Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 108: Answer and Explanation

Question: 108

Text 1

One promising alternative fuel source is ethanol. This alternative fuel is made by fermenting crops such as wheat, corn, and sugarcane. One glucose molecule is broken down to form two ethanol molecules and two carbon dioxide molecules. Because it is made from organic matter, it is renewable-a big pro compared to oil. Another benefit is that it's domestically made, so we don't have to rely on other countries for it.

Text 2

Despite decades of apocalyptic forecasting of peak oil, petroleum output is as healthy as ever. In fact, petroleum companies are leaving the industry not because oil reserves are dwindling, but rather because oil production is so massive that demand is falling considerably.

The author of Text 1 would most likely state that the author of Text 2 needs to make what important clarification to the underlined statement in the text?

• A. To what extent this applies to just domestic petroleum production
• B. Whether the petroleum produced is organic and renewable
• C. If the petroleum production will generate greenhouse gases
• D. If the petroleum mentioned here will be more or less expensive than ethanol

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The underlined selection states that "petroleum output is as healthy as ever." Now, consider how the first author might respond. Choices (B), (C), and (D) are not variable: petroleum is not renewable, always generates greenhouse gases, and is less expensive than ethanol. (A) works because the first author would want to consider how much oil is available domestically since it impacts our self-sufficiency.