PSAT Reading Question 543: Answer and Explanation

Question: 543

The author most strongly suggests that the interests of the political parties and of women are

• A. aligned.
• B. uniform.
• C. divergent.
• D. belligerent.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) This can be seen most directly in lines 29–32, in which Anthony argues that dividing women into political parties is in the interest of the political parties but not in the interest of women's ultimate political goal, which is passage of women's suffrage. Since the interests of the political parties and of women differ, they can be described as "divergent." Choices (A) and (B) express the opposite of the intended meaning, and choice (D) is too extreme since there is no evidence in the essay that political parties and women will violently fight with one another.