Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 17: Answer and Explanation

Question: 17

When General Fulgencio Batista assumed power in Cuba by canceling elections and enacting a disciplined democracy, Castro planned a popular uprising. His assault failed, and after a year-long imprisonment, Castro fled to Mexico to regroup. _________: of the 82 men who sailed back to Cuba on the Granma, Castro was one of the 18 to survive and flee to the Sierra Maestra Mountains.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

• A. He decided to remain there indefinitely
• B. He was unable to recruit more followers
• C. He gave up on his quest to overthrow Batista
• D. His return was similarly unsuccessful

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) The paragraph starts by stating that Castro's initial assault failed. It continues after the underlined portion to state that most of the people who fled perished and Castro had to retreat to the mountains. The most logical connection is to state that his return was similarly unsuccessful. It is not (A), because he is not staying in Mexico indefinitely since he goes back to Cuba. It is not (B), because there is no indication that he recruited more followers. It is not (C), because we do not see that he gave up on his quest to overthrow Batista, only that he regrouped and retreated.