PSAT Reading Question 56: Answer and Explanation

Question: 56

Based on the information provided in Passage 2, the "water bears" referred to in line 13

• A. belong to the subphylum of vertebrates.
• B. are related to tuns.
• C. are made of trehalose.
• D. have eight legs.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

The question asks what is true of "water bears" (line 13) based on information in Passage 2. Use the given line reference to find the window in Passage 1. The lines say, Tardigrades are small aquatic invertebrates that are also known as "water bears." Since water bears is another name for tardigrades, the answer should include a statement that is true of tardigrades. Use lead words from the answers to find the relevant information, and eliminate answers that are not supported. Eliminate (A) because both passages state that tardigrades are invertebrates, not vertebrates. Choice (A) is a Mostly Right, Slightly Wrong trap answer. Eliminate (B) because tuns is mentioned only in Passage 1 and describes the dormant state of tardigrades; the passage does not state that tardigrades are related to tuns. Choice (B) is a Right Words, Wrong Meaning trap answer. Eliminate (C) because trehalose is only mentioned in Passage 1, and the text indicates that tardigrades can replace almost all of the water in their bodies with…trehalose; it doesn't say that tardigrades are made of trehalose. Keep (D) because line 48 describes tardigrades as eight-legged. The correct answer is (D).