PSAT Reading Question 472: Answer and Explanation

Question: 472

Based on the figure provided and the passage, how does the distribution of ages within the 65+ group of women most likely compare to the distribution of ages within the 65+ group of men?

• A. More divergent
• B. Less divergent
• C. Nearly identical
• D. Differing values for the youngest ages

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The question asks for the difference in Russia's male and female elderly populations. We know from the passage that women live much longer than men in Russia. Hence, their ages will diverge more. Choice (D) is nonsensical, claiming different values for the same numbers. Choices (B) and (C) don't account for the tendency for elderly women to live longer than elderly men.