Climate change has had a noticeable impact on the Arctic ecosystem. Average temperatures have increased, ice caps are shrinking, and animal migration patterns are shifting. Researchers are using satellite data to track these changes over time. Scientific study of the region began more than a century ago. Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that the Arctic ecosystem is undergoing major environmental changes?

“Average temperatures have increased, ice caps are shrinking, and animal migration patterns are shifting.”

“Climate change has had a noticeable impact on the Arctic ecosystem.”

“Researchers are using satellite data to track these changes over time.”

“Scientific study of the region began more than a century ago.”

Inventors often fail many times before finding success. Thomas Edison, for example, tested over a thousand materials before finding the right one for the light bulb. What is the author’s purpose?

To show that persistence leads to success

To describe Edison’s inventions in detail

To explain the science of light

PSAT 89

Free PSAT 89 Practice Questions

10 sample questions for the PSAT 89, 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, Informationandideas, Standardenglishconventions, Mathematics, Problem-Solvinganddataanalysis, Geometry.

Question 1 · Reading And Writing
The professor’s explanation of the theory was surprisingly lucid, helping even the least experienced students understand the complex idea. What does the word lucid most likely mean as used in the sentence?
- A.repetitive
- B.confusing
- C.boring
- D.clear
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. clear
The context indicates that even inexperienced students could understand the explanation, so the word "lucid" most likely means clear or easy to understand.
Question 2 · Informationandideas
Climate change has had a noticeable impact on the Arctic ecosystem. Average temperatures have increased, ice caps are shrinking, and animal migration patterns are shifting. Researchers are using satellite data to track these changes over time. Scientific study of the region began more than a century ago. Which sentence provides the strongest evidence that the Arctic ecosystem is undergoing major environmental changes?
- A.“Climate change has had a noticeable impact on the Arctic ecosystem.”
- B.“Researchers are using satellite data to track these changes over time.”
- C.“Scientific study of the region began more than a century ago.”
- D.“Average temperatures have increased, ice caps are shrinking, and animal migration patterns are shifting.”
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. “Average temperatures have increased, ice caps are shrinking, and animal migration patterns are shifting.”
The second sentence lists specific, observable changes (rising temperatures, shrinking ice caps, and shifting migration patterns), which is concrete evidence of major change. The first sentence is the general claim itself, and the last two describe how or when the region is studied rather than what is changing.
Question 3 · Standardenglishconventions
The puppies chased their tails, barked loudly, and was jumping around with excitement. Which choice should replace “was jumping” to make the sentence correct?
- A.jumped
- B.jumping
- C.is jumping
- D.has jumped
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. jumped
The items in the series must be parallel and must agree with the plural subject “puppies.” The first two verbs are simple past tense (“chased,” “barked”), so the third must be “jumped.”
Question 4 · Mathematics
If x = 5, what is the value of 2x² − 3x?
- A.35
- B.55
- C.25
- D.40
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. 35
Substitute x = 5: 2(5²) − 3(5) = 2(25) − 15 = 50 − 15 = 35.
Question 5 · Mathematics
Factor completely: x² + 5x + 6
- A.(x + 3)(x − 2)
- B.(x + 2)(x + 3)
- C.(x + 1)(x + 6)
- D.(x − 2)(x + 3)
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. (x + 2)(x + 3)
Find two numbers whose product is 6 and whose sum is 5: 2 and 3. So x² + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3).
Question 6 · Geometry
What is the circumference of a circle with a diameter of 14 inches? (Use π≈ 3.14.)
- A.22.00 in
- B.44.00 in
- C.43.96 in
- D.28.26 in
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. 43.96 in
Circumference = πd = 3.14 × 14 = 43.96 inches.
Question 7 · Mathematics
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, earthquakes occur more than 500,000 times each year around the world. What rhetorical strategy is used in this sentence?
- A.Hypothetical example
- B.Personal anecdote
- C.Appeal to authority
- D.Appeal to emotion
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Appeal to authority
Referencing a credible source (U.S. Geological Survey) is an appeal to authority.
Question 8 · Informationandideas
Inventors often fail many times before finding success. Thomas Edison, for example, tested over a thousand materials before finding the right one for the light bulb. What is the author’s purpose?
- A.To show that persistence leads to success
- B.To describe Edison’s inventions in detail
- C.To explain the science of light
- D.To criticize inventors
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. To show that persistence leads to success
The passage highlights failure followed by success, illustrating the value of persistence.
Question 9 · Reading and Writing
The article begins with a surprising statistic. ______, it discusses possible solutions to the problem. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
- A.In contrast
- B.Furthermore
- C.After establishing the issue
- D.Because
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. After establishing the issue
The first sentence presents a problem and the second turns to solutions, so “After establishing the issue” marks that sequence. “In contrast” signals opposition, “Furthermore” signals addition, and “Because” signals a cause, none of which fits.
Question 10 · Mathematics
If 2(x + 3) = x + 10, what is the value of x?
- A.4
- B.5
- C.6
- D.2
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. 4
Distribute: 2x + 6 = x + 10. Subtract x: x + 6 = 10. Subtract 6: x = 4.

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