PSAT Reading Question 326: Answer and Explanation

Question: 326

It is reasonable to infer that the narrator of Passage 2 believes the primary issue with the approach to economics at the time the passage was written is that we

• A. are unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints.
• B. fail to make relevant inquiries.
• C. do not engage in interpersonal debate.
• D. do not know biographical details of historical figures.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B)?When we look at lines 36–38, it becomes clear that the primary issue the author believes we have with our current approach to economics is that we fail to ask the right questions—in other words, we fail to make relevant inquiries, making choice (B) correct. The answer is not choice (A) or choice (C) because the narrator uses examples of people having disagreements and discussions over economic policy to show that people are definitely open to considering alternative viewpoints and having interpersonal debate. It is not choice (D) because at no point does the narrator suggest that if people knew more about the biographical details of historical figures, they would be better able to understand economic issues. Although the narrator does cite Jefferson, he does so in order to quote Jefferson’s political theory, not to share his biography.