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 Section 1 1
25 Minutes
Time25 Directions: For each question in this section, select the best answer from among
24 Questions the choices given and fill in the corresponding oval on the answer sheet.

5 The downsizing of American corporations is probably

Each sentence below has one or two blanks, and each blank
not an ------- phase; it is becoming a permanent feature
indicates that something has been omitted. Beneath the
of American corporate management.
sentence are five words or sets of words labeled A through E.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the (A) arbitrary (B) anticipated (C) ephemeral
sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole. (D) administrative (E) equivocal
EXAMPLE: 6 One theory contends that patriarchy is not ------- part of
Todays small, portable computers contrast markedly human nature, but rather it is a cultural institution that
with the earliest electronic computers, which were -------. dominates in most societies because of the political and
(A) effective (B) invented (C) useful social forces that ------- it.
(D) destructive (E) enormous (A) a continuous . . trivialize
(B) an analogous . . effect
ANSWER: (C) an inherent . . discourage
(D) an instinctive . . promote
(E) a learned . . underwrite

1 Pollution caused by mining and smelting lead for 7 The movie stars ex-husband, increasingly bitter, wrote
electric car batteries may ------- the environmental an intensely ------- memoir about her that was widely
benefits offered by the cars themselves. considered a betrayal of their years of -------.

(A) create (B) outweigh (C) reinforce (A) hateful . . antipathy

(D) eliminate (E) overcome (B) laconic . . estrangement
(C) malicious . . intimacy
2 The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 1940s (D) adoring . . affection
quickly ------- the popular imagination, but the precise (E) doting . . antagonism
significance of the scrolls is still ------- by scholars.
8 At one time, historians spoke of ancient Greece as
(A) impressed . . understood though its cultural and scientific achievements were
(B) alarmed . . obscured wholly -------, whereas it is now generally recognized
(C) troubled . . perceived that at least some Greek science and culture was -------.
(D) excited . . disputed
(E) eluded . . debated (A) monolithic . . homogeneous
(B) original . . derivative
3 Though one might expect volcanic eruptions to follow (C) primitive . . simple
no discernable pattern, close study has shown that the (D) mistaken . . dubious
eruptions are surprisingly -------. (E) successful . . significant

(A) incidental (B) endemic

(C) spontaneous (D) unmediated (E) periodic

4 Since the mid-eighteenth century, there has been much

------- between the cultures of France and Germany
despite the frequent ------- between those two countries.
(A) communication . . alliances
(B) hatred . . opposition
(C) interaction . . enmity
(D) antagonism . . misunderstandings
(E) hostility . . alienation

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 Section 1
The passages below are followed by questions based on their content; questions following a pair of related passages may
also be based on the relationship between the paired passages. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied
in the passages and in any introductory material that may be provided.
Questions 910 are based on the following passage.
Are they mammals or reptiles? This was the
dilemma scientists faced when they tried to classify
three animalsthe platypus, the short-nosed echidna,
Line and the long-nosed echidnathat are found only in
(5) Australia and New Guinea. Scientists were perplexed
since these animals have some traits in common with
reptiles and some traits in common with mammals.
For example, they lay eggs like reptiles, but they nurse
their young with milk excreted from special glands,
(10) like mammals. Their eye structure is similar to that of
reptiles, while their ear structure is like a mammals.
In the end, scientists, understanding that there was no
perfect solution to the predicament, decided to classify
them as mammals and to place them in their own
(15) orderMonotremata.
9 The opening sentence (Are they. . . reptiles?) serves
primarily as
(A) a summary of the information in the paragraph
(B) an indication that the question is ultimately
unanswerable
(C) a challenge to prevailing scientific opinion
(D) an introduction of the paragraphs topic
(E) an attempt to rebut criticism
10 In lines 1011, the author most likely discusses the eye
and ear structure of the animals in question in order to
(A) provide an in-depth discussion of their anatomy
(B) demonstrate that the animals are more like
mammals than reptiles
(C) justify the foundation of the Monotremata order
(D) illustrate that the animals cannot be easily
classified
(E) question the wisdom of the scientists eventual
decision
2006 info 7
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01_PSAT_2011_ST_Cr.indd 2
1
Questions 1112 are based on the following passage.
Rowan couldnt believe his luck. He had proposed to
Miss Ashley and she had accepted.
She was such a reserved little person that he wasnt
Line sure that she would. To be sure, they had been stepping
(5) out for the past year, but their conversations had been
rather one-sided. He would recount his day or explain
how his superiors could better run their business. She
would nod and smile, offer a word of encouragement
here, ask for clarification there. Really, she was perfect.
(10) Her father, when Rowan asked for Miss Ashleys hand,
was reluctant, but when Rowan hinted that, after all,
Miss Ashley was almost thirty and there wouldnt be
many more offers, Major Ashley consented. Now began
the long period of engagement.
11 In the context of the passage, stepping out for the
past year (line 5) most likely means that Rowan and
Miss Ashley
(A) spent all their time together taking walks
(B) were planning to be married in a year
(C) enjoyed the sport of hiking
(D) had been dating for a year
(E) waited too long to get engaged
12 The sentence in line 9 (Really . . . perfect) indicates
that Rowan most likely preferred women who
(A) listened to him rather than speaking themselves
(B) were almost thirty years old
(C) enjoyed walking with him
(D) discussed business with him
(E) shared his dreams
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 Section 1 1
Questions 1324 are based on the following passages. walking up stairs allows for little explanation other
than my recent dedication to consistent exercise. This
The concept of psychosomatic healing is that the mind still didnt account for my reactions to the doctors
can heal illnesses typically believed to be curable only (45) results; if that was a minor example of psychosomatic
through traditional medicine. In Passage 1, the author phenomena, a major incidence could manifest itself in
describes an encounter with a doctor who believes almost any way.
in psychosomatic healing; in Passage 2, the author
describes her personal experiences with psychosomatic Passage 2
phenomena.
I heal best when I am able to harness my
psychosomatic power. A few years ago, I contracted
Passage 1 (50) strep throat2 three days before taking a trip abroad.
I was given antibiotics and told to rest and postpone
I returned for a follow-up examination. The doctor
my trip because there was no way I would be better in
asked me how I was feeling. I told him that I couldnt
under a week. It was too late to change my schedule,
remember feeling so robust. He nodded and smiled
so in abject misery, I completed the countless errands
Line thinly. I was somewhat disappointed, expecting him
(55) needed prior to the trip, knowing that I needed to get
(5) to celebrate my return to health more enthusiastically.
better by the third day. I awoke the scheduled day of
A thought shot through my head. Im almost out
the trip feeling very good indeed, and in the rush forgot
of the prescription you gave me, and I cant find it
my antibiotics. The excursion went off without a hitch,
anywhere, online or wherever. He began looking at
and I arrived home feeling rejuvenated without any
his cabinet, and retrieved a bottle before hesitating.
(60) further medical treatment.
(10) So, the pills worked? He asked. Absolutely, I said.
In relaying this account, certain people are sure that
I just hope Im not becoming dependent. Ill fill out
the rush of adrenaline was responsible, others suggest
another prescription for you, he said. But you need
that I must simply have an unusually strong immune
to be aware that what you have been taking for five
system. It would be rash to declare these explanations
weeks were sugar pills. You have your psychosomatic
(65) bunk, as both could have contributed, but countless
(15) responses to thank, not me.
other explanations would be needed to explain similar
The doctor went into a few anecdotes. He talked
happenings throughout my life.
about people recovering from cancer and other
In truth, I have come to rely on my mental state to
potentially fatal diseases without any actual medical
ensure my recovery from illness. I loathe taking drugs
treatment. He also asked me if I had ever looked up
(70) to mitigate illness; the side effects are often worse than
(20) the symptoms of a certain disease and directly felt
the original symptoms. I fail to see the logic in
sick, fearing exposure to that particular malady. I
weakening perfectly functional systems within the
admitted to this; my initial visit was a result of fearing
body in order to possibly ease the symptoms in one
I had contracted Lyme disease1, and my worry was
problematic area.
prompted by perusing a list of the symptoms. Its
(75) When healing psychosomatically, there is no such
(25) the same phenomenon, reversed, he said. Then he
disadvantage. The recovery process is aided by action
talked to me about my blood tests, asking me to pay
and positive thinking, rather than drug-induced languor.
attention to my reactions. After telling me about my
Its like resolving traffic congestion in a city: focus on
high iron levels, I felt energized; my slightly low white
all roads in the area running properly, and the road in
blood cell count made me feel short of breath. Each
(80) question will eventually resolve itself. The alternative
(30) explanation generated an appropriate visceral response.
is closer to forcing a detour, and causing congestion on
This also may have had something to do with how the
a different road. Healing comes naturally; the mind can
doctors manner of speaking made him seem extremely
work with physiological systems to resolve problems,
reputable.
since the body is made to heal itself in the first place.
After returning home, my categorical trust had
(85) One can be sick, but focused on becoming well;
(35) waned a bit. The doctors explanation exasperated my
eventually the focus somehow commands the body.
wife, and she reminded me of how I had changed my
Without fanfare or side-effects, the body becomes
diet and exercised more in the time between visits. As
healthy, conclusively and naturally.
I thought about this, I could not deny that my lifestyle
had been more health-conscious in the previous five 1a virus contracted through the bite of certain ticks
(40) weeks than it ever had been in the past. The fact that 2 an illness caused by exposure to streptococcus bacteria
my stamina had greatly increased when jogging or

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 Section 1
13 Which of the following statements best compares the
two passages?
(A) Passage 1 and Passage 2 both see psychosomatic
healing as the best form of medicine.
(B) Passage 1 details an occurrence, while Passage 2
describes a practiced behavior.
(C) Passage 1 rejects a theory outright, while Passage 2
mildly endorses the same theory.
(D) Passage 1 is ambivalent about a possible
explanation for a phenomenon, while Passage 2
is critical without providing a conclusive opinion.
(E) Passage 1 relays a personal anecdote, while
Passage 2 gathers empirical evidence from
outside sources.
14 In line 20, directly most nearly means
(A) possibly
(B) immediately
(C) severely
(D) implicitly
(E) dilatorily
15 The attitude of the authors wife (lines 3537) most
closely resembles that of a
(A) sycophant
(B) cynic
(C) charlatan
(D) corroborator
(E) misanthrope
16 Lines 3740 (As Iin the past) suggest that the
author would agree more fully with the doctor if
(A) the doctor seemed more trustworthy
(B) the pills had actually been an experimental drug
(C) he had exercised more but maintained a less
healthy diet
(D) his habits remained the same as they had been
before his first visit and his health had still
improved drastically
(E) the pills had been less effective, and he had been
influenced to seek more alternative means of
healing
1
18 The decision to complete countless errands (line 54)
is most significant to the authors point because it
(A) went against the doctors recommendations for
what would help the authors ailment
(B) demonstrated the authors love of travel
(C) would be considered a bad decision by those who
support antibiotic therapy
(D) gave the author a rush of adrenalin
(E) ended up exacerbating the authors illness
19 By using the phrases weakening perfectly functional
systems and possibly ease the symptoms
(lines 7273), the author asserts the opinion that
(A) psychosomatic healing does have a potential
downside
(B) the dosage level of prescription drugs is often far
too high
(C) prescription drugs are unpleasant but necessary
(D) prescription drug treatment leaves much to be
desired
(E) prescription drugs often cause permanent bodily
damage
20 Which of the following possibilities would be the best
rebuttal to claims that Author 2s ability to heal is due to
a strong immune system?
(A) The author was not often sick growing up.
(B) The author had contracted strep throat once prior to
the time in question and was bedridden for close
to a month.
(C) The doctor who made the strep throat diagnosis
specialized in a field outside of throat health.
(D) The air in the country traveled to was far more
polluted than that of the authors country.
(E) The antibiotics the author was given would only be
helpful if the entire prescription was consumed.

17 Which of the following best describes the author

of Passage 1s attitude regarding the powers of
psychosomatic healing?
(A) Moderately distasteful
(B) Primarily apathetic
(C) Derisively entertained
(D) Cautiously optimistic
(E) Overwhelmingly exasperated
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 Section 1
21 The incident detailed by the author of Passage 2 is
most consistent with which of the following statements
regarding psychosomatic healing?
(A) Psychosomatic healing works best in combination
with traditional medicine.
(B) Psychosomatic healing should be attempted when
traditional medicine has failed.
(C) Psychosomatic healing operates with different
constraints and yields different results than
traditional medicine.
(D) Psychosomatic healing is limited by the immune
system of the person practicing it.
(E) Psychosomatic healing is more similar to traditional
medicine than many would suspect.
22 The authors of both passages would be most inclined to
agree with which of the following statements?
(A) Psychosomatic healing is the most efficient form of
medicine.
(B) Psychosomatic healing usually can be attributed to
an outside source.
(C) Psychosomatic healing has been proven to be real
and practicable.
(D) Psychosomatic healing is promising, but difficult to
fully explain.
(E) Psychosomatic healing would be practiced far more
if it were slandered less frequently.
IF YOU FINISH BEFORE TIME IS CALLED, YOU MAY CHECK YOUR WORK ON
THIS SECTION ONLY. DO NOT TURN TO ANY OTHER SECTION IN THE TEST.
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01_PSAT_2011_ST_Cr.indd 5
1
23 One major difference between the authors is that the
author of Passage 2
(A) actively pursues the practice of psychosomatic
healing, while the author of Passage 1 passively
experienced it
(B) is new to the concept of psychosomatic healing,
while the author of Passage 1 has had a formal
and complete introduction
(C) approaches psychosomatic healing with cautious
respect, while the author of Passage 1 is more
enthusiastic
(D) has difficulty explaining the phenomena of
psychosomatic healing, while the author of
Passage 1 has reduced the causes to several
narrow possibilities
(E) feels that psychosomatic healing should be
universally practiced, while the author of Passage 1
sees it as having limited application
24 Which two individuals would probably agree regarding
their view of psychosomatic healing?
(A) The doctor in Passage 1 and the doctor in Passage 2
(B) The wife in Passage 1 and the author of Passage 2
(C) The author of Passage 1 and one of the certain
people in Passage 2 (line 61)
(D) The wife in Passage 1 and one of the certain
people in Passage 2 (line 61)
(E) The doctor in Passage 1 and one of the certain
people in Passage 2 (line 61)
STOP
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