PSAT Reading Question 597: Answer and Explanation

Question: 597

It is reasonable to conclude from Passage 1 that Franklin's personal financial situation

• A. was as strong later in his life as it was when he was young.
• B. worsened as he advanced in years.
• C. had a random pattern of booms and busts over his life.
• D. improved greatly over his lifetime.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) In lines 14–17, Franklin describes being born into poverty and then achieving affluence. He entered the world poor but obtained wealth through his endeavors. This is most consistent with choice (D). Choices (B) and (C) imply at least some sort of financial hardship in adulthood, which was not the case. Choice (A) is flawed in that Franklin was not born wealthy.