PSAT Reading Question 455: Answer and Explanation

Question: 455

As used in line 3, "original" most closely means

• A. special.
• B. creative.
• C. inventive.
• D. formal.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Here, Emerson argues that past generations "beheld God and nature face to face" while the current generation experiences them only through the words and records of those who have come before. So "original" means "unique" or "special," making choice (A) correct. We can rule out choices (B) and (C) because they mean the same thing, both suggesting that the new ways be somehow groundbreaking. Choice (D) is wrong because Emerson does not suggest that the relationship be ceremonial in any way.