PSAT Reading Question 48: Answer and Explanation

Question: 48

The list in lines 55–59 ("a people…customs") primarily serves to

• A. outline a method that Jay has endorsed.
• B. summarize the points that Jay has dismissed.
• C. provide support for a claim Jay has made.
• D. restate the key issues Jay's audience must settle.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question asks for the purpose of the list in lines 55–59. Use the given line reference to find the window. In lines 53–55, Jay states that Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people. He then goes on to list the ways in which the people are united: Jay states that the people of the United States are a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs. In other words, the list supports Jay's argument that the people of the United States are a unified people. Choice (A) mentions a method, but there is no discussion about a method in the window, so eliminate (A). Choice (B) says that the list is summarizing points that Jay has dismissed, but this list is related to a claim that Jay supports, so (B) can be eliminated. Choice (C) is consistent with the text, so keep it. Choice (D) mentions issues that Jay's audience must settle, but the list is a set of examples that support a claim, not a list of undecided issues. Eliminate (D). The correct answer is (C).