PSAT Reading Question 430: Answer and Explanation

Question: 430

As used in line 24, "touched" most closely means

• A. assaulted.
• B. dashed.
• C. matched.
• D. moved.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) Here, Ned is "puzzled" but "touched." He had desired Alice only physically, but here "changed his mind" and became more emotionally attached to her. So if you substitute a word or words for "touched," you might use stirred emotionally or "moved" as in choice (D). Choice (A) refers to touching someone physically in a violent manner. Choice (B) can be used as a verb meaning to hurry or as a feeling of disappointment as in dashed hopes; neither fits here. Choice (C) is irrelevant since it might mean to correspond or resemble another, or to be equal to something in quality or strength.