PSAT Reading Question 12: Answer and Explanation

Question: 12

Based on the information in the passage, Manderson was known chiefly for his

• A. sharp business practices and harsh manner toward those he thought inferior.
• B. vast wealth and willingness to lend money at low interest rates.
• C. European habits and unusual good fortune as a gambler.
• D. power and determination to protect the security of the financial sector.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

This question asks what Manderson was chiefly known for. Notice that it's the first question in a paired set, so it can be done in tandem with Q3. Start with the answers to Q3. The lines for (3A) state that Manderson imposed [himself] upon the mind of the trading world in a way that hadn't been done before. While these lines do describe Manderson, they don't support any of the specific answers in Q2. Eliminate (3A). The lines for (3B) say that Manderson was the unquestioned guardian of stability, the stamper-out of manipulated crises, the foe of the raiding chieftains that infest the borders of Wall Street. These lines support choice (2D) (power and determination to protect), so connect those two choices. The lines for (3C) refer to the origin of Manderson's family money, which doesn't support any of the answers for Q2. Eliminate (3C). Choice (3D) talks about his early career, which is not how Manderson was chiefly known, nor does it support any of the choices in Q2. Eliminate (3D). Without any support from Q3, choices (2A), (2B), and (2C) can be eliminated. The correct answers are (2D) and (3B).