PSAT Reading Question 555: Answer and Explanation

Question: 555

It is reasonable to infer that the primary scholarly fields of the two authors of Passage 1 and Passage 2 are respectively

• A. cooking and history.
• B. physics and paleontology.
• C. science and anthropology.
• D. chemistry and biology.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) The first passage focuses on the scientific aspects of microwave cooking, such as the microwave's use of electromagnetic properties to heat food. The second passage discusses changes to the human practice of cooking over time, which fits under the umbrella of anthropology, which is the holistic study of humans and their ancestors. Choice (A) is incorrect because although history might be correct for Passage 2, the technical analysis in Passage 1 is beyond what would be needed to study cooking. Choice (B) is incorrect since paleontology involves the excavation of ancient remains. Choice (D) is incorrect because Passage 2 does not focus on biology.