PSAT Reading Question 621: Answer and Explanation

Question: 621

In the narrator's view, what was the major factor that drove Zenobia into her primary intellectual pursuit?

• A. Significant natural talent
• B. Her desire to shock her contemporaries
• C. Religious zeal
• D. A scarcity of opportunities

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) Lines 72–76 indicate that Coverdale believes that Zenobia pursued literature because there was a lack of a "fitter avenue" and that her literary works did not do justice to her intellect. So her intellectual pursuit of literature was primarily a result of a lack of opportunities. Choices (A) and (B) both describe characteristics that would apply to her mindset, but these characteristics would not hold her back. Although Zenobia has passion and zeal for her beliefs, no evidence is provided to indicate that her zeal is religious in nature. Even if it were, religious zeal would not hold her back from her goals.