PSAT Reading Question 259: Answer and Explanation

Question: 259

As used in line 30, "rigorous" most nearly means

• A. strict.
• B. harsh.
• C. excessive.
• D. unlikely.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The question asks what the word rigorous most nearly means in line 30. Go back to the text, find the word rigorous, and cross it out. Then read the window carefully, using context clues to determine another word that would fit in the text. The text states that it is time to stop sending to prison people who are deeply opposed to an unnecessary draft. Only a handful can meet the rigorous definition of the conscientious objector, the objector to all war. But other men are entitled to have their principled objections and scruples respected. Therefore, rigorous must mean something like "exact" or "precise." Strict matches "precise," so keep (A). Harsh does not mean "precise," so eliminate (B). Note that (B) is a Could Be True trap answer based on another meaning of rigorous that is not supported by the passage. Excessive does not match "precise," so eliminate (C). Unlikely does not match "precise," so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (A).