Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 87: Answer and Explanation

Question: 87

The text is adapted from the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which protects the human rights of those captured in war.

Until recent times war was ordinarily preceded by a regular diplomatic ceremonial. Before there was any resort to arms, there was a declaration of war by one of the opposing parties, followed by the inauguration of a state of war by both belligerents with all the legal consequences which that entailed, both in relation to nationals and in relation to enemy nationals and enemy property. Consequently, in those days, in theory, where war had not been declared, or the state of war had not been recognized by one of the parties for one reason or another, the applicability of the Convention might be contested. The danger arising in such cases is __________.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

• A. unexpected
• B. inconclusive
• C. historical
• D. obvious

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) The "cases" the text refers to in the final sentence are those in which due to confusion as to whether a war actually began, the applicability of the Geneva Convention would be "contested." Certain parties in the war may not consider respecting the human rights of those that they capture. This would therefore result in an obvious danger. The other options do not highlight the clear danger to combatants that such confusion would cause.