Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 270: Answer and Explanation

Question: 270

Text 1 and Text 2 are adapted from different sections of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

Text 1

In addition to the provisions which shall be implemented in peacetime, the present Convention shall apply to all cases of declared war or of any other armed conflict which may arise between two or more of the High Contracting Parties, even if the state of war is not recognized by one of them.

Text 2

Prisoners of war are in the hands of the enemy Power, but not of the individuals or military units who have captured them. Irrespective of the individual responsibilities that may exist, the Detaining Power is responsible for the treatment given them.

The tones of both Text 1 and Text 2 can best be described as

• A. casual and relaxed.
• B. analytical and indecisive.
• C. formal and authoritative.
• D. melancholy and spontaneous.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C. The text is an excerpt from an official legal document. Its tone is “formal” and business-like, as the matter at hand is of such gravity. It is also “authoritative”: the text is mandating that the international community must follow these new guidelines. Choice A is the opposite of the actual tone, which is formal instead of relaxed. Choice B is flawed in that there is nothing indecisive about the document; it is saying this is how it will be going forward, and that's the end of the discussion. “Melancholy” implies a sadness that the document lacks, and “spontaneous” makes it sound as if these decisions were made hastily and on the spur of the moment, whereas the reality was probably that these statutes were formulated over intense and lengthy deliberation. Eliminate Choice D accordingly.