PSAT Reading Question 178: Answer and Explanation

Question: 178

Which statement is the most effective comparison of the two passages' purposes?

• A. Passage 1's purpose is to describe the early history of tea in Europe, while Passage 2's purpose is to compare European cultural practices relating to tea.
• B. Passage 1's purpose is to argue against the Chinese monopoly of tea, while Passage 2's purpose is to argue that Europeans perfected the art of tea drinking.
• C. Passage 1's purpose is to express admiration for the difficult task of tea cultivation, while Passage 2's purpose is to celebrate the rituals surrounding tea.
• D. Passage 1's purpose is to compare Chinese and European relationships with tea, while Passage 2's purpose is to describe the diffusion of tea culture in Europe.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Difficulty: Easy

Category: Inference

Getting to the Answer: Look for true statements about Passage 1. Then, do the same for Passage 2. Choice (A) is correct. Passage 1 focuses on an earlier period in European history, while Passage 2 compares different cultures within Europe.