PSAT Reading Question 45: Answer and Explanation

Question: 45

In lines 39–43, Jay makes a distinction between

• A. self-reliance and liberty.
• B. secluded provinces and a unified domain.
• C. deserted marketplaces and lush farmland.
• D. division and independence.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks about a distinction Jay makes in the passage. Use the given line reference to find the window. The text states that it gives [Jay] pleasure to observe that independent America was not composed of detached and distant territories, but that one connected, fertile, wide-spreading country was the portion of our western sons of liberty. The correct answer should be consistent with the distinction between detached territories and one connected country. Choice (A) is not consistent with this prediction, so it can be eliminated. Choice (B) is a solid paraphrase of the prediction, so keep it. There is nothing in the text about deserted marketplaces, so eliminate (C). Choice (D) can also be eliminated because Jay's distinction here is about detached and connected physical space, not the ideas of division and independence. The correct answer is (B).