Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 148: Answer and Explanation

Question: 148

While our own ancestors were battling drought on the coasts of the African subcontinent, _____________________ where the Neanderthals developed the tools of flint and bone that have today come to characterize the so-called Mousterian culture of the early Stone Age.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  • A. the icebound north of modern Eurasia experienced the spread of the evolutionarily distinct species Homo neanderthalensis,
  • B. the evolutionarily distinct species Homo neanderthalensis had spread to the icebound north of modern Eurasia,
  • C. the species Homo neanderthalensis, being evolutionarily distinct, found itself spread to modern Eurasia in the north icebound,
  • D. the north icebound of modern Eurasia experience evolutionarily distinct species spread of the Homo neanderthalensis,

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Mention of the Neanderthals at the beginning of the underlined portion is necessary to make a logical comparison with "our own ancestors." Choices (A) and (D) make illogical comparisons since they compare geographic regions to ancestors. Choice (C) has confusing word order at the end, placing icebound such that it literally means that the Neanderthals were icebound. Choice (B) puts things in a logical order and makes a logical comparison of people to Neanderthals.

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