PSAT Reading Question 53: Answer and Explanation

Question: 53

As used in line 45, "robust" most nearly means

• A. round.
• B. tough.
• C. flavorful.
• D. healthy.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks what the word robust most nearly means in line 45. Go back to the text, find the word robust, and highlight it. Then read the window carefully, using context clues to determine another word that would fit in the text. The text says that the world's most robust animals may very well survive until the sun stops shining and that tardigrades are famed for their resiliency. Therefore, robust must mean something like "resilient." Round does not match "resilient," so eliminate (A). Tough matches "resilient," so keep (B). Flavorful does not match "resilient," so eliminate (C). Healthy does not match "resilient," so eliminate (D). Note that (C) and (D) are Could Be True trap answers based on other meanings of robust that are not supported by the text. The correct answer is (B).