PSAT Reading Question 163: Answer and Explanation

Question: 163

As used in line 28, "divisive" most nearly means

• A. conflict-producing.
• B. carefully watched.
• C. multi-purpose.
• D. time-consuming.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Vocab-in-Context

Getting to the Answer: Sometimes you can recognize similarities between the word in question and a more familiar word. "Divisive" is similar to "divide" and "division," both of which have to do with things being split or made separate. Clinton is saying that though suffrage produced great conflict and divided people more than other philosophical wars, it was "bloodless." Choice (A) is correct; "divisive" means "conflict-producing."