PSAT Reading Question 514: Answer and Explanation

Question: 514

Which option gives the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• A. Lines 1–2 ("Even . . . instantaneously")
• B. Lines 4–5 ("Thus . . . aggravated")
• C. Lines 41–43 ("many . . . individual")
• D. Lines 44–46 ("Maintaining . . . healing")

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Lines 4–5 give the author's purpose: to detail the typical wound progression so that a reader may know what to expect and when to be concerned. So choice (B) is correct. Furthermore, either the beginning or the end of the first paragraph is often where the author will clearly state his or her thesis, so it is unsurprising to find the answer in these lines. Choice (A) only introduces the reader to the topic of wound healing without stating why it is important that a reader understands the subject. Choice (C) lists aspects of wound healing that a reader can't control. Choice (D) gives the reader some advice. However, both choices (C) and (D) miss the big picture by merely providing details.