Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 159: Answer and Explanation

Question: 159

Each time we cause particles to collide at ever-increasing energies, new constituents are created and investigated. It is as if we continue to peel back the layers of an onion only to find more layers that invite exploration. In the modern era, the field of string theory has been posited, theorizing that the vibrations of tiny string-like mechanisms provide the building blocks of all particles. From string theory, the idea of multiple universes has been proposed and evidence of this mind-blowing idea was reported in late 2015.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

• A. To use an analogy to illustrate a concept
• B. To describe the latest scientific evidence
• C. To make connections between physics and biology
• D. To express dismay at the state of modern science

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The best indication that this is an analogy is provided by the words "it is as if. . . ." As indicates that this is a simile, which is a type of analogy. The author uses the image of peeling an onion to make clearer the concept of physics discoveries of late: peel a layer (discover something new) only to find that there are more layers (more discoveries yet to be found) beneath the layer just peeled. Choice (D) is incorrect in that the author is celebrating these discoveries, rather than lamenting them. Choice (C) is flawed in that the onion is used metaphorically rather than literally biologically. Choice (B) is flawed in that no new evidence is being described; it is merely being compared metaphorically to something else.