PSAT Reading Question 471: Answer and Explanation

Question: 471

If Russia were able to follow the advice of the author, how would a reformed population distribution chart compare to the figure provided in the passage?

• A. It would have a greater percentage of youth.
• B. It would have a greater percentage of elderly.
• C. It would have a greater percentage of people in their 40s and 50s.
• D. It would have relatively more males than females.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) This question has two parts. First, decide what the author offered as advice. The author argues that the mindset of Russians has to change. She identifies the causes as lack of family support and lack of desire for children. So if those two things changed to increase the population, Russians would have more children. Hence, the new figure would show an increase in the youth population. Choice (A) accurately describes that change. Choice (B) wrongly implies that the author suggests a solution that extends life expectancy. Choices (C) and (D), by emphasizing other subsections of the population, both fail to account for the rise in births that the author ultimately advocates for.