PSAT Reading Question 79: Answer and Explanation

Question: 79

As used in line 38, "suspended" most nearly means

• A. drooping.
• B. hanging.
• C. slumbering.
• D. fixed.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks what the word suspended means in line 38. Go back to the text, find the word suspended, 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. In the text, suspended is used to describe the belts, pipes, and railroad overpasses that go in, out, and over the buildings, therefore, suspended must mean something like "up in the air." Drooping means "hanging downward," which doesn't match "up in the air," so eliminate (A). Hanging matches "up in the air," so keep (B). Slumbering means "sleeping;" it doesn't match "up in the air," so eliminate (C). Fixed means "securely fastened," which does not match "up in the air," so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (B).