Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 28: Answer and Explanation

Question: 28

The governmental structure of the League was rather uncomplicated. The women of each tribe would select men to represent the tribe at the council. Each village and tribe operated independently outside of the council and the council came together to discuss issues important to the entire league. The Iroquois did not vote individually but as tribes. Debates would rage for long periods of time because the Iroquois never had majority rule; they would come to a consensus. All decisions made were made unanimously. The league had no power to enforce decisions; if a tribe did not agree, it could simply ignore the decision. Thus, consensus was crucial.

As used in the text, what does the word rage most nearly mean?

• A. Embitter
• B. Go on
• C. Cause ire
• D. Dispute

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) The paragraph states that debates would rage for "long periods of time" until consensus was reached-this is a process that has the potential to be quite inefficient, making choice (B) the best option. It is not choice (A) or choice (D), because with all the debates there would surely be communication and transparency (openness). It is not choice (C), because there is no tyrannical dictatorial structure in this governmental arrangement.