PSAT Reading Question 573: Answer and Explanation

Question: 573

As used in line 34, "figuring" most closely means

• A. believing.
• B. calculating.
• C. assuming.
• D. doubting.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) When handling these vocabulary questions, insert each option into the sentence to determine which is most apt in context. "All day long he was figuring to himself" means that he was counting the money he was making; he was "calculating" his earnings, as in choice (B). After you insert "believing," "assuming," and "doubting" into the sentence, it will be clear that none of these three provides a logical statement.