PSAT Reading Question 257: Answer and Explanation

Question: 257

Based on Passage 1, raising wages for some members of the armed forces would result in which of the following?

• A. It would satisfy the demands of draftees and inspire them to serve for longer.
• B. It would frustrate military recruits by changing the primary motivation for military service.
• C. It would leave civilians feeling underappreciated and prompt them to join the military.
• D. It would encourage an adequate number of people to volunteer for the armed forces.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The question asks for an effect that would be caused by raising wages for some members of the armed forces, based on Passage 1. Notice that this is the first question in a paired set, so it can be done in tandem with Q29. Look at the answers for Q29 first. The lines for (29A) indicate that an all-volunteer military is more acceptable and more consistent with historic American practice than an involuntary military. These lines do not discuss the effects of raising wages, so they do not address Q28. Eliminate (29A). The lines for (29B) state that a modest increase in pay for men in the lower ranks would sufficiently increase voluntary recruitment and reenlistments to supply manpower. In other words, raising wages for some members of the armed forces would encourage enough people to volunteer for and reenlist in the military. Check the answers for Q28 to see whether any of the answers are supported by these lines. This information matches (28D). Draw a line connecting (29B) and (28D). The lines for (29C) indicate that increased wages for servicemen are deserved and overdue because people in the military are paid less than civilians (non-military members) who hold similar jobs. These lines discuss higher wages, but they don't describe an effect of raising wages, so they don't address Q28. Eliminate (29C). The lines for (29D) argue for ending the draft because it is time to bring the American system into line with our professed ideals of individual freedom and personal choice. These lines do not discuss the effects of raising wages, so they do not address Q28. Eliminate (29D). Without any support in the answers from Q29, (28A), (28B), and (28C) can be eliminated. The correct answers are (28D) and (29B).