PSAT Reading Question 292: Answer and Explanation

Question: 292

Nehru's purpose for using the words "birth" and "pains" in lines 16–17 is most likely to

• A. admit that sorrowful memories will continue even in happier times.
• B. support the argument that the new era of freedom will be joyful.
• C. compare the heavy labor of the past with the easy road ahead.
• D. imply that something positive came from a difficult experience.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

The question asks why Nehru uses the words birth and pains. Use the given line reference to find the window. In lines 16–17, Nehru uses a metaphor of giving birth to refer to the difficulties that the Indian people faced before they achieved independence. Like giving birth, the struggle for independence was painful, but the struggle produced something worthwhile. Eliminate answers that don't match the prediction. Choice (A) says that sad memories will continue even in happier times, but Nehru does not say that the memories will continue in the future; he says that some of those sorrowful memories continue even now. Choice (A) is a Right Words, Wrong Meaning trap answer, so eliminate it. Although Nehru indicates that freedom is a positive outcome, he does not mention joy in the lines that the question asks about. Furthermore, (B) does not mention the struggles of the past, so it does not match the prediction. Eliminate (B). Eliminate (C) because Nehru does not indicate that there will be an easy road ahead. Keep (D) because it matches the prediction. The correct answer is (D).