PSAT Reading Question 265: Answer and Explanation

Question: 265

The author includes the second paragraph (lines 12–16) most likely to

• A. provide background on the characters by recounting how Hassan became a skilled kite runner.
• B. create a sense of anticipation by emphasizing the history of competitiveness between Hassan and the narrator.
• C. introduce the relationship between the characters described in the passage by emphasizing the narrator's impression of Hassan's skill.
• D. provide context for the story by describing the time period during which the events take place.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question asks why the author includes the second paragraph. Read the second paragraph as the window. The paragraph states, But Hassan was by far the greatest kite runner I'd ever seen. It was downright eerie the way he always got to the spot the kite would land before the kite did, as if he had some sort of inner compass. This emphasizes what the narrator thought about his friend Hassan's skill. Eliminate answers that don't match the prediction. Eliminate (A) because, although the second paragraph indicates that Hassan is a skilled kite-runner, it does not mention how he became skilled. This is a Mostly Right, Slightly Wrong trap answer. Eliminate (B) because there is no mention of competitiveness between the characters. This is a Could Be True trap answer that is not supported by direct evidence from the passage. Keep (C) because it matches the prediction; the narrator states his impression that Hassan was a skilled kite-runner. Eliminate (D) because the paragraph only focuses on Hassan and the narrator; it does not describe any time period. The correct answer is (C).