PSAT Reading Question 641: Answer and Explanation

Question: 641

The passage suggests that the most significant problem with the insular scripts was what?

• A. They lacked consistency in their letterforms.
• B. They were elaborate and time consuming.
• C. They were isolated in England and Ireland.
• D. They were used only in Christian monasteries.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Lines 5–11 refer to the insular scripts as being highly "variable." This means that people handwrote the scripts in a variety of ways, making them difficult to read. Choice (B) is incorrect since only the Carolingian minuscule is mentioned as cumbersome. Choice (C) is incorrect, because the passage does not support the notion that these scripts were limited to England and Ireland. Choice (D) is incorrect because the passage does not support that these scripts were used only in monasteries.