PSAT Reading Question 248: Answer and Explanation

Question: 248

The passage most strongly suggests that research has not yet determined

• A. the best application for positron emission tomography.
• B. the effects of previous experience on musical preference.
• C. which brain regions are associated with feelings of boredom.
• D. why music is capable of creating a sense of pleasure.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The question asks for something that research has not yet determined, as indicated by the passage. Since there is no line reference, use the order of the questions to find the window. Q35 asks about line 1, so continue reading the first paragraph, looking for information about what has not yet been determined by research. Lines 3–7 state, Nobody really understands why listening to music can trigger such profoundly rewarding experiences. Valorie Salimpoor and other neuroscientists are trying to figure it out with the help of brain scanners. In other words, research has not yet determined why people get so much pleasure from listening to music. Eliminate answers that don't match this prediction. Choices (A), (B), and (C) do not match the prediction. These answers may be tempting because they mention topics that are discussed later in the passage, but none of these choices includes something that has not been determined by research. Eliminate (A), (B), and (C). Keep (D) because it matches the prediction. The correct answer is (D).