PSAT Reading Question 570: Answer and Explanation

Question: 570

It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that the supervisors in the meat-packing factories viewed employees as

• A. skillful.
• B. disposable.
• C. valuable.
• D. interesting.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) In lines 4–7, the passage states that the boss had intended to hire another man but, upon finding Jurgis, decided that he would do instead. Really, it seems, anyone would do. This is most consistent with choice (B). Workers are "disposable"—they are easily replaceable, used until they have nothing left and then discarded in favor of someone new. "Skillful," "valuable," and "interesting" all convey much more respect for the employees than the supervisors actually possess.