Question

Which phrasing would best express a degree of moderate concern? (A) NO CHANGE (B) preoccupied with (C) optimistic about (D) despondent over

Short answer

Option B, 'preoccupied with,' best expresses a degree of moderate concern.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Task

The task is to find a phrase that shows a degree of moderate concern from the given options. The correct choice should imply a feeling that is concerning but not too severe or too light.

Evaluate Each Option

Let's look at the meaning of each option: - (A) NO CHANGE: We don't have the original sentence, but we'll compare this with the other options. - (B) preoccupied with: This implies someone being concerned or worried about something. - (C) optimistic about: Implies a positive outlook, meaning little to no concern. - (D) despondent over: Implies severe worry or depression, indicating a high level of concern.

Choose the Best Option

Since 'preoccupied with' suggests someone is concerned or worried, but not overly so, it fits the idea of moderate concern better than the other options. - (A) cannot be analyzed, as there is no context. - (B) is correct as it suggests a moderate concern. - (C) suggests no or positive concern. - (D) suggests strong concern.

Key concepts

Contextual Analysis

When dealing with critical reading exercises, especially in the PSATs, contextual analysis is your go-to strategy for deciphering meaning. The aim is to understand the context in which a word or phrase is used. This includes paying attention to the surrounding text and any nuances that may indicate a specific tone or mood. For the problem at hand, context helps in understanding the degree of concern being asked for by the exercise. One effective way of applying contextual analysis is by searching for clues in the surrounding sentences—these could be particular words or phrases that highlight a character's emotions or reactions. This process aids in aligning the chosen answer with the overall sentiment of the text, improving comprehension and accuracy in selecting the right term or phrase.

Vocabulary Skills

A robust vocabulary is pivotal in excelling at PSAT critical reading exercises. It allows you to grasp subtle distinctions between words, which is often necessary for determining the right answer. Our example problem revolves around understanding the degrees of concern expressed by different phrasings. - **No Change:** Without context, "NO CHANGE" is ambiguous and challenging to evaluate. It's essential to rely on vocabulary knowledge to discern its appropriateness. - **Preoccupied with:** Recognizing that 'preoccupied' suggests a considerable but not overpowering concern helps identify it as moderate. - **Optimistic about:** Knowing that "optimistic" implies confidence and positivity guides you away from associating it with concern. - **Despondent over:** Understanding that 'despondent' captures a sense of hopelessness or severe worry illustrates a significant level of concern. Strengthening vocabulary skills involves regularly reading varied texts and noting how different words express similar or different emotions and ideas. This kind of engagement enriches your understanding and application of language nuances.

Answer Choice Evaluation

Answer choice evaluation is critical when faced with multiple options, as in the PSAT critical reading section. The goal is to systematically assess each choice to identify the most contextually sound and accurate one. In our problem, this involves determining which option best expresses moderate concern. - **Assessing Definitions:** Each option should be clearly defined and understood. "Preoccupied with" implies an engaged level of concern suitable for moderate worry. - **Context Compatibility:** Evaluate how well each choice integrates into the sentence. The goal is for it to naturally portray the intended sentiment. - **Eliminating Extremes:** Recognize options that do not fit the required intensity of concern. Here, "optimistic about" and "despondent over" were eliminated based on their failure to convey moderate concern. Evaluating answer choices involves a blend of vocabulary proficiency and analytical reasoning, ensuring that the chosen answer is not only correct but also the most fitting in terms of nuance and context.