PSAT Reading Question 247: Answer and Explanation

Question: 247

As used in line 1, "moves" most nearly means

• A. carries.
• B. persuades.
• C. transports.
• D. affects.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The question asks what the word moves most nearly means in line 1. Go back to the text, find the word moves, and cross it out. Then read the window carefully, using context clues to determine another word that would fit in the text. The text says that music moves people of all cultures, but scientists don't understand why listening to music can trigger such profoundly rewarding experiences. Therefore, moves must mean something like "has an impact on." Carries does not match "has an impact on," so eliminate (A). Persuades means "convinces," which does not match "has an impact on," so eliminate (B). Transports does not match "has an impact on," so eliminate (C). Affects matches "has an impact on," so keep (D). Note that (A), (B), and (C) are Could Be True trap answers based on other meanings of moves that are not supported by the text. The correct answer is (D).