PSAT Reading Question 5: Answer and Explanation

Question: 5

In Passage 2, the connection between natural and synthetic polymers is best described in which of the following ways?

• A. Researchers are increasingly using synthetic polymers more than the historically preferred natural polymers, while more attention is being paid to electrospun fiber research that combines the two types of polymers.
• B. Because synthetic polymers can be created in laboratories, they are easier to work with than natural polymers.
• C. Because of the importance of a purist approach, it is important to separate research conducted on differing types of base polymers.
• D. Synthetic polymers are more hydrophobic when compared to natural polymers.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The question asks for a description of the connection between natural and synthetic polymers in Passage 2. Since this is a general question, it should be answered after the specific questions. Lines 67–71 state, Although it has historically been the case that natural polymers were favored in the construction of electrospun fibers for drug delivery systems, there is a growing trend towards employing synthetic polymers. The second paragraph discusses the ability to blend the variety of synthetic polymers with…natural polymers and says there has been a huge spike of research related to polymer compositions. Choice (A) matches both the increasing use of synthetic polymers over natural polymers and the growing research that combines the two types of polymers. Keep (A). Choice (B) is a Mostly Right, Slightly Wrong trap answer: lines 80–81 state that synthetic polymers can be created in laboratories, but the passage does not say that synthetic polymers are easier to work with than natural polymers. Eliminate (B). Eliminate (C) because it contradicts the passage—lines 90–92 say that it is of the utmost importance to not limit scientific or medical pursuit by a purist approach. Choice (D) is a Right Words, Wrong Meaning trap answer: lines 75–78 state that synthetic polymers are more easily tailored to a wider range of properties, including hydrophobicity, but the passage does not state that synthetic polymers are more hydrophobic than natural polymers. Eliminate (D). The correct answer is (A).