PSAT Reading Question 104: Answer and Explanation

Question: 104

One difference between the studies described in the two passages is that unlike the researchers discussed in Passage 1, the researchers in Passage 2

• A. stretch the Pseudomonas aeruginosa until they become surfactants.
• B. utilize biological organisms to disrupt the surface tension.
• C. experiment on nanomaterials in order to breed Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• D. explore ways to increase evaporation and particle flow.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks for a difference between the studies described in the two passages. Consider one passage at a time. In Passage 2, the researchers do not stretch the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium, so eliminate (A). The researchers in Passage 2 use a bacterium—a biological organism—to counteract the coffee ring effect, so keep (B). Choice (C) is a Deceptive Language trap answer because Passage 2 does reference experimenting on nanomaterials, but not in order to breed Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eliminate (C). Lines 93–98 state, the soap causes a counterflow from the edge back towards the centre of the stain in such a way that the small particles—material or bacteria—end up in a kind of whirlwind. In this way, you get a more uniform distribution of particles as evaporation occurs; these lines support (D), so keep it. Consider (B) and (D) in relation to Passage 1. The researchers in Passage 1 do not use biological organisms, so (B) gives a difference between the passages; keep (B). Eliminate (D) because this statement is true of both studies; the researchers in Passage 1 also experiment with ways to change evaporation and the flow of particles. The correct answer is (B).