2015 Practice Test - Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test - Reading Test

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Maeve

2015 Practice Test #1 for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test focuses on a Reading Test section with timed guidance and multiple-choice questions. It includes important reminders on test materials and security rules, such as requiring a No. 2 pencil and prohibiting sharing questions. The reading content is adapted from Jane Austen’s Emma and highlights Emma Woodhouse’s character, circumstances, and the emotional impact of Miss Taylor’s marriage. Questions 1–9 follow the provided passage.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages56

Reading Time2 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Reading Test

Directions

Passage-Based Questions (Questions 1-9)

2015 Practice Test \#1 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test IMPORTANT REMINDERS A No. 2 pencil is required for the test. Do not use a mechanical pencil or pen. Sharing any questions with anyone is a violation of Test Security and Fairness policies and may result in your scores being canceled. This cover is representative of what you’ll see on test day. THIS TEST BOOK MUST NOT BE TAKEN FROM THE ROOM. UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR USE OF ANY PART OF THIS TEST BOOK IS PROHIBITED. © 2015 The College Board. College Board and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Test begins on the next page. | 1 | 1 | | --- | --- | | Reading Test
60 MINUTES, 47 QUESTIONS
Turn to Section 1 of your answer sheet to answer the questions in this section. | | |
DIRECTIONS
Each passage or pair of passages below is followed by a number of questions. After reading each passage or pair, choose the best answer to each question based on what is stated or implied in the passage or passages and in any accompanying graphics (such as a table or graph) . | | Questions 1-9 are based on the following passage. This passage is adapted from Jane Austen, Emma, originally published in 1815 . Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of Line existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in 5 the world with very little to distress or vex her. She was the youngest of the two daughters ofa most affectionate, indulgent father, and had, in consequence of her sister’s marriage, been mistress of his house from a very early period. Her mother had 10 died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinct remembrance of her caresses, and her place had been supplied by an excellent woman as governess, who had fallen little short of a mother in affection. 15 Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. Woodhouse’s family, less as a governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma. Between them it was more the intimacy of sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to hold 20 the nominal office of governess, the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her to impose any restraint; and the shadow of authority being now long passed away, they had been living together as friend and friend very mutually attached, and Emma 25 doing just what she liked; highly esteeming Miss Taylor’s judgment, but directed chiefly by her own. The real evils indeed of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a 30 disposition to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her. 35 Sorrow came—a gentle sorrow—but not at all in the shape of any disagreeable consciousness.—Miss Taylor married. It was Miss Taylor’s loss which first brought grief. It was on the wedding-day of this beloved friend that Emma 40 first sat in mournful thought of any continuance. The wedding over and the bride-people gone, her father and herself were left to dine together, with no prospect of a third to cheer a long evening. Her father composed himself to sleep after dinner, as 45 usual, and she had then only to sit and think of what she had lost. The event had every promise of happiness for her friend. Mr. Weston was a man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age and pleasant 50 manners; and there was some satisfaction in considering with what self-denying, generous friendship she had always wished and promoted the match; but it was a black morning’s work for her. The want of Miss Taylor would be felt every hour of 55 every day. She recalled her past kindness—the kindness, th

FAQs

What pencil is required for the PSAT/NMSQT practice test?

A No. 2 pencil is required. A mechanical pencil or pen must not be used.

Why is sharing questions with others prohibited?

Sharing any questions violates test security and fairness policies and may result in scores being canceled.

What reading passage is used for Questions 1–9?

Questions 1–9 are based on a passage adapted from Jane Austen’s Emma, originally published in 1815.

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Maeve