PSAT Reading Question 307: Answer and Explanation

Question: 307

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• A. Lines 4–5 ("Only . . . ages")
• B. Lines 15–17 ("Arcology . . . 1950's")
• C. Lines 21–24 ("According . . . treatment")
• D. Lines 37–38 ("Community . . . completion")

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Solution: (A) The PSAT has several questions like this one that expect you to demonstrate your command of evidence. That way, the test can ascertain whether you actually understand what you have read or whether you were just lucky in answering the previous question correctly. The correct answer is choice (A) because this selection gives the thesis of the essay, expressing that the author believes that it is vital for society to change how it constructs cities in order to prevent a decline in society. The answer is not choice (B) because this selection simply defines arcology. It is not choice (C) because this selection simply explains what an arcological city would be like. The correct answer is not choice (D) because this selection states that arcology has had difficulty earning widespread public support.