PSAT Reading Question 131: Answer and Explanation

Question: 131

Which statement most effectively compares the authors' purposes in both passages?

• A. Passage 1's purpose is to contrast the functions of the IMF and World Bank, while Passage 2's purpose is to outline the benefits of a flexible trade system to the United States.
• B. Passage 1's purpose is to describe the history of international trade in the 20th century, while Passage 2's purpose is to explain why the Bretton Woods system collapsed.
• C. Passage 1's purpose is to describe Bretton Woods's effect on the global economy, while Passage 2's purpose is to suggest that a new currency for global trade may soon be implemented.
• D. Passage 1's purpose is to promote the economic benefits of the IMF and World Bank, while Passage 2's purpose is to encourage the reestablishment of the Bretton Woods system.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Global

Getting to the Answer: Identify the overall purpose of each passage. Then, consider which answer choice accurately describes these purposes. Choice (C) is the correct answer. Passage 1 focuses on the effects of Bretton Woods, while Passage 2 focuses on the reasons why the international economy may transition to a new global currency.