PSAT Reading Question 561: Answer and Explanation

Question: 561

It can reasonably be inferred that "Old Faithful" (line 1) and Halley's Comet share what aspect that primarily contributes to their fame?

• A. Presence of water
• B. High eccentricity
• C. Nuclear particulates
• D. Periodic observability

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) Lines 1–7 assert that Halley's Comet and Old Faithful are renowned because of the dependable frequency with which they can be observed. Other ways of phrasing this idea are to say "periodic observability" or regular observability. Both the comet and the geyser contain water and nuclear particulates as listed in choices (A) and (C), but these factors do not contribute to their fame because water and nuclear particulates are relatively commonplace. Choice (B) is not correct because high eccentricity applies only to the comet, not to the geyser.