PSAT Reading Question 407: Answer and Explanation

Question: 407

The authors of Passage 1 and Passage 2 have respective attitudes toward genetic research that are best described as

• A. positive, negative.
• B. scientific, historical.
• C. optimistic, cautious.
• D. hopeful, apocalyptic.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) Passage 1's author primarily considers the benefits of genetic research, so his viewpoint could be expressed as positive, optimistic, or hopeful. Passage 2's author concedes that genetic research can be very helpful in treating some diseases but is not without risks. Therefore, this author can best be described as cautious or balanced. Choice (C) has correct adjectives for both authors. Choice (A) is incorrect because Passage 2's author is more balanced than negative. Choice (B) is incorrect because neither passage is overly scientific or historical. Choice (D) is incorrect because "apocalyptic" is far too negative for Passage 2.