PSAT Reading Question 269: Answer and Explanation

Question: 269

After Hassan and the narrator reach the middle school, Hassan's actions suggest that he

• A. is upset that the narrator found him.
• B. is confident that he will catch the kite.
• C. sits down to let the narrator catch up with him.
• D. ran the wrong way to let the narrator catch the kite.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks what Hassan's actions suggest about him after he and the narrator reach the middle school. Notice that this is the first question in a paired set, so it can be done in tandem with Q7. Look at the answer choices for Q7 first. The lines for (7A) come from the first paragraph, before the boys reach the middle school. Therefore, these lines do not answer Q6, so eliminate (7A). The lines for (7B) describe the narrator's actions rather than Hassan's actions. These lines do not answer Q6, so eliminate (7B). The lines for (7C) are spoken by the narrator; since these lines do not describe Hassan's actions, they do not answer Q6. Eliminate (7C). The lines for (7D) say, Hassan popped a mulberry in his mouth. "It's coming," he said. Check to see whether these lines support any of the answers for Q6. They support (6B): Hassan shows his confidence by sitting calmly and eating while he waits for the kite, and by stating that the kite is coming. Draw a line connecting (7D) and (6B). Without any support in the answers from Q7, (6A), (6C), and (6D) can be eliminated. The correct answers are (6B) and (7D).