Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 267: Answer and Explanation

Question: 267

The following text is from Upton Sinclair's 1906 novel The Jungle.

The work which Jurgis was to do here was very simple, and it took him but a few minutes to learn it. He was provided with a stiff besom, such as is used by street sweepers, and it was his place to follow down the line the man who drew out the smoking entrails from the carcass of the steer; this mass was to be swept into a trap, which was then closed, so that no one might slip into it.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

• A. To analyze a character's motivations
• B. To evaluate social conditions in the present-day United States
• C. To describe a character's professional tasks
• D. To consider a likely objection by the reader

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C. The text describes Jurgis's job description. These lines “describe a character's professional tasks.” We see nothing of personal motivation, as in Choice A. The selection is from over a century ago, making Choice B incorrect. These lines have nothing to do with the objection of the reader, as seen in Choice D.