PSAT Reading Question 119: Answer and Explanation

Question: 119

As used in line 41, "dramatize" most nearly means

• A. cast events in an appealing light.
• B. draw attention to significant events.
• C. exaggerate events to seem more important.
• D. turn events into a popular performance.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Vocab-in-Context

Getting to the Answer: Before viewing the answer choices, think about the purpose of the word in the sentence and form an alternate explanation of the word. Then, identify the answer choice that best reflects that meaning and intent. King says that direct action in Birmingham aims to "dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored." This suggests that the issue, or events, in Birmingham are of great significance and demand attention that they have not received. Therefore, (B) is correct.