PSAT Reading Question 304: Answer and Explanation

Question: 304

The authors of Passage 1 and Passage 2 would most likely agree that

• A. researchers have not given neutrinos as much attention as they deserve.
• B. indirect measurements will replace direct observation in scientific study.
• C. any valuable discovery raises more questions than it answers.
• D. subatomic particles do not always keep the same form.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

The question asks for a statement that the authors of Passage 1 and Passage 2 would agree on. Because this is a question about both passages, it should be done after the questions that ask about each passage individually. Notice that this is the first question in a paired set, so it can be done in tandem with Q42. Look at the answer choices for Q42 first. The lines for (42A) read, An experiment in Germany has made the most precise measurement yet of the maximum mass of neutrinos. Check the answers for Q41 to see if any of the answers are supported by these lines. These lines do not support any of the answers for Q41, so eliminate (42A). The lines for (42B) indicate that the new measurement is an improvement over previous measurements. These lines do not support any of the answers for Q41, so eliminate (42B). The lines for (42C) discuss the evolving states that a subatomic particle may assume as it decays before a neutrino is produced. This matches the idea that subatomic particles do not always keep the same form. Draw a line connecting (42C) and (41D). The lines for (42D) state that KATRIN cannot detect the neutrinos directly. Choice (41B) is a Right Words, Wrong Meaning trap answer related to these lines: KATRIN uses indirect measurements, but this does not indicate that indirect measurements will replace direct observation. Eliminate (42D) because these lines do not support any of the answers for Q41. Without any support in the answers from Q42, (41A), (41B), and (41C) can be eliminated. Because this pair is the only match, there is no need to find evidence in Passage 1. However, (41D) is supported in line 32 of Passage 1, which states that a neutron transforms into a proton. The correct answers are (41D) and (42C).