Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 288: Answer and Explanation

Question: 288

While researching a topic, a student has made the following notes:

• Miles Davis was a famous jazz musician who was born in 1926 in Illinois and died in 1991 in California.
• Davis studied for a time at the Julliard School, a music conservatory in New York City.
• Davis is best known for his trumpet playing.
• Louis Armstrong was also a famous jazz musician, who was born in 1901 in Louisiana and died in 1971 in New York.
• Armstrong learned much of his musical skill, including reading music, by playing on riverboats.
• Armstrong is well known for both trumpet playing and vocal skill.

The student wants to emphasize a difference between the two musicians. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information to accomplish this goal?

• A. Davis and Armstrong both were excellent trumpet players.
• B. Davis and Armstrong were both born in the United States.
• C. Armstrong's education was less formal than Davis's.
• D. Davis was born several years earlier than Armstrong.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C. Armstrong learned on riverboats, while Davis attended Julliard, a music conservatory. Therefore, Davis had a more formal education than did Armstrong. It is not A or B, because these are both similarities. It is not D. because Davis was born later than Armstrong.