PSAT Reading Question 68: Answer and Explanation

Question: 68

As used in line 4, "prosecute" most nearly means

• A. fight.
• B. litigate.
• C. accuse.
• D. enforce.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

The question asks what the word prosecute means in line 4. Go back to the text, find the word prosecute, and highlight it. Carefully read the surrounding text to determine another word that would fit in its place, based on the context of the passage. The text says that there is a united and inflexible resolve of the nation to prosecute the war with Germany to a victorious conclusion. Therefore, to prosecute the war must mean something like "pursue" the war. Litigate and accuse both refer to another meaning of prosecute, "to bring legal action against," so eliminate (B) and (C). Fight the war matches the prediction of "pursue" the war, so keep (A). Enforce does not mean "pursue," so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (A).