PSAT Reading Question 33: Answer and Explanation

Question: 33

As used in line 46, "discrimination" most nearly means

• A. prejudice.
• B. differentiation.
• C. bias.
• D. insight.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks what the word discrimination most nearly means in line 46. Go back to the text, find the word discrimination, and cross it out. Then read the window carefully, using context clues to determine another word that would fit in the text. The text says, If mice are capable of discrimination, they should touch the painting associated with the milk reward. In other words, a mouse capable of discrimination would be able to recognize and choose the painting associated with the milk. Therefore, discrimination must mean something like "noticing the difference between things." Prejudice means "preconceived judgement;" it does not match "noticing the difference between things," so eliminate (A). Differentiation means "noticing the difference between things," which matches the prediction, so keep (B). Bias means "favoring something without considering other options," which does not match "noticing the difference between things," so eliminate (C). Insight does not match "noticing the difference between things," so eliminate (D). Note that (A), (C), and (D) are Could Be True trap answers based on other meanings of discrimination that are not supported by the text. The correct answer is (B).