PSAT Reading Question 302: Answer and Explanation

Question: 302

The last paragraph of Passage 2 serves mainly to

• A. support the claim that scientists have studied particles for many years.
• B. explain the methods scientists will use to measure neutrinos.
• C. celebrate the researchers' achievements.
• D. describe future research possibilities.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

The question asks about the purpose of the last paragraph of Passage 2. Read the last paragraph of Passage 2 as the window. The paragraph discusses planned improvements to KATRIN and the measurements that may be possible as a result of the improvements: During the next five years, Drexlin's collaboration plans to make continuous improvements to KATRIN's sensitivity that could enable it to make an actual measurement of a neutrino's mass—or to narrow the range of the estimate as far as the machine's sensitivity will allow (lines 81–86). Eliminate answers that don't match the prediction. The paragraph does not discuss the claim that scientists have studied particles for many years. Eliminate (A). The paragraph does not explain the methods used to measure neutrinos, so eliminate (B). The paragraph does not celebrate achievements; it discusses potential future achievements, so eliminate (C). The paragraph does discuss future research possibilities, so keep (D). The correct answer is (D).