PSAT Reading Question 143: Answer and Explanation

Question: 143

The author of the passage would most likely agree with which of the following statements?

• A. Mercury poisoning is only one of many concerns that should be considered when choosing which fish to add to one's diet.
• B. More should be done by scientists and nutritionists to inform people about the dangers of mercury poisoning.
• C. Fish is an essential part of a healthy diet and can be eaten safely if recommendations for mercury consumption are kept in mind.
• D. The mercury present in the air is more dangerous to people than the mercury consumed by eating fish with high mercury levels.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Inference

Getting to the Answer: The correct answer will be directly supported by the evidence in the passage. Avoid answers like (A) and (B) that go beyond what can logically be inferred about the author. The author explains how mercury gets into the fish that humans eat and goes on to say that it is possible to eat fish that contain mercury without getting mercury poisoning. Choice (C) is the correct answer because it is directly supported by the evidence in the passage.