Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 46: Answer and Explanation

Question: 46

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

■ Digestion means the breakdown of food.

■ There are two kinds of digestion: chemical and mechanical.

■ Chemical digestion is the breakdown of food through enzymes and hormones.

■ Mechanical digestion is simply breaking down the food into smaller pieces.

■ In the mouth, chewing (a mechanical digestive process) is the main type of digestion that occurs, but small amounts of salivary amylase are released to chemically degrade starches.

The student wants to point out a similarity between chemical and mechanical digestion. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

• A. Chemical and mechanical digestion equally contribute to the digestion that takes place in the mouth.
• B. While mechanical digestion is more prevalent in the mouth, chemical digestion is more prevalent in the intestines.
• C. Both mechanical and chemical digestion involve breaking down food.
• D. Saliva is used as a key component of both mechanical and chemical digestion.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) This option points out a similarity between chemical and mechanical digestion-they both break down food. Choice A is not supported by the given information. Choice B points out a difference. Choice D is inaccurate since saliva is involved in chemical, not mechanical digestion.