PSAT Reading Question 260: Answer and Explanation

Question: 260

As used in line 52, "extension" most nearly means

• A. reaching.
• B. addition.
• C. being enlarged.
• D. being continued.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The question asks what the word extension most nearly means in line 52. Go back to the text, find the word extension, and cross it out. Then read the window carefully, using context clues to determine another word that would fit in the text. Beginning with line 42, the text says, there has been debate in this body for some weeks now on the need for the military draft…There have been arguments advanced in favor of its extension. Basically, the argument is that without the draft, our commitments as a nation and as a world leader cannot be fulfilled. Therefore, extension must mean something like "being kept." Eliminate answers that do not match this prediction. Reaching does not mean "being kept," so eliminate (A). Addition does not mean "being kept," so eliminate (B). Being enlarged does not mean "being kept," so eliminate (C). Choices (A), (B), and (C) are Could Be True trap answers based on other meanings of extension that are not supported by the passage. Being continued matches "being kept," so keep (D). The correct answer is (D).