Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 114: Answer and Explanation

Question: 114

Encryption, as evident from the preceding information, has advanced throughout the centuries from rudimentary to labyrinthine: today's encryption systems are even more complicated than they were in 1970. And, frankly, that's with good reason; from nuclear launch codes to social security numbers to human intelligence gathered on enemy attack plans, information has never been more dangerous. To some nefarious sorts, that means it's never been more valuable, which means it's never been more vulnerable.

The text most strongly implies that

• A. the modern era stands far behind the ancient era in the technological sophistication of its encryption.
• B. the primary focus of organized criminal activity is the decryption of secret communications.
• C. the greater the importance of the information, the more likely criminals will seek to obtain it.
• D. it is difficult to determine the reasons that people decide to become criminals.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) The surrounding context is helpful in figuring out this question. The text in which this excerpt is found states that encryption has become extremely complex, so choice (A) is incorrect. There is nothing in the text or these lines that refers to the primary focus of criminal activity, as in choice (B), or to the motivations that cause people to become criminals, as in choice (D).