PSAT Reading Question 444: Answer and Explanation

Question: 444

The respective general themes of Passage 1 and Passage 2 are

• A. militaristic and economic.
• B. personal and reflective.
• C. strategic and tactical.
• D. pedestrian and urgent.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) Notice the word "respective" in the question, meaning that these answers have to go in order: the first word has to describe the first passage and the second should apply to Passage 2. In the first passage, Jefferson proposes ideas about how to move forward economically. In the second, he plans for military engagement. Choice (A) has these switched, so eliminate it. Jefferson never shows evidence of being overly concerned with his personal issues, as in choice (B). The first passage is far from "pedestrian," or dull and unconcerned.