PSAT Reading Question 602: Answer and Explanation

Question: 602

The source of information Washington primarily draws upon for the information in lines 64–93 is

• A. publications.
• B. hearsay.
• C. statistics.
• D. scholarship.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Washington has acquired the little knowledge he has of his family through informal conversations and speculation. This is most evident in lines 85–87, where Washington states that he has "heard reports" about his family. This type of conjecture and secondary-witness testimonial is best represented as "hearsay." There were no "publications" of his family; he mentions nothing written at all. Similarly, there were no "statistics." Washington did not learn of his family through "scholarship," or academia; there was nothing to be studied.