PSAT Reading Question 267: Answer and Explanation

Question: 267

As used in line 16, "inner compass" most strongly suggests that Hassan

• A. has a natural gift for kite running.
• B. is able to navigate in a strange city.
• C. is guided by his strong morals.
• D. is cheating at the kite-fighting competition.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

The question asks what the phrase "inner compass" most strongly suggests about Hassan. Use the given line reference to find the window. The passage states 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, meaning that Hassan is naturally very good at finding kites. Eliminate answers that don't match the prediction. Keep (A) because it matches the prediction. Eliminate (B) because there is no indication that Hassan is in a strange city. In fact, the passage implies that the children know this city very well. This is a Mostly Right, Slightly Wrong trap answer. Choice (C) can be eliminated because, while Hassan seems to be guided in the direction of the kite by an inner compass, the passage does not mention morals. This is a Right Words, Wrong Meaning trap answer based on another meaning of inner compass that is not supported by the passage. Eliminate (D) because there is no evidence that Hassan is cheating. The correct answer is (A).