PSAT Reading Question 642: Answer and Explanation

Question: 642

As used in line 75, the word "lethal" most nearly means

• A. mortal.
• B. deadly.
• C. final.
• D. venomous.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) "Final" makes the most sense here. The historical events described in this paragraph did not completely eliminate blackletter but did make its use much more of a rarity. Since "lethal" is describing the demise of a language and not a living thing, saying that the word means "mortal," "deadly," or "venomous" makes no sense.