PSAT Writing and Language Question 10: Answer and Explanation

Question: 10

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. mean:
• C. mean,
• D. mean;

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Punctuation changes in the answer choices, so this question tests STOP, HALF-STOP, and GO punctuation. Use the Vertical Line Test and identify the ideas as complete or incomplete. Draw the vertical line between the words mean and Bezmozgis. The first part of the sentence, While we have become comfortable believing that the Soviets came to North America looking for freedom, whatever that term may mean, is an incomplete idea. The second part, Bezmozgis shows that this was not always the case and that "freedom" could remain an elusive dream even for those who made the trip successfully, is a complete idea. To connect an incomplete idea to a complete idea, GO punctuation is needed. Eliminate (A) and (D) because both periods and semicolons are STOP punctuation. Eliminate (B) because a colon is HALF-STOP punctuation. Keep (C) because a comma is GO punctuation, and (C) appropriately places commas both before and after the unnecessary phrase whatever that term may mean. The correct answer is (C).