PSAT Improving Paragraphs Practice Test 3

Question – 1

(1) We often notice the existence of more or less fixed ideas in other people’s minds; ideas with which they think without being aware of doing so. (2) We then call them prejudices, which are logically quite correct, because they have merely seeped into the mind and are in no way the result of judgment. (3) Nevertheless, the word prejudice is generally applied to ideas that are patently erroneous and recognizable as such by anyone except the prejudiced man. (4) Most ideas with which we think are not of that manner at all. (5) To some of them, like those incorporated in words and grammar, the notions of truth or error cannot even be applied, others are quite definitely not prejudices but the result of a judgment. (6) Others again are explicit assumptions or presuppositions which may be very difficult to recognize.

1. Which among the following would be the correct version of statement (4) reproduced below?

A. Most of the ideas with which we think are not of that kind at all.
B. Most ideas are prejudices we have developed over time.
C. People usually have a single perspective.
D. Ideas are developed with the help of certain pre-conceived notions.
E. When we think, we do it based on existing concepts.
Answer:A
Answer Explanation:Statement (a) is correct. The first two statements of the passage mention the development of ideas and prejudices. The second statement discusses the fact that it is wrong to apply the term prejudice on all ideas. Statement (a) perpetuates this notion and that too more clearly, making it the right answer option.Statement (b) is incorrect. The crux of the statements (3) and (4) are to point out to the reader that it is wrong to call all ideas prejudices. However, statement (B) develops the exactly opposite notion and hence, cannot be the right answer option.Statement (c) is incorrect. The paragraph is regarding multiple ideas and not a single notion.Hence, statement (c) cannot do justice to the passage.Statement (d) is incorrect. This statement is true. However, statement (3) is trying to develop a notion that it is wrong to call all ideas prejudices and statement (4) perpetuates that notion.Hence, statement (d) cannot do justice to the idea that the paragraph discusses.Statement (e) is incorrect. This statement is a continuation of the idea of prejudices and doers not point out the error in considering all notions as prejudices. Hence, it is a wrong answer option.

Question – 2

(1) We often notice the existence of more or less fixed ideas in other people’s minds; ideas with which they think without being aware of doing so. (2) We then call them prejudices, which are logically quite correct, because they have merely seeped into the mind and are in no way the result of judgment. (3) Nevertheless, the word prejudice is generally applied to ideas that are patently erroneous and recognizable as such by anyone except the prejudiced man. (4) Most ideas with which we think are not of that manner at all. (5) To some of them, like those incorporated in words and grammar, the notions of truth or error cannot even be applied, others are quite definitely not prejudices but the result of a judgment. (6) Others again are explicit assumptions or presuppositions which may be very difficult to recognize.

2. Which word should replace the word underlined in the following statement?‘Others again are explicit assumptions or presuppositions which may be very difficult to recognize.’

A. Unequivocal
B. Confusing
C. Tacit
D. Elaborate
E. Clear
Answer:C
Answer Explanation:Note: To answer this question, it is essential to understand that the term used in the statement is wrong. Using the term ‘explicit’ completely alters the meaning of the entire paragraph. The paragraph is trying to develop a notion that ideas and prejudices are developed by people unknowingly. In such a case ‘explicit’ is wrong, because it means that people are aware of the development of notions or prejudices. You must choose the correct answer based on this explanation.Option (a) is incorrect. ‘Unequivocal’ means without any doubt and is a synonym of ‘explicit’ and hence, cannot be the right answer option.Option (b) is incorrect. The paragraph is regarding the development of prejudices without being aware of it. The term ‘confusing’ is not suitable here.Option (c) is correct. Based on the explanation mentioned at the beginning of the answering strategy for this question, ‘tacit’ is the best option. Moreover, it is also the antonym for ‘explicit’, thereby making it the correct answer option.Option (d) is incorrect. The term ‘elaborate’ is a synonym of ‘explicit’ and hence cannot be the correct answer option.Option (e) is incorrect. The term ‘clear’ is a synonym of ‘explicit’, thereby making it a wrong answer option.

Question – 3

(1) The persistent patterns in the way nations fight reflect their cultural and historical traditions and deeply rooted attitudes that collectively make up their strange culture. (2) These patterns provide insights that go beyond what can be learnt just by comparing armaments and divisions. (3) In the Vietnam War, the strategic tradition of the United States called for forcing the enemy to fight a massed battle in an open area, where superior American weapons would prevail. (4) The United States was trying to re-fight Second World War in the jungles of South-East Asia, against an enemy with no intention of doing so. (5) Some British historians describe the Asian way of war as one of the indirect attacks, avoiding frontal attacks meant to overpower an opponent. (6) Traces of it goes back to Asian history and geography: the great distances and harsh terrain have often made it difficult to execute the sort of open field clashes allowed by the flat terrain and relatively compact size of Europe.

3. Which of the following would be the best manner of re-writing statement (6), reproduced below?Traces of it goes back to Asian history and geography: the great distances and harsh terrain have often made it difficult to execute the sort of open field clashes allowed by the flat terrain and relatively compact size of Europe.

A. This can be traced back to…
B. This manner of attacking can be traced back…
C. When trying to trace back…
D. The attacks can be traced back…
E. In an effort to trace back…
Answer:A
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is correct. The beginning of statement (6), ‘Traces of it goes back’ is grammatically incorrect. The term ‘traces’ is usually associated with ‘marks’ or ‘imprints’. However, the statement is regarding the effort made to understand the development of the particular warring technique. In this regard the best answer is ‘This can be traced back to’, making option (a) the right answer option.Option (b) is incorrect. This statement is repeating what has already been mentioned in statement (5) thereby resulting in redundancy. Hence, option (B) is wrong.Option (c) is incorrect. Replacing the phrase ‘Traces of it goes back’ with ‘When trying to trace back’ would make the entire statement grammatically incorrect.Option (d) is incorrect. Replacing the phrase ‘Traces of it goes back’ with ‘The attacks can be traced back’ completely changes the meaning of the statement.Option (e) is incorrect. Replacing the phrase ‘Traces of it goes back’ with ‘In an effort to trace back’ would make the statement grammatically incorrect.

Question – 4

(1) The persistent patterns in the way nations fight reflect their cultural and historical traditions and deeply rooted attitudes that collectively make up their strange culture. (2) These patterns provide insights that go beyond what can be learnt just by comparing armaments and divisions. (3) In the Vietnam War, the strategic tradition of the United States called for forcing the enemy to fight a massed battle in an open area, where superior American weapons would prevail. (4) The United States was trying to re-fight Second World War in the jungles of South-East Asia, against an enemy with no intention of doing so. (5) Some British historians describe the Asian way of war as one of the indirect attacks, avoiding frontal attacks meant to overpower an opponent. (6) Traces of it goes back to Asian history and geography: the great distances and harsh terrain have often made it difficult to execute the sort of open field clashes allowed by the flat terrain and relatively compact size of Europe.

4. Which of the following should be used instead of the underlined section of statement (3) reproduced below?(3) In the Vietnam War, the strategic tradition of the United States called for forcing the enemy to fight a massed battle in an open area, where superior American weapons would prevail.

A. attack mode
B. warring strategies used by
C. traditional method
D. battlefield techniques of
E. the enemy
Answer:D
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is incorrect. If the phrase ‘attack mode’ is placed instead on the underlined section statement (3) would become grammatically incorrect. Hence, it cannot be the correct answer.Option (b) is incorrect. The repetition of the term ‘war’ would make statement (3) sound incorrect, thereby making it a wrong answer option.Option (c) is incorrect. This phrase does not clarify the fact that it is the traditional method of warfare, thereby making it a wrong answer option.Option (d) is correct. This phrase makes the notion being developed by statement (3) complete. It is understandable that statement (3) is discussing the manner in which United States soldiers confronted those of Vietnam.Option (e) is incorrect. This phrase does not express the notion that statement (3) is trying to develop and hence, it cannot be the correct answer option.

Question – 5

(1) The bow and arrow were metaphors for an Eastern way of war. (2) By its nature, the arrow is an indirect weapon. (3) Fired from a distance of hundreds of yards, it doesn’t necessitate immediate physical contact with the enemy. (4) Thus, it can be fired from hidden positions. (5) When arrows are fired from behind a ridge, the barrage seems to come out of nowhere, taking the enemy by surprise. (6) The tradition of this kind of fighting is captured in the classical strategic writing of the East.

5. Which sentence summarizes the notion of the paragraph?

A. Statement 1
B. Statement 2
C. Statement 5.
D. Statement 6
E. Statement 4
Answer:C
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is incorrect. This is the first statement in the paragraph and introduces the idea that is being discussed in the passage. Hence, it cannot be a conclusive statement.Option (b) is incorrect. Statement (2) describes the work of an arrow, but does not mention the effect of it on the enemy. Hence, statement (2) cannot summarize the notion the paragraph is trying to develop.Option (c) is correct. Statement (5) explains the working of arrows and mentions the manner in which they are perceived by the enemy. Hence, this statement is able to conclusively explain the notion being developed by the passage.Option (d) is incorrect. Although, statement (6) is the conclusive statement of the passage, it does not elaborate on the nature of the ‘tradition of this kind of fighting’. Moreover, this statement digresses from the notion the paragraph is trying to develop. Hence, it cannot be the correct answer.Option (e) is incorrect. Statement (4) in itself is inconclusive. It discusses a conclusion being drawn based on the ideas expressed in statement (3). Thus, statement (4) alone is unable to properly conclude the notion being developed in the passage.

Question – 6

(1) The bow and arrow were metaphors for an Eastern way of war. (2) By its nature, the arrow is an indirect weapon. (3) Fired from a distance of hundreds of yards, it doesn’t necessitate immediate physical contact with the enemy. (4) Thus, it can be fired from hidden positions. (5) When arrows are fired from behind a ridge, the barrage seems to come out of nowhere, taking the enemy by surprise. (6) The tradition of this kind of fighting is captured in the classical strategic writing of the East.

6. Which two sentences would ideally replace statement (3), reproduced below?‘Fired from a distance of hundreds of yards, it doesn’t necessitate immediate physical contact with the enemy.’

A. An arrow can be fired from a distance of hundred yards. Hence, it does not require any immediate physical contact with the enemy.
B. It is essential that physical contact be avoided with the enemy. In this regard, an arrow is the weapon of choice.
C. In order to survive, it is essential that confrontation with the enemy be avoided. In such a scenario, an arrow is the best weapon.
D. If one wants to avoid physical contact with the enemy, one must choose the arrow.
E. The arrow is a favorite weapon; especially, if confrontation with the enemy is to be avoided.
Answer:A
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is correct. The statement explains clearly the notion that arrows can be fired from a distance. This makes arrow the ideal weapon if frontal combat with the enemy is to be avoided. Hence, option (a) can ideally replace statement (3).Option (b) is incorrect. Statement (3) does not explain the qualities of an arrow. Instead, it discusses the utility of it in avoiding frontal combat. Hence, option (b) cannot replace statement (3).Option (c) is incorrect. There is no mention of survival in statement (3). Hence, option (c) cannot be used in its place.Option (d) is incorrect. The arrow is not the only weapon, which can be fired from a distance. Moreover, statement (3) is not about choice but the qualities of an arrow. Hence, option (d) cannot replace statement (3).Option (e) is incorrect. The arrow is not being compared directly with any other weapon. Hence, it cannot be said that it is the best weapon. Statement (3) discusses certain qualities of arrows as a weapon. However, statements in option (e) develop no such notion, making it a wrong answer option.

Question – 7

(1) In Sun-tzu and other Chinese writings, the highest achievement of arms is to defeat an adversary without fighting. (2) He wrote: ‘To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. (3) To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.’ (4) Actual combat is just one among many means towards the goal of subduing an adversary. (5) War contains too many surprise to be a first resort. (6) It can lead to ruinous losses, as had been seen time and again, it can have the unwanted effect of inspiring heroic efforts in an enemy, as the United States learned in Vietnam, and as the Japanese found out after Pearl Harbor.

7. How should the underlined section of sentence (5), reproduced below, be re-written?‘War contains too many surprise to be a first resort.’

A. many surprises
B. few surprises
C. interesting surprise
D. many surprising manoeuvres .
E. many surprising events
Answer:A
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is correct. As explained by statement (6), war can have a number of outcomes. Keeping this in mind, ‘many surprises’ would be the best choice. Moreover, ‘surprise’ should be plural, because ‘many’ qualifies it.Option (b) is incorrect. Statement (6) provides examples of a number of outcomes of war. In this regard, ‘few surprises’ cannot be the correct answer option.Option (c) is incorrect. The outcome of war cannot be exciting. Hence, option (c) cannot replace ‘many surprise’.Option (d) is incorrect. Nowhere in the passage is war manoeuvres discussed. Hence, option (d) cannot replace ‘many surprise’.Option (e) is incorrect. ‘Events’ is a term that is usually not connected with war, because it is used usually to denote a joyous occasion. A war cannot qualify to be such and hence, option (e) is a wrong answer option.

Question – 8

(1) In Sun-tzu and other Chinese writings, the highest achievement of arms is to defeat an adversary without fighting. (2) He wrote: ‘To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. (3) To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.’ (4) Actual combat is just one among many means towards the goal of subduing an adversary. (5) War contains too many surprise to be a first resort. (6) It can lead to ruinous losses, as had been seen time and again, it can have the unwanted effect of inspiring heroic efforts in an enemy, as the United States learned in Vietnam, and as the Japanese found out after Pearl Harbor.

8. How will you combine statements (2) and (3) as reproduced below?(2) He wrote: ‘To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill.(3) To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.’

A. Winning a number of battles is not representative of wisdom, but to win over your enemy without fighting a battle.’
B. To win over one’s enemy without fighting a battle is considered a sign of supremacy and not winning a hundred battles.
C. It is essential to prove ones supremacy in the battlefield by winning wars.
D. Battles are won by wisdom and not by force.
E. Winning battles is not the primary objective of any disagreement.
Answer:B
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is incorrect. This statement does not clearly express the notion that supremacy lies in subduing one’s enemy without fighting a battle. Hence, statement (a) cannot be the right answer option.Option (b) is correct. This statement explains clearly that winning a hundred battles is not a sign of supremacy. To be able to subdue one’s enemy without fighting a single battle represents skill.Option (c) is incorrect. This statement expresses a notion exactly opposite to those being expressed by statements (2) and (3).Option (d) is incorrect. This statement does not mention anything about skill. Hence, it is unable to express the idea that statements (2) and (3) try to develop.Option (e) is incorrect. Nowhere in statements (2) and (3) are disagreements mentioned. Hence, statement (e) cannot express the notions being developed by the particular statements.

Question – 9

(1) The modern way of life is becoming more complex. (2) This means that everybody must become more highly educated. (3) ‘By 1984’, it was said recently, ‘It will be desirable that the most ordinary of men not be embarrassed by the use of a logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus, and by the definitions and uses of such words as electron, coulomb, and volt.’ (4) He should further have become able not only to handle a pen, and ruler but also a magnetic tape, valve, and transistor. (5) The improvement of communications between individuals and groups depends on it. (6) Most of all, it appears, the international situation calls for average educational efforts.

9. How should statement (3), reproduced below, be re-written ensuring that the meaning remains unchanged?‘By 1984’, it was said recently, ‘It will be desirable that the most ordinary of men not be embarrassed by the use of a logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus, and by the definitions and uses of such words as electron, coulomb, and volt.’

A. ‘By 1984’, it was said recently, ‘It will be desirable that the most ordinary of men have thorough knowledge of most technical terms’
B. It was said recently, ‘By 1984, it will be desirable that the most ordinary of men would not be embarrassed by the use of a logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus, and by the definitions and uses of such words as electron, coulomb, and volt.’
C. ‘By 1984’, it was said recently, ‘It will be desirable that the most ordinary of men are able to thoroughly analyze the use of a logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus, and by the definitions and uses of such words as electron, coulomb, and volt.’
D. ‘By 1984’, it was said recently, ‘It will be desirable that everyone is embarrassed by the use of a logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus, and by the definitions and uses of words such as electron, coulomb, and volt.’
E. ‘By 1984’, it was said recently, ‘It will be desirable that the most ordinary of men are mentally able to use a logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus, and by the definitions and uses of such words as electron, coulomb, and volt.’
Answer:B
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is incorrect. This statement makes a general comment. Moreover, it does not elaborate what is meant by ‘technical terms’, whereas statement (3) mentions specific terms like ‘logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus, and by the definitions and uses of such words as electron, coulomb, and volt.’ Hence, the statement in option (a) alters the meaning of statement (3) and is unable to justify the second half of the question, which requires you to keep the meaning of the sentence unaltered.Option (b) is correct. The objective of statement (3) is to mention the technical terms with which ordinary people should be familiar by 1984. Moreover, placing ‘It was said recently’ in between the sentence makes the sentence unnecessarily complicated. The statement in option (b) simplifies this and provides a uniform single sentence, which ensures that the meaning of the sentence stays the same.Option (c) is incorrect. The objective of the statement is to show that by 1984, ordinary people are able to understand and are familiar with ‘logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus etc’. Their knowledge need not be in-depth or analytical as mentioned by the original sentence. Hence, the statement in option (c) alters the meaning of the given statement.Option (d) is incorrect. Statement (3) develops a notion that people should become familiar with terms like ‘logarithmic tables’, ‘elementary concepts of calculus’ etc. However, the statement under option (d) develops a notion absolutely opposite to this concept. Hence, it alters the meaning of the statement, thereby not being able to justify the question.Option (e) is incorrect. Statement (3) discusses the fact that by 1984 people should become familiar with hitherto complicated technical terms like ‘logarithmic tables’, ‘elementary concepts of calculus’ etc. However, neither the statement nor the paragraph mentions the fact that people should be able to apply this knowledge. Moreover, it does not mention the type of application, i.e. ‘mentally’ or otherwise. Hence, the notion being developed by statement in option (e) is beyond the scope of the passage.

Question – 10

(1) The modern way of life is becoming more complex. (2) This means that everybody must become more highly educated. (3) ‘By 1984’, it was said recently, ‘It will be desirable that the most ordinary of men not be embarrassed by the use of a logarithm table, the elementary concepts of the calculus, and by the definitions and uses of such words as electron, coulomb, and volt.’ (4) He should further have become able not only to handle a pen, and ruler but also a magnetic tape, valve, and transistor. (5) The improvement of communications between individuals and groups depends on it. (6) Most of all, it appears, the international situation calls for average educational efforts.

10. How should the concluding statement of the paragraph be altered, keeping in mind the idea that the passage is trying to develop?

A. No change required.
B. Most of all, it appears, the international situation calls for gregarious educational efforts.
C. Most of all, it appears, the international situation calls for prodigious educational efforts.
D. Delete the statement.
E. Most of all, it appears, the international situation calls for superfluous educational efforts.
Answer:C
Answer Explanation:Note: In order to answer this question, you must first identify whether or not, there is any error in the statement. Based on the passage, it can be said that by 1984 people should have reasonable knowledge of technical and mathematical terms. The statements ‘(4) He should further have become able not only to handle a pen, and ruler but also a magnetic tape, valve, and transistor. (5) The improvement of communications between individuals and groups depends on it’, express a notion that people should become more educated, so that they are able to handle ‘magnetic tape, valve, and transistor’ effortlessly. Moreover, the notion of improving communication indicates relationship on an international level. Keeping these points, in mind it can be said that the final statement of the paragraph develops an idea exactly opposite to this notion. Hence, there is an error in the statement.Option (A) is incorrect. Based on the afore-mentioned explanation, it can be concluded that the statement alters the meaning of the entire passage. In such a scenario, option (A), which requires you to leave the statement unaltered; cannot justify the question.Option (B) is incorrect. The term ‘gregarious’ means a social or outgoing person. It is usually used to qualify a person and hence, cannot be used to describe ‘education’. This term renders the entire statement meaningless.Option (C) is correct. Based on the explanation given, it is evident that people should be better educated by 1984 and major efforts should be made in this regard. Considering this, ‘prodigious’, which means ‘extraordinary’ or ‘remarkable’ ideally explains the meaning of the sentence. Moreover, it is also able to qualify the nature of the efforts taken in the field of education.Option (D) is incorrect. The question is regarding changing the statement and hence, deleting the statement completely would not justify the question. Thus, option (D) is unable to answer the question.Option (E) is incorrect. The term ‘superfluous’ is unsuitable here, because it cannot qualify ‘education’. Moreover, keeping in mind the explanation given, the term ‘average’ is incorrect. It completely alters the meaning of the passage. Hence, it should be changed and an alternative term, which describes the nature of education required should be used in its place. The term in option (E) is unable to do justice to the passage and the final statement as well.

Question – 11

(1) If so much reliance is today being placed in the power of education, to enable ordinary people to cope with the problems thrown up by scientific and technological progress, then there must be something more to education. (2) Education should be used to empower people and to make them a part of progressive society. (3) Technology that was hitherto beyond the understanding of common man is becoming a part of our day to day lives. (4) Science and engineering produce ‘know how’ is one more a culture than a piano is music. (5) Can education help us to finish the sentence, to turn the potentiality into a reality to the benefit of man?

11. How should the pronunciation of statement (1) as reproduced below, be altered?If so much reliance is today being placed in the power of education to enable ordinary people to cope with the problems thrown up by scientific and technological progress then there must be something more to education.

A. ‘education, to’ and ‘progress, then’
B. ‘education, to’ and ‘progress; then’
C. ‘education: to’ and ‘progress, then’
D. ‘education; to’ and ‘progress, then’
E. ‘education, to’
Answer:A
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is correct. The issue with statement (1) is that is sounds to long without a break. A comma should be placed after ‘education’, because this part of the statement: ‘to enable ordinary people to cope with the problems thrown up by scientific and technological progress, digresses from explaining the requirement of education. Placing a comma after ‘education’ and before ‘progress’, ensures that this part of statement (1) is read separately, although the overall idea being developed by the statement, becomes clear when the entire sentence is read together with proper breaks.Option (b) is incorrect. The semi-colon after ‘progress’ is redundant, because this section of the statement: ‘then there must be something more to education’, is a continuation of the notion that the first half of statement (1) is trying to develop. Hence, option (b) provides wrong punctuation marks with regard to statement (1)Option (c) is incorrect. The colon after ‘education’ is wrong, because the rest of the statement is a continuation of the idea being developed by the first half of statement (1). It is not introducing anything new or providing points to justify the first half of the statement. Hence, option (c) provides wrong punctuation marks.Option (d) is incorrect. The semi-colon after ‘education’ is redundant especially so when a comma is being placed after ‘progress’. The rest of the statement is discussing the requirement of education. Since, it is not introducing a new idea it is unnecessary to use a semi-colon.Option (e) is incorrect. The statement requires two breaks to make its meaning complete and not one. Hence, just one comma after ‘education’ does not do justice to the question.

Question – 12

(1) If so much reliance is today being placed in the power of education, to enable ordinary people to cope with the problems thrown up by scientific and technological progress, then there must be something more to education. (2) Education should be used to empower people and to make them a part of progressive society. (3) Technology that was hitherto beyond the understanding of common man is becoming a part of our day to day lives. (4) Science and engineering produce ‘know how’ is one more a culture than a piano is music. (5) Can education help us to finish the sentence, to turn the potentiality into a reality to the benefit of man?

12. How can you combine statements (2) and (3) as reproduced below?(2) Education should be used to empower people and to make them a part of progressive society. (3) Technology that was hitherto beyond the understanding of common man is becoming a part of our day to day lives.

A. We use technology everyday and hence, we should be properly educated about their potential.
B. Society is advancing, which makes technology an indelible part of our lives.
C. People can only be truly empowered if they have thorough knowledge of the utilities of various gadgets.
D. Education is important in order to progress and learn about technology.
E. Education alone can make the common man a part of dynamic society, especially with understanding the application of advanced technology.
Answer:E
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is incorrect. The two statements are regarding the fact that education is essential, in order to be able to understand the technology, which we use nowadays. Technology, which appeared to be too difficult to understand has become a part of our daily lives. Statement (a) however, does not effectively analyze the role education has to play in understanding the application of technology. Thus, it is unable to justify the question.Option (b) is incorrect. According to the statement, people can be empowered through education and one of the applications of this education is in understanding technology. Statement (b) does not develop any such notion and hence, cannot be the right answer option.Option (c) is incorrect. The statements in the question are regarding education being the only method of empowering man, in a progressive society and the use of education in understanding technology. Statement (c) is unable to develop this notion completely and hence, cannot be a right answer option.Option (d) is incorrect. This statement does not mention anything about empowering man in a ‘progressive society’. Hence, statement (d) is unable to develop the ideas that both the statements make.Option (e) is correct. This statement mentions all the ideas developed in statements (2) and (3). It mentions that society is progressing and that in order to become a part of it, common man should be highly educated. Moreover, education is essential in understanding the application of advanced technology. Statement (e) describes all of these ideas and hence, is the right answer option.

Question – 13

(1) The essence of education is the transmission of values. (2) Nevertheless, values do no help us to pick our way through life unless they have become our own, a part, so to say, of our mental make-up. (3) This means that they are more than mere formulae or dogmatic assertions that we think and feel with them. (4) Imaginary notions the very instruments through which we think, like, interpret, and experience the world. (5) When we think, we do not just think: we think with ideas.

13. Which word will suitable replace the underlined section in statement (4), reproduced below, based on the ideas expressed in the passage?Imaginary notions are the very instruments through which we think, like, interpret, and experience the world.

A. Ideas
B. Intellect
C. Dreams
D. Experience
E. Familiarity
Answer:A
Answer Explanation:Note: Based on the concept being developed in the passage, ‘imaginary notions’ is an inappropriate phrase. The author is discussing the development of concepts with which we think. Keeping this in mind, you should choose a term that suits this notion.Option (a) is correct. As the passage progresses, the author expresses a notion that the transmission of values with the help of education, help us develop concepts. The sentence ‘This means that they are more than mere formulae or dogmatic assertions that we think and feel with them’ expresses this notion. Finally, the concluding statement of the paragraph mentions the word ‘ideas’, which is the only thing that helps us think and analyze. Hence, option (a) is the right answer.Option (b) is incorrect. Nowhere in the paragraph are intelligence and its utility mentioned. Hence, option (b) cannot be the right answer, as it is beyond the scope of the passage.Option (c) is incorrect. The author is discussing the formation of concepts, due to our experiences. It is with the help of these concepts that we think. In this regard, ‘dreams’ is a wrong answer option.Option (d) is incorrect. As per the paragraph, ‘experience’ helps develop concepts or ‘ideas’ with which we think. Hence, ‘experience’ directly cannot help us think, thereby making it a wrong answer option.Option (e) is incorrect. ‘Ideas’ as expressed by the final statement of the paragraph help us to think. ‘Familiarity’ means being used to something or somebody. Hence, option (e) is not the right answer.

Question – 14

(1) The essence of education is the transmission of values. (2) Nevertheless, values do no help us to pick our way through life unless they have become our own, a part, so to say, of our mental make-up. (3) This means that they are more than mere formulae or dogmatic assertions that we think and feel with them. (4) Imaginary notions the very instruments through which we think, like, interpret, and experience the world. (5) When we think, we do not just think: we think with ideas.

14. What should be the concluding statement of the paragraph?

A. The developments of ideas are directly responsible for our ability to think.
B. Thus, it is the ideas that we have formed over time, which help us think.
C. In order to think, we must first have ideas.
D. To have ideas is same as thinking.
E. Thinking is initiated with the help of ideas.
Answer:B
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is incorrect. The passage is regarding the developments of ‘ideas’ and how they help us to think. Statement (a) makes a claim that ‘ideas’ are the only things that help us to think. Such a claim is beyond the scope of the paragraph.Option (b) is correct. The passage discusses the manner in which ‘ideas’ are developed and that the same ‘ideas’ help our thinking processes. Statement (b) develops a similar notion, thereby bringing all the points mentioned in the passage to a reasonable conclusion.Option (c) is incorrect. It is the ‘ideas’ which help us think. However, statement (c) makes a claim that ‘ideas’, which initiate thought. Such a claim is beyond the scope of the passage.Option (d) is incorrect. ‘Ideas’ help us think and hence, they cannot be the self-same things. Hence, the claim made by statement (d) cannot be supported, based on the paragraph.Option (e) is incorrect. ‘Ideas’ help us to think. However, based on the paragraph it cannot be concluded that ‘ideas’ initiate thought. Hence, the claim made by statement (e) is beyond the scope of the passage.

Question – 15

(1) Philosophers have always paid a great deal of attention to ideas seen as the result of thought and observation. (2) Nevertheless, in modern times little attention has paid to the study of the ideas, which form the very instruments by which thought and observations are made. (3) On the basis of experience and conscious thought, small ideas may easily be dislodged, but when it comes to bigger, more universal, or more subtle ideas, it may not be so easy to change them. (4) Indeed, it is often difficult to become aware of them, as they are the instruments and not the result of our thinking just as you can see what is outside you, but cannot easily see that with which you see, the eye itself.

15. Which word should end statement (2) as reproduced below, to complete the notion it is trying to develop?Nevertheless, in modern times little attention has paid to the study of the ideas, which form the very instruments by which thought and observations have a beginning.

A. proceed
B. precede
C. elevate
D. understood
E. ensue
Answer:B
Answer Explanation:Option (a) is incorrect. The paragraph begins with the attention being paid to the development of ideas. However, the author observes that less attention is being paid to this notion over the years. ‘Proceed’ is a wrong term because it means to continue and not initiate. Hence, option (a) is incorrect.Option (b) is correct. The phrase ‘have a beginning’ provides the hint as to the term to be used in its place. The author believes that ideas initiate thought. Keeping that in mind ‘precede’ is the correct answer.Option (c) is incorrect. ‘Elevate’ means to rise and it cannot be used in place of initiating something. Hence, option (c) cannot be correct.Option (d) is incorrect. The author is not discussing the manner in which thoughts and observations are analyzed, but how they are initiated. Hence, ‘understood’ is a wrong term to be used here.Option (e) is incorrect. ‘Ensue’ means result and here the notion the author is trying to develop is the process by which ideas begin. Hence, using ‘ensue’ would completely alter the meaning of the statement.

PSAT Improving Paragraphs Practice Test 3

Score: 0/10

Leave a Reply Cancel reply