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Flashcards: Context-Dependent Meaning of Phrases or Sentences in Literary Fiction Passages
Adapted from James Fennimore Cooper’s novel, The Last of the Mohicans (1826). Read the passage and then answer the questions that follow.
1 A young man, in the dress of an officer, conducted to their steeds two
2 females, who, as it was apparent by their dresses, were prepared to encounter
3 the fatigues of a journey in the woods. One, and she was the most juvenile in her
4 appearance, though both were young, permitted glimpses of her dazzling
5 complexion, fair golden hair, and bright blue eyes to be caught, as she artlessly
6 suffered the morning air to blow aside the green veil which descended low from
7 her beaver. The flush which still lingered above the pines in the western sky was
8 not more bright nor delicate than the bloom on her cheek; nor was the opening
9 day more cheering than the animated smile which she bestowed on the youth, as
10 he assisted her into the saddle. The other, who appeared to share equally in the
11 attentions of the young officer, concealed her charms from the gaze of the
12 soldiery, with a care that seemed better fitted to the experience of four or five
13 additional years. It could be seen, however, that her person, though molded
14 with the same exquisite proportions, of which none of the graces were lost by
15 the travelling dress she wore, was rather fuller and more mature than that of
16 her companion.
What does the author mean by “their dresses, were prepared to encounter the fatigues of a long journey in the woods” (Line 2–3)?
The girls’ dresses will serve as comfortable beds.
The girls have a positive attitude about their future journey.
The girls’ dresses are thick and warm for the cold weather.
The girls are carrying weapons to defend themselves.
All PSAT Critical Reading Resources
For many students, the PSAT is a chance to test-drive the SAT. It is an opportunity to exercise those skills that are necessary for a high score - to determine where you can improve before you take the real SAT, as well as where you currently excel.
Some high school students approach the PSAT like a practice test. After all, it is a fantastic tool for focusing your studies and prep appropriately. However, unlike other practice exams that may not demand your full attention, the PSAT is also your ticket to a National Merit Scholarship. A National Merit Scholarship can provide you with money for college, as well as resume prestige. Do not discount the PSAT just because it might seem like a practice test.
The PSAT Critical Reading exam, for instance, is one section where thorough prep is especially valuable. The ability to read with intention is a skill that you will need to master now, for the PSAT, and later, for the ACT and SAT, your college and high school courses, and your future career. The energy you invest in developing your critical reading skills will serve you well in many regards.
This portion of the PSAT, and the PSAT as a whole, will change in the fall of 2015 to better reflect the Revised SAT. The Critical Reading section will consist of 47 questions, for which you will be given 60 minutes. You will be asked to read four stand-alone passages, as well as a pair of selections. Each passage will be several hundred words in length. You might see selections that discuss topics in history, science, or social science, or you might receive a literature excerpt. No matter the content, your task is to extract meaningful information and draw conclusions. This might mean identifying a vocabulary word based on its context, or evaluating which statements support the main idea. Can you draw conclusions from and make inferences based on written material? Are you a critical reader?
The problem, of course, is that it is not easy to become a great critical reader. You simply cannot turn into an accomplished literary critic overnight. Instead, you have to develop your critical reading skills slowly, over time. This is more akin to becoming a champion basketball player than it is to memorizing facts.
The best way to prepare for the PSAT Critical Reading exam is to challenge yourself now. You will want to spend time seeking out and reading material that you might not encounter otherwise. If you work with tutors, you can take what you read and discuss the material together. You will be forced to synthesize the content and deliver it in your own words, thus encouraging your understanding. With these techniques, your PSAT Critical Reading score can reach its maximum potential, and you will be well on your way to ultimate success on the SAT and ACT!
