PSAT Reading Question 67: Answer and Explanation

Question: 67

Over the course of the speech, Churchill's focus shifts from

• A. defeating Germany to reconstructing the government.
• B. forming a War Cabinet to establishing war policy.
• C. appointing an Administration to bolstering spirits.
• D. reconciling differences to accepting defeat.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question asks how the focus of the speech changes. Because this is a general question, it should be done after all the specific questions. The passage begins with an explanation of why and how Churchill formed a new government; he begins the description in lines 6–7, On Friday evening last I received His Majesty's commission to form a new Administration. Then in line 42, Churchill transitions to speaking of one of the greatest battles in history; in the last paragraph, he says the aim of the new government and the country is victory, and he urges the new government and country to go forward together with…united strength. Look for an answer choice that matches this prediction. Choice (A) references both of these topics but lists them in the opposite order; eliminate (A). Choice (B) is too narrow because it focuses only on the formation of the War Cabinet, as opposed to the government as a whole, so eliminate (B). The passage first discusses formation of a new government through appointments and then goes on to rally that government to the shared cause of defeating Germany. This matches (C), so keep it. The passage does accept defeat but rather urges a dedication to victory, so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (C).