PSAT Reading Question 480: Answer and Explanation

Question: 480

What is the author's primary purpose in using quotation marks in the sentence in lines 27–28 ("Similar . . . 'war' ")?

• A. To quote primary source information
• B. To highlight the global importance of this event
• C. To underscore the irony of these labels
• D. To dispute the veracity of certain claims

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) Why might the author choose to use quotation marks here? You might be thinking for dramatic effect. The usage of "war" in this context is comical because a military force is being called in to fight birds, and the birds are ironically winning. So these terms usually mean something very different in warfare. Hence, choice (C) is correct. The author is not citing quotations or research. This event is actually quite trivial in the global context of war. Choice (D) is tempting but implies that the author is disputing facts, whereas he/she is actually calling attention to the absurdity of equating a fowl hunt to true warfare.