PSAT Reading Question 462: Answer and Explanation

Question: 462

According to Passage 1 and Passage 2, Emerson and Plato, respectively, place great value on what in their pursuits of wisdom?

• A. Religious revelation and scientific inquiry
• B. Practical observation and abstract ideas
• C. Legal theory and mathematical reasoning
• D. Professional experience and industrial engineering

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) To approach this question, think of what we know Emerson and Plato value. In the first passage, Emerson values independent thinking, observing, and asking questions. Emerson is briefly mentioned in the second passage as advocating for working professionals since they are "the modern majority." Plato, on the other hand, believes any kind of organized work or profession detracts from one's strength and intellectual potential. Hence, choice (B) is correct. Plato never advocates for mathematical reasoning or industrial engineering, eliminating choices (C) and (D). Although choice (A) is tempting, recall that religious revelation is only one detail of Emerson's argument and that Plato is not focused on the sciences but on the pursuit of knowledge apart from the burden of a job.