PSAT Reading Question 367: Answer and Explanation

Question: 367

Newman's opinion of his capacity to understand higher culture is

• A. drearily pessimistic
• B. unquestionably recognized.
• C. intuitively confident.
• D. jealously guarded.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) Newman states that he has deep instincts for high civilization even though he does not have the forms of it quite yet. So he is intuitive (instinctive) in his confidence that he will someday be able to master European culture. Choice (A) is wrong because Newman is optimistic. Choice (B) is not correct because his capacity is not recognized by others or even explicitly and fully by himself. Choice (D) is not right because Newman is very forthcoming about his opinions.