Despite the city’s rapid expansion, its core neighborhoods have managed to retain their quaint charm, characterized by cobblestone streets and historic architecture. As used in the text, what does the word “quaint” most nearly mean?

Attractive in an old-fashioned way

Refer to the passage in Question 17. Based on the passage, what evidence is provided to quantify the potential impact of tree planting on atmospheric carbon levels?

A recent study estimated that reforestation could remove 25% of current carbon.

Trees are planted across many regions of the world.

Reforestation is promoted by many environmental organizations.

Carbon dioxide is a common greenhouse gas.

Neither the cat nor the dog like to get wet. Which revision correctly fixes the subject-verb agreement error?

Neither the cat nor the dog likes to get wet.

Neither the cat nor the dog are liking to get wet.

Neither the cat or the dog like getting wet.

Neither the cat nor the dog like to be wet.

Refer to the passage in Question 109. What effect does the call to action in the final sentence have on the reader?

It encourages the reader to apply the tips given

It criticizes students who fail to manage time

It undermines the earlier argument

Refer to the passage in Question 125. Which of the following would strengthen the author’s claim?

A chart showing increased texting over the past decade

A list of banned apps in schools

An anecdote about a student who lost their phone

A quote from a parent who dislikes texting

PSAT 10

Free PSAT 10 Practice Questions

10 sample questions for the PSAT 10, with the correct answer and an explanation for each. No account needed. Try each one before you open the answer.

Sections covered on the exam: Reading And Writing, Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Informationandideas, Standardenglishconventions, Problem-Solvinganddataanalysis, Geometryandtrigonometry.

Question 1 · Reading And Writing
Despite the city’s rapid expansion, its core neighborhoods have managed to retain their quaint charm, characterized by cobblestone streets and historic architecture. As used in the text, what does the word “quaint” most nearly mean?
- A.Dull and outdated
- B.Attractive in an old-fashioned way
- C.Strange and confusing
- D.Expensive and luxurious
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Attractive in an old-fashioned way
The word “quaint” refers to something charmingly old-fashioned. In the context of cobblestone streets and historic architecture, the sentence suggests a positive, nostalgic tone.
Question 2 · Informationandideas
Refer to the passage in Question 17. Based on the passage, what evidence is provided to quantify the potential impact of tree planting on atmospheric carbon levels?
- A.Trees are planted across many regions of the world.
- B.Reforestation is promoted by many environmental organizations.
- C.A recent study estimated that reforestation could remove 25% of current carbon.
- D.Carbon dioxide is a common greenhouse gas.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. A recent study estimated that reforestation could remove 25% of current carbon.
The passage cites a specific study estimating that reforestation could remove up to 25% of atmospheric carbon, providing a quantifiable impact and direct evidence supporting the claim.
Question 3 · Standardenglishconventions
Neither the cat nor the dog like to get wet. Which revision correctly fixes the subject-verb agreement error?
- A.Neither the cat nor the dog likes to get wet.
- B.Neither the cat nor the dog are liking to get wet.
- C.Neither the cat or the dog like getting wet.
- D.Neither the cat nor the dog like to be wet.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Neither the cat nor the dog likes to get wet.
With "neither…nor," the verb agrees with the nearer subject. "Dog" is singular, so "likes" is correct.
Question 4 · Mathematics
2x + 3y = 12 x − y = 1 If (x, y) is the solution to the system of equations above, what is the value of x + y?
- A.7
- B.3
- C.5
- D.2
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. 5
From the second equation, x = y + 1. Substitute: 2(y + 1) + 3y = 12, so 5y = 10 and y = 2. Then x = 3, and x + y = 5.
Question 5 · Mathematics
What are all solutions to the equation √(2x + 7) = x + 2?
- A.x = 1 or x = −3
- B.There is no real solution.
- C.x = −3 only
- D.x = 1 only
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. x = 1 only
Square both sides: 2x + 7 = x² + 4x + 4, so x² + 2x − 3 = 0 and (x + 3)(x − 1) = 0. Check both: x = 1 gives √9 = 3 = 1 + 2 (valid); x = −3 gives √1 = 1 but −3 + 2 = −1 (extraneous). Only x = 1 works.
Question 6 · Geometryandtrigonometry
A right circular cylinder has a radius of 3 centimeters and a volume of 90π cubic centimeters. What is the height of the cylinder, in centimeters?
- A.10
- B.3
- C.30
- D.9
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. 10
V = πr²h, so 90π = π(3²)h = 9πh. Dividing by 9π gives h = 10 centimeters.
Question 7 · Reading and Writing
Refer to the passage in Question 109. What effect does the call to action in the final sentence have on the reader?
- A.It introduces a new topic
- B.It criticizes students who fail to manage time
- C.It undermines the earlier argument
- D.It encourages the reader to apply the tips given
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. It encourages the reader to apply the tips given
A call to action motivates the reader to act based on the information just presented.
Question 8 · Informationandideas
Refer to the passage in Question 125. Which of the following would strengthen the author’s claim?
- A.A list of banned apps in schools
- B.A chart showing increased texting over the past decade
- C.An anecdote about a student who lost their phone
- D.A quote from a parent who dislikes texting
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. A chart showing increased texting over the past decade
A visual showing trends in texting would support the idea that it’s a growing and significant communication method.
Question 9 · Mathematics
A plumber charges a $65 service fee plus $45 per hour of work. A customer paid a total of $222.50. For how many hours did the plumber work?
- A.3.5
- B.3
- C.4.9
- D.5
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. 3.5
Subtract the fee and divide by the hourly rate: (222.50 − 65) ÷ 45 = 157.50 ÷ 45 = 3.5 hours.
Question 10 · Mathematics
The number of fish in a lake is 900 and decreases by 15% every 2 years. Which function gives the number of fish, N, after t years?
- A.N(t) = 900(1.15)^(−2t)
- B.N(t) = 900(0.85)^(2t)
- C.N(t) = 900(0.15)^(t/2)
- D.N(t) = 900(0.85)^(t/2)
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. N(t) = 900(0.85)^(t/2)
A 15% decrease multiplies the amount by 0.85, and this happens once every 2 years, so there are t/2 decreases in t years. Check: N(2) = 900 × 0.85 = 765.

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