PSAT Reading Question 19: Answer and Explanation

Question: 19

As used in line 55, "elastic" most nearly means

• A. rubbery.
• B. flexible.
• C. expandable.
• D. looped.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks what the word elastic most nearly means in line 55. Go back to the text, find the word elastic, and highlight it. Carefully read the window and use context clues to determine another word that would fit in the text. The sentence as a whole discusses the fact that Manderson changed from a gambler of genius to one who worked with steady labour. Therefore, the missing word must mean something like "adaptable." Rubbery, expandable, and looped are all possible definitions of the word elastic, but none of them is consistent with the prediction. Eliminate (A), (C), and (D). Flexible is consistent with "adaptable." The correct answer is (B).