PSAT Reading Question 560: Answer and Explanation

Question: 560

As it is used in line 4, "brilliant" most nearly means

• A. luminous.
• B. showy.
• C. intellectual.
• D. august.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The first paragraph discusses the fact that Halley's Comet is a rare "Great Comet," i.e., one that is bright enough for humans on Earth to see without the aid of a telescope. Therefore, the brilliance referred to in line 4 describes the light-giving aspect of the comet, which is luminance. The other options are meanings of "brilliant" but are not correct in this context.