PSAT Reading Question 63: Answer and Explanation

Question: 63

In the second paragraph, the "loss" (line 16) Marcher feels most likely refers to

• A. a connection over an interest he has in common with May.
• B. a missed opportunity to compliment May.
• C. his longing to return to the warm weather in Sorrento.
• D. May's rejection of his speech declaring love for her.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

The question asks what Marcher's "loss" refers to in line 16. Use the given line reference to find the window. Lines 15–18 state that John was conscious…of a loss and already saw an interest in the matter of her mention. This supports (A), so keep it. Line 13 states that May had made no claim on him of a compliment, but not that Marcher had missed an opportunity to compliment her, so eliminate (B). There's no discussion of Marcher longing to return to Sorrento, so eliminate (C). There's no evidence that Marcher's speech involved declaring love for May, so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (A).