PSAT Reading Question 649: Answer and Explanation

Question: 649

Passage 1 and Passage 2 agree that

• A. intentionally introduced invasive plants have the potential to have a positive impact.
• B. invasive plants are, without exception, harmful to the natural environment.
• C. honeysuckle is the most well-known of the invasive plant species.
• D. the negative consequences of invasive plants can be ameliorated through government intervention.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Both agree that invasive plants can be potentially helpful. This can be seen in lines 22–24 of Passage 1 in which the author states that these plants have been spread for a wide range of "beneficial uses." In lines 79–84 of Passage 2, the author states that the invasive plants have caused a long-term change for the better. Neither author would agree with choice (B). Both agree that honeysuckle is a type of invasive plant, but neither asserts it is the most well-known variety, making choice (C) incorrect. Choice (D) is also incorrect since Passage 2 does not mention any potential benefits from government intervention.