PSAT Reading Question 518: Answer and Explanation

Question: 518

The passage and the figure, respectively, portray the steps of wound healing in which of the following different ways?

• A. Concurrent and chronological
• B. Gradual and sudden
• C. Sequential and simultaneous
• D. Internal and external

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) The passage lists the steps in terms of one occurring then the body moving on to the next. Therefore, the passage lists the steps in a sequential or chronological order. However, the figure shows great overlap among the steps; for instance, angiogenesis and wound contraction occur almost entirely at the same time. Therefore, the figure shows them as being concurrent or simultaneous. Thus, the correct answer is choice (C) as it classifies the passage's description as sequential and the figure's description as simultaneous. Choice (A) has the passage and the figure backward. Choice (B) is incorrect because both show that the processes are gradual. Choice (D) is wrong because the figure simply shows a time depiction of when the steps occur but states nothing of where they occur.