Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 2: Answer and Explanation

Question: 2

The text is from Booker T. Washington's 1901 autobiography.

My mother, I suppose, attracted the attention of a purchaser who was afterward my owner and hers. Her addition to the slave family attracted about as much attention as the purchase of a new horse or cow. Of my father I know even less than of my mother. I do not even know his name. I have heard reports to the effect that he was a white man who lived on one of the near-by plantations. Whoever he was, I never heard of his taking the least interest in me or providing in any way for my rearing. But I do not find especial fault with him.

The source of information Washington primarily draws upon for the information in the text is most likely

• A. a publication.
• B. hearsay.
• C. statistical analysis.
• D. a scholarly article.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Washington has acquired the little knowledge he has of his family through informal conversations and speculation. This is most evident when Washington states that he has "heard reports" about his family. This type of conjecture and secondary-witness testimonial is best represented as hearsay. There were no publications of his family; he mentions nothing written at all. Similarly, there were no statistics. Washington did not learn of his family through scholarship or academia; there was nothing to be studied.