PSAT Reading Question 381: Answer and Explanation

Question: 381

Lines 7–10 ("Real . . . interests") most directly warn against what potential outcome?

• A. Devoted, capable Americans are impugned while gullible Americans become pawns.
• B. Patriotic, reputable Americans are praised while less capable Americans are impoverished.
• C. Traitorous, clever Americans rise to power while lower-class Americans are disregarded.
• D. Meddling, crafty Europeans successfully invade the U.S. while Americans surrender easily.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) In these lines, Washington expresses concern that "real patriots" will be considered suspicious simply because they side with a different foreign power, while "tools and dupes" will receive unwarranted praise. So Washington is expressing his concern that highly capable Americans truly devoted to the U.S. will be condemned, while easily manipulated Americans will become pawns for European powers. Choices (B) and (C) are incorrect because there is no discussion of economic status. Choice (D) is not right because Washington is not concerned with whether or not Americans can fight but with whether or not Americans will unnecessarily turn against one another.