PSAT Reading Question 43: Answer and Explanation

Question: 43

Jay indicates that those who choose to support dividing the country into separate confederacies

• A. are contradicting the wishes, prayers, and efforts of the majority of its citizens.
• B. value independence over safety and happiness.
• C. should not do so without first examining the issue thoroughly.
• D. are threatening the prosperity of the nation by encouraging political turmoil.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question asks what Jay indicates about those who support dividing the country into separate confederacies. Notice that this is the first question in a paired set, so it can be done in tandem with Q34. Look at the answers for Q34 first. The lines for (34A) say that the prosperity of the people of America depended on their continuing firmly united. While this answer might initially seem to connect with (33A), there is no evidence in the text that he believes those who support dividing the country are encouraging political turmoil. Eliminate (34A). The lines for (34B) simply say that division has its advocates, but there is no mention of Jay's belief about those advocates. Eliminate (34B). The lines for (34C) warn that it would not be wise to advocate for division without being fully convinced that [separating the country is] founded in truth and sound policy. These lines support (33C). Connect those two answers. Choice (32D) describes how independent America was not composed of detached and distant territories, but…connected, fertile, wide-spreading country. There is nothing about those who advocate for dividing the county, so these lines don't support any of the answers for Q33. Eliminate (34D). Without support from Q34, (33A), (33B), and (33D) can be eliminated. The correct answers are (33C) and (34C).