PSAT Reading Question 87: Answer and Explanation

Question: 87

According to the passage, which of the following does NOT influence decisions on the timing of seasonal burns?

• A. Biomass production
• B. Control of specific plant species
• C. Tropospheric ozone production
• D. Weather

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question asks what does NOT influence decisions on the timing of seasonal burns. Because there is no line reference and the entire passage is about the timing of seasonal burns, this question should be done after the other specific questions. Pay attention to the word NOT in the question. Use Process of Elimination to eliminate three answer choices that do influence decisions on the timing of seasonal burning. Eliminate (A) and (B) since lines 4–8 say that biomass production and control of specific plant species do influence when grasslands are burned. According to lines 32–35, Concentrated smoke from grass fires produces particles that facilitate tropospheric ozone production; this is a consequence of en masse burning (many fires burning at once), NOT something that would influence decisions on the timing of seasonal burns, so keep (C). Lines 50–51 say that ranchers often burn in unison when weather conditions are favorable, so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (C).