PSAT Reading Question 312: Answer and Explanation

Question: 312

It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that the overall attitude of the American public toward arcology is

• A. generally skeptical.
• B. positively enthusiastic
• C. bitterly cynical.
• D. largely neutral.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Solution: (A) This is best seen in lines 29–31, which state that "the American public's response to Soleri's bold innovations is, by and large, resistant, certain facets of arcology have already permeated more conventional cities." In other words, Americans are generally skeptical of arcology because although they have been open to its implementation in some situations, they have not embraced it completely. The answer is not choice (B) because if the American public was positively enthusiastic about arcology, we would expect to see much more implementation of it than has happened. It is not choice (C) because being "cynical" means to have extremely negative views toward something, which is not the case here. The correct answer is not choice (D) because there is "resistance" in general to arcology, which is negative, preventing the public's attitude from being labeled as "neutral."