PSAT Reading Question 309: Answer and Explanation

Question: 309

As used in line 15, "portmanteau" most nearly means

• A. innovation.
• B. transition.
• C. environment.
• D. combination.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Solution: (D) Line 15 define arcology as "a portmanteau of 'architecture' and 'ecology'." You can reasonably infer that this comes from the prefix "arc-" in "architecture" and the suffix "-ology" in "ecology," which combine to give the word "arcology." Given how the word "arcology" is used elsewhere, it makes sense that it would be a combination of architectural elements and ecological elements, since it is focused on designing cities in an environmentally sustainable way. Although "innovation," "transition," and "environment" are related to architectural and ecological ideas, they do not capture the overall meaning of the term.