Here’s How to Crack It
Check what’s changing in the answer choices. In this case, the word interesting appears in all the answer choices, and in some it is paired with the word fascinating. Typically, if you see a list of answer choices wherein one answer is short and the rest mean the same thing but are longer, the question is testing concision.
What, after all, is the difference between the words interesting and fascinating? There really isn’t a very significant one, so there’s no use in saying both of them, as in (A), or pairing them awkwardly, as in (C) and (D). In fact, the shortest answer, (B), does everything the other answers do, but it does so in the fewest words. Choice (B) is therefore the best answer.
Let’s see one more.
11 Maybe it’s just me but for me, Pragmatism in my view has the most applications to the most different kinds of problems.
11. A)NO CHANGE
B)Really and truly, Pragmatism
C)In my humble opinion, Pragmatism
D)Pragmatism
Here’s How to Crack It
As always, check what’s changing in the answer choices. The changes could be summed up like this. There’s a bunch of stuff before the word Pragmatism. Does any of that stuff contribute in a significant way to the sentence? No. Does the word Pragmatism alone help the sentence to fulfill its basic purpose? Yes. Therefore, the best answer is (D).
As we have seen in this chapter, when the PSAT is testing words (i.e., any time the words are changing in the answer choices), make sure that those words are
· Consistent. Verbs, nouns, pronouns, and transitions should agree within sentences and passages.
· Precise. The writing should communicate specific ideas and events.
· Concise. When everything else is correct, the shortest answer is the best.
Answers to Questions on This page:
1.it is the problem. Certain philosophers can be confusing, but the pursuit of philosophical knowledge can still be an important endeavor.
2.their is the problem. Each of us uses some of this philosophical logical in his or her everyday life.
3.it is the problem. Take it out! Anglo-American and Continental models can all tell us something important about how to live.
4.their is the problem. A philosopher’s life cannot help but influence that philosopher’s work.
5.it is the problem. Self-help, psychology, economics are the cornerstones: each of these is part of the philosophical tradition.
Answers to Questions on This page:
1.Many people struggle with philosophy given all its logical twists and turns.
2.Readers in different times and places tend to gravitate toward different philosophers.
3.Once cracked, philosophy can provide incredible guidance and solace.
4.I first learned about Pragmatism from a college professor when I was 20 years old.
5.Jack didn’t care much for the work of William James, which he found boring and uninteresting.
Writing and Language Drill 3
Click here to download a PDF of Chapter 9 Writing and Language Drill 3.
Time: 7—8 minutes. Check your answers in Part IV.
A Pragmatic Approach
William James’s Pragmatism (1907) has been called the 1 greatest and best book of American philosophy. The array of lectures that would become Pragmatism 2 encompass James’s adaptation of the great Pragmatists—such as Charles Peirce—and adds a uniquely human element to the philosophical movement. 3 His work in psychology and religion laid the foundation for how theoretical work intersects with the concrete work of living.
In a way, pragmatism turns the philosophical endeavor on its head and 4 attacked the importance of its big questions. Philosophy is traditionally concerned with the big questions: What is the meaning of life? Are there many worlds like this one or only this one? What if none of us exist? Pragmatism is concerned with these questions as well, but it is equally concerned with another question: So what? Pragmatism is concerned, with what difference a particular truth means in the world 5 with practice.
1. A)NO CHANGE
B)best and truly greatest
C)greatly best
D)greatest
2. A)NO CHANGE
B)encompasses
C)do encompass
D)are encompassing
3. A)NO CHANGE
B)James’s
C)Their
D)Some
4. A)NO CHANGE
B)has been attacking
C)attacks
D)could be said to attack
5.If the punctuation were adjusted accordingly the best placement for the underlined portion would be
A)where it is now.
B)after the word Pragmatism.
C)after the word concerned.
D)after the word truth.
Let’s consider a basic example. Say you are stressed about an upcoming math test. You’re afraid you might not get the grade you want, and the fear of it 6 keeps you up at night. Rather than asking, “Will you do well on this test?”, the Pragmatists will want to know instead “What difference does it make whether you do well or poorly on the test?” If your answer is, “Well, no difference, I guess,” then you’ve got 7 one. If your answer is, “I won’t be able to get an A in the class!” then you’ve got another and a whole other series of questions. By constantly asking “So what?”, the pragmatic approach helps to situate problems in their practice and their consequences rather than 8 abstracting.
6. A)NO CHANGE
B)keeping you up
C)awakens
D)kept you up
7. A)NO CHANGE
B)something.
C)one approach.
D)approaching.
8. A)NO CHANGE
B)abstractly.
C)in their abstraction.
D)by a process of abstraction.
The approach is especially interesting for life’s big questions. One of James’s particular favorites was, “Is life fated or free?” In other words, do we make our own choices, or are our lives completely predetermined? Well, for James, the question is an interesting but fundamentally irrelevant one. 9 Whether there is a cosmic order to our lives or not, we still have to live them responsibly, so it doesn’t 10 differ whether our lives are “fated or free,” because the distinction won’t create practical differences.
These are two relatively simple examples of the pragmatic method in action, but give it a try yourself. Next time something is really stressing you out, ask the simple question: What difference does it make if that does happen? You may find that the real consequences are what help you to see through the problem, establish a plan, or 11 forgot about the issue entirely.
9.The writer is considering deleting the phrase but fundamentally irrelevant. Should the phrase be kept or deleted?
A)Kept, because it shows James’s sense of humor as displayed in his writings.
B)Kept, because it sets up the subject of the remainder of the paragraph.
C)Deleted, because it dismisses the importance of Pragmatism as a movement.
D)Deleted, because the paragraph as a whole is focused on relevant subjects.
10. A)NO CHANGE
B)concern us or anyone else
C)count
D)make a significant difference
11. A)NO CHANGE
B)forget about them
C)forget about the issue
D)forget about the issues