I85PREP
⌘ K
PSAT 8/9 study materials
PSAT 8/9 study resources

PSAT 8/9 practice questions

One question at a time. Build your PSAT 8/9 understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? The collection of handwritten letters, discovered in the attic last spring, ______ now housed in the town archive.

  1. is Correct answer.
  2. have been
  3. are
  4. were

Explanation

The subject is the singular noun 'collection,' not the plural 'letters,' so the verb must be singular. 'Is' agrees with the subject in the present tense.

Question 2Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? The museum's new exhibit features pottery made by artisans ______ lived in the region more than a thousand years ago.

  1. who Correct answer.
  2. which
  3. whom
  4. whose

Explanation

The relative pronoun replaces the subject of 'lived,' and the antecedent 'artisans' refers to people. 'Who' is the subject-case pronoun for people.

Question 3Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? After the storm passed, the hikers ______ their route and returned to the trailhead before dark.

  1. will reconsider
  2. reconsidered Correct answer.
  3. reconsider
  4. are reconsidering

Explanation

The sentence describes a completed past event, signaled by 'passed' and 'returned.' The simple past 'reconsidered' keeps the tense consistent.

Question 4Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? The recipe calls for three ingredients ______ flour, butter, and sugar.

  1. ingredients;
  2. ingredients,
  3. ingredients
  4. ingredients: Correct answer.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list that follows a complete clause. The clause before the colon is independent, so the colon is appropriate.

Question 5Reading and Writing

Which choice best states the main idea of the passage? Many people assume that honey never spoils because it is a natural food. In fact, honey's longevity comes from its chemistry: it is low in water and high in acidity, conditions that bacteria and fungi cannot tolerate. When honey is sealed, these properties keep it stable for years, even centuries.

  1. Ancient people stored honey in sealed containers.
  2. Bacteria and fungi are harmful to all foods.
  3. Honey is more natural than most other foods.
  4. Honey resists spoilage because of its low water content and high acidity. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage's central claim is that honey's chemistry, specifically low water and high acidity, prevents spoilage. The other details support that claim.

Question 6Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence with the correct word? The team's coach emphasized that ______ performance in the final quarter decided the game.

  1. its
  2. their Correct answer.
  3. they're
  4. there

Explanation

'Their' is the possessive form that agrees with the plural antecedent 'team's coach' context referring to the players. It shows ownership of 'performance.'

Question 7Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? Neither the students nor the teacher ______ prepared for the surprise quiz.

  1. are
  2. have
  3. was Correct answer.
  4. were

Explanation

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject, which is the singular 'teacher.' The singular past 'was' is correct.

Question 8Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? The scientist who led the expedition ______ published her findings in a major journal.

  1. expedition;
  2. expedition:
  3. expedition Correct answer.
  4. expedition,

Explanation

The clause 'who led the expedition' is essential to identifying the scientist, so it should not be set off by punctuation. No comma is needed.

Question 9Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? By the time the researchers arrived, the samples ______ in the freezer for over a week.

  1. had been sitting Correct answer.
  2. sit
  3. sat
  4. will sit

Explanation

The past perfect progressive 'had been sitting' shows an action that was ongoing before another past event ('arrived'). It correctly orders the two past actions.

Question 10Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? The report, along with the supporting charts, ______ submitted to the committee yesterday.

  1. are
  2. was Correct answer.
  3. have been
  4. were

Explanation

The subject is the singular 'report.' The phrase 'along with the supporting charts' is a parenthetical modifier and does not change the subject's number, so the singular 'was' is correct.

Question 11Reading and Writing

Which choice best combines the two sentences into one clear, grammatically correct sentence? The bridge was built in 1902. It is still used by commuters today.

  1. The bridge being built in 1902, commuters still use it today.
  2. The bridge was built in 1902, it is still used by commuters today.
  3. The bridge was built in 1902 and still used by commuters today is it.
  4. The bridge, built in 1902, is still used by commuters today. Correct answer.

Explanation

Option 0 uses an appositive phrase ('built in 1902') to combine the ideas smoothly and correctly. It preserves both facts in a single grammatical sentence.

Question 12Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? The author finished her manuscript ______ however, she still needed to find a publisher.

  1. manuscript,
  2. manuscript
  3. manuscript; Correct answer.
  4. manuscript:

Explanation

Two independent clauses joined by the conjunctive adverb 'however' require a semicolon before it and a comma after. The semicolon correctly separates the clauses.

Question 13Reading and Writing

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the sentence? Although the trail was steep, the group reached the summit before noon.

  1. It provides a contrast to the main clause. Correct answer.
  2. It names the cause of the summit.
  3. It states the result of the main clause.
  4. It adds a second subject to the sentence.

Explanation

The word 'Although' signals a subordinate clause that sets up a contrast with the main clause. The steepness contrasts with the group's success in reaching the summit.

Question 14Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? Each of the volunteers ______ required to attend the safety training before starting work.

  1. is Correct answer.
  2. are
  3. were
  4. have

Explanation

'Each' is a singular indefinite pronoun, so it takes a singular verb. The prepositional phrase 'of the volunteers' does not change the subject's number.

Question 15Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence with the correct word? The professor's lecture had a strong ______ on the students, many of whom changed their majors.

  1. effect Correct answer.
  2. affects
  3. effects
  4. affect

Explanation

'Effect' is the noun meaning 'result or influence,' which fits after the article 'a' and adjective 'strong.' 'Affect' is typically a verb.

Question 16Reading and Writing

Which choice best expresses the idea in a formal, academic tone? The study's results were kind of surprising and sort of changed how experts think about sleep.

  1. The study's results were surprising and altered how experts think about sleep. Correct answer.
  2. The study's results were kind of surprising and sort of changed expert views.
  3. The study's results were super surprising and totally changed expert thinking.
  4. The study's results were surprising and messed with how experts think.

Explanation

Formal academic writing avoids vague qualifiers like 'kind of' and 'sort of' and slang like 'messed with.' Option 1 uses precise, neutral wording.

Question 17Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? Having finished the experiment, ______

  1. analyzing the data was the team's next step.
  2. the data analysis was done.
  3. the team analyzed the data. Correct answer.
  4. the data were analyzed by the team.

Explanation

The introductory participial phrase 'Having finished the experiment' must modify the sentence's subject. Only 'the team' can logically have finished the experiment.

Question 18Reading and Writing

Which choice best states the main idea of the passage? Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet they support roughly a quarter of all marine species. This productivity depends on a delicate partnership between coral animals and algae that live inside their tissues. When ocean temperatures rise, the algae leave, the coral turns white, and the reef begins to collapse.

  1. Ocean temperatures are rising around the world.
  2. Coral reefs occupy a tiny fraction of the ocean floor.
  3. Coral reefs support enormous biodiversity through a fragile partnership with algae. Correct answer.
  4. Algae are the most important organisms in the ocean.

Explanation

The passage's main point is that reefs support vast biodiversity and that this depends on a fragile coral-algae partnership. The other statements are supporting details.

Question 19Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? My sister, ______ lives in Portland, works as a graphic designer.

  1. which
  2. who Correct answer.
  3. that
  4. whom

Explanation

The clause describes a person and functions as the subject of 'lives,' so the subject-case relative pronoun 'who' is required. The commas show the clause is nonessential.

Question 20Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? Not only did the volcano destroy the village, ______ it also altered the surrounding landscape.

  1. yet
  2. so
  3. and
  4. but Correct answer.

Explanation

The correlative conjunction pair is 'not only...but (also).' The second part must begin with 'but' to complete the construction.

Question 21Reading and Writing

Which choice best describes the purpose of the second sentence in the passage? (1) Bees are essential pollinators for many crops. (2) Without them, yields of apples, almonds, and berries would fall sharply. (3) Farmers therefore take steps to protect local bee populations.

  1. It contradicts the first sentence.
  2. It summarizes the entire passage.
  3. It introduces a new topic unrelated to the first sentence.
  4. It provides evidence illustrating the claim in the first sentence. Correct answer.

Explanation

The second sentence gives concrete examples (apples, almonds, berries) that support the first sentence's claim about bees' importance. It serves as evidence.

Question 22Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? If the committee ______ the proposal, construction could begin next spring.

  1. approves
  2. will approve
  3. approved Correct answer.
  4. approve

Explanation

The sentence uses a conditional structure with 'could begin' in the main clause, which pairs with the past subjunctive 'approved' to describe a hypothetical condition.

Question 23Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? The committee debated three proposals ______ one to expand parking, one to add bike lanes, and one to build a new entrance.

  1. proposals;
  2. proposals,
  3. proposals: Correct answer.
  4. proposals

Explanation

A colon correctly introduces a list after an independent clause. The clause 'The committee debated three proposals' is complete, so the colon is appropriate.

Question 24Reading and Writing

Which choice best maintains the sentence's meaning while correcting the error? Walking through the museum, the paintings impressed the visitors greatly.

  1. Walking through the museum greatly, the paintings impressed the visitors.
  2. The paintings, walking through the museum, impressed the visitors greatly.
  3. As the visitors walked through the museum, the paintings impressed them greatly. Correct answer.
  4. Walking through the museum, the paintings were greatly impressive to the visitors.

Explanation

The original has a dangling modifier: 'walking through the museum' should describe the visitors, not the paintings. Option 1 makes the visitors the subject of the walking.

Question 25Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? The novelist, ______ works have been translated into dozens of languages, rarely gives interviews.

  1. which
  2. whose Correct answer.
  3. whom
  4. who

Explanation

The blank must show possession of 'works,' so the possessive relative pronoun 'whose' is required. 'Whose works' means 'the works of the novelist.'

Question 26Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? The hikers, exhausted after the long climb, ______ to reach the summit before sunset.

  1. was managing
  2. managing
  3. managed Correct answer.
  4. has managed

Explanation

The subject is 'hikers' (plural), so the verb must be plural. 'Managed' is the simple past plural form that agrees with the subject and fits the past-tense context.

Question 27Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? The recipe calls for three ingredients ______ flour, sugar, and butter.

  1. ;
  2. : Correct answer.
  3. ,
  4. -

Explanation

A colon is used to introduce a list after an independent clause. The clause 'The recipe calls for three ingredients' is complete, so a colon correctly signals the list that follows.

Question 28Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence with the correct word? The teacher asked the students to ______ their essays before the deadline.

  1. submits
  2. submitting
  3. submit Correct answer.
  4. submitted

Explanation

After 'to' in an infinitive, the base form of the verb is required. 'Submit' is the base form and correctly completes the infinitive 'to submit'.

Question 29Reading and Writing

Which choice best expresses the idea in a formal, academic tone? The results of the experiment were kind of unexpected and sort of confusing.

  1. The experiment's results were unexpected and confusing.
  2. The experiment's results were somewhat unexpected and confusing. Correct answer.
  3. The experiment's results were unexpected and a bit confusing.
  4. The experiment's results were kind of unexpected and sort of confusing.

Explanation

Formal academic writing avoids vague informal qualifiers like 'kind of' and 'sort of.' 'Somewhat' is a precise, formal adverb that preserves the original meaning.

Question 30Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? ______ the storm approaching, the crew decided to secure the equipment.

  1. With Correct answer.
  2. Because
  3. Due to
  4. Since

Explanation

'With' can introduce an absolute phrase ('with the storm approaching') that describes the circumstance. The other choices are conjunctions or prepositions that require a different structure.

Question 31Reading and Writing

Which choice best states the main idea of the passage? (1) Urban community gardens provide fresh produce in areas with limited access to grocery stores. (2) They also offer a space for neighbors to socialize and build relationships. (3) Studies show that these gardens can reduce stress and improve mental health. (4) For these reasons, community gardens are valuable additions to city neighborhoods.

  1. Community gardens are valuable because they provide food, social connections, and health benefits. Correct answer.
  2. Community gardens offer social and health benefits.
  3. Community gardens provide fresh produce.
  4. Studies show that community gardens reduce stress.

Explanation

The main idea must encompass the key points of the passage: food access, social interaction, and mental health benefits, as summarized in sentence 4. Option C captures all three benefits and the overall value.

Question 32Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? The novel ______ which was published in 1925, is considered a classic.

  1. , Correct answer.
  2. ;
  3. :
  4. -

Explanation

A nonrestrictive relative clause is set off by commas. 'Which was published in 1925' is additional information, so it should be enclosed by commas.

Question 33Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? The team of researchers ______ data for three years before publishing its findings.

  1. has collect
  2. collected Correct answer.
  3. collecting
  4. collect

Explanation

The subject is 'team,' a collective noun that is singular here, and the past tense 'collected' agrees with the singular subject and the past-time context ('for three years before publishing').

Question 34Reading and Writing

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the sentence? Although the trail was steep, the group reached the summit by noon.

  1. It gives the reason for the main clause.
  2. It provides a contrast to the main clause. Correct answer.
  3. It adds a similar idea to the main clause.
  4. It states a condition for the main clause.

Explanation

'Although' introduces a concessive clause that contrasts with the main clause: the steepness might have delayed them, but they still arrived by noon.

Question 35Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? The professor, along with her research assistants, ______ attending the conference next week.

  1. are
  2. is Correct answer.
  3. have been
  4. were

Explanation

The subject is 'professor,' which is singular. The phrase 'along with her research assistants' does not change the number of the subject, so the singular verb 'is' is correct.

Question 36Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence with the correct word? The scientist's discovery had a significant ______ on the field of medicine.

  1. affects
  2. effect Correct answer.
  3. affect
  4. effects

Explanation

'Effect' is a noun meaning 'result' or 'impact,' which fits after the adjective 'significant.' 'Affect' is typically a verb meaning 'to influence.'

Question 37Reading and Writing

Which choice best combines the two sentences into one clear, grammatically correct sentence? The museum opened a new exhibit. The exhibit features ancient artifacts.

  1. The museum opened a new exhibit, it features ancient artifacts.
  2. The museum opened a new exhibit; featuring ancient artifacts.
  3. The museum opened a new exhibit featuring ancient artifacts are displayed.
  4. The museum opened a new exhibit, which features ancient artifacts. Correct answer.

Explanation

Option A correctly uses a relative clause ('which features...') to combine the ideas without creating a run-on or fragment.

Question 38Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? The team celebrated its victory ______ however, the coach reminded them to stay focused.

  1. -
  2. :
  3. ; Correct answer.
  4. ,

Explanation

A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses when the second begins with a conjunctive adverb like 'however.' The first clause ends with a complete thought, and 'however' introduces the contrast.

Question 39Reading and Writing

Which choice best describes the purpose of the second sentence in the passage? (1) Many people believe that bats are blind. (2) In fact, bats have small eyes and can see quite well, especially in low light. (3) They also use echolocation to navigate and hunt.

  1. It corrects a common misconception stated in the first sentence. Correct answer.
  2. It introduces a new topic unrelated to the first sentence.
  3. It provides an example of the claim in the first sentence.
  4. It summarizes the main idea of the passage.

Explanation

Sentence 2 directly counters the belief mentioned in sentence 1 ('bats are blind') by stating that bats can see well. Thus, it corrects a misconception.

Question 40Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? If the committee ______ the proposal, construction will begin next month.

  1. approved
  2. approve
  3. will approve
  4. approves Correct answer.

Explanation

In a conditional sentence with 'if' and a future result, the if-clause uses the present tense. 'Approves' is the correct present-tense singular form for 'committee.'

Question 41Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? The committee debated three proposals ______ one to build a new park, one to renovate the library, and one to expand the parking lot.

  1. ,
  2. -
  3. : Correct answer.
  4. ;

Explanation

A colon is used after an independent clause to introduce a list. The clause 'The committee debated three proposals' is complete, and the list follows.

Question 42Reading and Writing

Which choice best maintains the sentence's meaning while correcting the error? Walking through the museum, the painting caught my eye.

  1. As I was walking through the museum, the painting caught my eye. Correct answer.
  2. The painting, walking through the museum, caught my eye.
  3. Walking through the museum, the painting was caught by my eye.
  4. Walking through the museum, my eye was caught by the painting.

Explanation

The original sentence has a dangling modifier: 'walking through the museum' should refer to a person, not the painting. Option A fixes this by making 'I' the subject of the walking.

Question 43Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? The novelist, ______ works have been translated into many languages, lives in a small town.

  1. which
  2. who's
  3. whose Correct answer.
  4. that

Explanation

'Whose' is the possessive relative pronoun that correctly shows the works belong to the novelist. 'Who's' is a contraction of 'who is,' which does not fit here.

Question 44Reading and Writing

Which choice best expresses the idea in a formal, academic tone? The study's findings were totally awesome and blew everyone away.

  1. The study's findings were really cool and amazed everyone.
  2. The study's findings were impressive and surprised many people. Correct answer.
  3. The study's findings were impressive and blew everyone away.
  4. The study's findings were totally awesome and blew everyone away.

Explanation

Formal academic writing avoids slang and informal expressions like 'totally awesome' and 'blew everyone away.' Option A uses neutral, precise language.

Question 45Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? ______ the heavy rain, the outdoor concert continued as planned.

  1. Although
  2. However
  3. Because
  4. Despite Correct answer.

Explanation

'Despite' is a preposition that can be followed by a noun phrase ('the heavy rain'). The other choices are conjunctions or adverbs that require different structures.

Question 46Reading and Writing

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the sentence? The city council voted to fund the new library; consequently, construction will begin in the spring.

  1. It provides an example of the first clause.
  2. It adds a condition to the first clause.
  3. It introduces a contrast between the two clauses.
  4. It shows a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Consequently' is a conjunctive adverb that signals a result. The funding vote causes construction to begin, so it shows cause and effect.

Question 47Reading and Writing

Which choice best states the main idea of the passage? (1) In the early 1900s, the American chestnut tree was a dominant species in eastern forests. (2) A fungal blight introduced from Asia devastated the population. (3) Scientists are now working to develop blight-resistant chestnut trees. (4) Their efforts may help restore the species to its former range.

  1. Scientists have successfully developed blight-resistant chestnut trees.
  2. The American chestnut tree is an important species in eastern forests.
  3. A fungal blight from Asia killed many American chestnut trees.
  4. The American chestnut was once dominant but was devastated by blight, and scientists are now working to restore it. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage traces the chestnut's history from dominance to devastation and then to current restoration efforts. Option A captures all three stages, which together form the main idea.

Question 48Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is punctuated correctly? My sister ______ who lives in Portland, works as a graphic designer.

  1. , Correct answer.
  2. -
  3. ;
  4. :

Explanation

The clause 'who lives in Portland' is nonrestrictive and must be set off by commas. Since there is already a comma after 'Portland,' a comma is needed after 'sister' to enclose the clause.

Question 49Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? Each of the volunteers ______ required to attend a training session before the event.

  1. have been
  2. were
  3. are
  4. is Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject is 'each,' which is singular, so the verb must be singular. 'Is' is the correct singular present-tense verb.

Question 50Reading and Writing

Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct? Neither the manager nor the employees ______ willing to work on the holiday.

  1. is
  2. has been
  3. was
  4. were Correct answer.

Explanation

With a compound subject joined by 'nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'employees,' which is plural and requires the plural past form 'were.' The sentence describes a past situation, so a past-tense verb is appropriate.