PSAT Reading Question 121: Answer and Explanation

Question: 121

Paragraph 4 best supports the claims made in paragraph 3 by

• A. arguing that nonviolent pressure is most likely to spur just action by individuals.
• B. clarifying that throughout history, privileged classes have been reluctant to let go of privilege.
• C. drawing a distinction between the morality of individuals and of groups.
• D. pointing out that few gains in civil rights have been made without nonviolent pressure.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

Difficulty: Hard

Category: Inference

Getting to the Answer: Identify an idea in paragraph 4 that provides clear support to the claim made in the previous paragraph. In paragraph 3, King claims that nonviolent direct action is needed to prompt negotiations on civil rights. In paragraph 4, he supports that argument by explaining that no gains have been made in civil rights without such nonviolent action, as choice (D) states.