PSAT Reading Question 296: Answer and Explanation

Question: 296

As used in line 68, "narrow" most nearly means

• A. thin.
• B. fine.
• C. limited.
• D. tight.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question asks what the word narrow most nearly means in line 68. Go back to the text, find the word narrow, and cross it out. Then read the window carefully, using context clues to determine another word that would fit in the text. The text says, We cannot encourage…narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action. Therefore, narrow must mean something like "restricted," and must refer to thoughts and actions. Thin does not match "restricted," so eliminate (A). Fine does not match "restricted," so eliminate (B). Limited matches "restricted," so keep (C). Although a space that is tight might also be described as "restricted," this refers to physical space, not to thoughts and actions, so eliminate (D). Note that (A), (B), and (D) are Could Be True trap answers based on other meanings of narrow that are not supported by the text. The correct answer is (C).