Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 22: Answer and Explanation

Question: 22

The skills developed through studying philosophy train us to clear up confusions. Sometimes, when two people are discussing a significant life issue, they talk past one another and use the same terms in different ways. Learning to analyze concepts helps us to step back and clarify what we mean by the terms we use, to realize the assumptions we are making in holding certain views, and to make important distinctions.

As used in the text, what does the phrase talk past most nearly mean?

• A. Speak about the same topic but with different understandings of the topic
• B. Enter into verbal altercations with one another
• C. Clearly define the topics about what one another is speaking
• D. Carefully analyze the shortcomings of the other person's argument

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The sentence clears this up with the later context that states that the people "use the same terms in different ways." So, this would go with (A) because the people would speak about the same topic but have different understandings of it. It is not (B), because while there is confusion, there is no mention of hostility. It is not (C), because the people are not clearly defining the topics. It is not (D), because the people are entrenched in their own points of view, unable to carefully analyze the other person's argument.