Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 3: Answer and Explanation

Question: 3

Finding a job directly out of college is, for many, a catch-22. Employers want experience, and graduates are hard pressed to gain the experience needed to, well, gain experience. As a remedy, universities are encouraging internships, opportunities to enter the workforce temporarily and train in a position of interest. The idea is that both sides will come out the better - the intern strengthening his or her resume and building a strong social network, the employer expanding its workforce and investing in a prospective employee. But now, more students are questioning exactly who is getting their money's worth when many internships are unpaid. Rather than doubting the value of experience, they wonder at its fairness and practicality. Internships, when paid, are not only more valuable, but also more meaningful.

Which choice best states the main argument of the text?

• A. Ambitious college students should embrace any work opportunity that becomes available.
• B. Employers should do away with the obsolete practice of college internships.
• C. In order to create a mutually beneficial opportunity, internships should be compensated.
• D. So that employers do not have to waste time training inexperienced new hires, they should focus on only hiring applicants with experience.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) The passage initially presents the dilemma that both employers and potential employees face-workers will be better prepared with experience, but they can only get experience if they become workers. The author argues that a way to solve this dilemma is for internships to be paid so that they are both valuable and meaningful. This argument aligns with choice (C). Neither (A) nor (B) is presented in the passage, whereas (D) inaccurately summarizes the general argument given.