PSAT Reading Question 306: Answer and Explanation

Question: 306

The author's overall point of view on the need for arcology is best described as

• A. tepid appreciation.
• B. mild skepticism.
• C. strong advocacy.
• D. outright rejection.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Solution: (C) Try to formulate your own answer before looking at the choices. Also, notice that the question that follows gives you the possible line selections that can help you answer this question. The author states his/her thesis at the end of the first paragraph, saying in lines 4–5 that "only a profound and comprehensive reinvention of our homes and communities will carry our societies onward into the coming ages." Put another way, the author believes that society will be in serious trouble unless significant changes are made to how cities are structured. So the answer needs to express that the author has a firm stance that arcology, which would support such changes, is needed—this is most like "strong advocacy" in choice (C). It is not choice (A) because "tepid" means "mild or lukewarm," and the author has a very strong belief in favor of arcology. The answer is not choice (B) because the author is not skeptical, or questioning, about the need for arcology—he/she believes that it must happen. The correct answer is certainly not choice (D) because the author accepts, not rejects, the need for arcology.