PSAT Reading Question 469: Answer and Explanation

Question: 469

It can be reasonably inferred that Vladimir Putin's approach to depopulation as presented in lines 42–43 ("He focused . . . children") focuses on

• A. the shifting mindset in the Russian population over the past century.
• B. what is within the power of government to do.
• C. the root causes of the issue.
• D. centralized family planning.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) The author sees Putin's solution as limited because it "fails to see the underlying causes" and instead focuses on "economic programs." Choices (A) and (C) contradict this view. Choice (D) assumes too much; although the article references social programs, it does not include details.