PSAT Writing and Language Question 116: Answer and Explanation

Question: 116

At this point, the writer is considering adding the following true statement:

The older female whales were the most likely to lead younger whales to salmon feeding grounds, particularly in the periods where the usually plentiful salmon were sparse.

Should the writer make this addition here?

• A. Yes, because it clarifies some of the teaching behaviors mentioned in the previous sentence.
• B. Yes, because it gives some credit to older whales, who were otherwise ignored in the study.
• C. No, because the information conflicts with other information given later in the passage.
• D. No, because the scientists' observations are not given as conclusive.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Note the question! The question asks whether a sentence should be added, so it tests consistency. If the content of the new sentence is consistent with the ideas surrounding it, then it should be added. The paragraph discusses scientists studying the teaching behaviors of whale grandmothers. The new sentence states that the older female whales were the most likely to lead younger whales to salmon feeding grounds, which describes a teaching behavior and is consistent with the paragraph. The new sentence should be added, so eliminate (C) and (D). Keep (A) because the sentence clarifies some of the teaching behaviors. Eliminate (B) because the older whales were not ignored in the study. The correct answer is (A).