PSAT Reading Question 429: Answer and Explanation

Question: 429

Which option gives the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• A. Lines 4–5 ("At twenty-seven . . . brown")
• B. Lines 5–6 ("She was . . . went on")
• C. Lines 39–40 ("The young . . . every day")
• D. Lines 43–46 ("At the end . . . her at all")

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) As stated above, the description of the adult Alice occurs in the first two paragraphs, eliminating choices (C) and (D), which describe instances of Alice's teenage years. When deciding between choices (A) and (B), you should focus on the words "beneath a placid exterior a continual ferment went on." Even if you don't know what "ferment" means, you can assume that it is in contrast to her placid, quiet exterior. Choice (A), in contrast, deals more with her physical appearance and not her attitude.