PSAT Reading Question 315: Answer and Explanation

Question: 315

The passage is primarily organized

• A. by cause and effect.
• B. chronologically.
• C. in gradually increasing order of importance.
• D. from microcosm to macrocosm.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) The passage starts with a recounting of the narrator's car trip, followed by a step-by-step retelling of her adventures exploring the boardwalk. Therefore, the structure is best described as "chronological." Although certain factors have surely caused the narrator's behavior, the passage does not focus on connecting the causes of her behavior to its effects. Instead, it focuses on her general impressions, making choice (A) incorrect. One event does not seem to have more significance than another as the passage progresses—instead, a number of interesting personal impressions are provided throughout, making choice (C) incorrect. The answer is not choice (D) because such an organization would go from a small-picture to a big-picture perspective, but the first-person perspective remains fairly consistent throughout.