PSAT Reading Question 466: Answer and Explanation

Question: 466

The author's primary purpose in lines 10–14 is to demonstrate how

• A. statistical precision is difficult to come by in demographic research.
• B. Russia's demographic problems are not unique.
• C. Russia's economic development is worse than that of developing countries.
• D. data taken in isolation could lead to a mistaken conclusion.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) This is a purpose question. Ask yourself what the author is doing in these lines. These lines compare Russia to less-developed countries, illustrating how life expectancy alone cannot explain Russia's decline in population. Instead, Russia is combatting a more complex problem where life expectancy and birth rates are simultaneously low. These lines show how we need more than one number to evaluate Russia's situation effectively, making choice (D) correct. We are given precise data, so choice (A) doesn't work. These lines actually contradict choice (B). Be careful with choice (C); we are examining demographics, not economics.