PSAT Reading Question 425: Answer and Explanation

Question: 425

Lines 44–47 ("I had . . . so lain") suggest that at any point in its history, the Usher family would have had how many heirs at a given time?

• A. None
• B. One
• C. Two or more
• D. The family had no heirs.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) This is tough reading, but don't be intimidated; break it down. The family is peculiar, or odd; has a great interest in art, charity, and musical science; but is not enduring. In fact, the line of descent is direct and has always been so. Thus, there is only one descendant. We know that the family has a long history and that Roderick is the current heir, ruling out choices (A) and (D). The word "direct" implies that the inheritance has always been passed down from one to the next without any extra heirs, eliminating choice (C).