PSAT Writing and Language Question 117: Answer and Explanation

Question: 117

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. knowledge" in other words; sharpened
• C. knowledge," in other words, sharpened
• D. knowledge." In other words, sharpened

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

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 words and sharpened. The first part of the sentence, The scientists ascribe this behavior to what they refer to as the grandmothers' roles as "repositories of ecological knowledge" in other words, is an incomplete idea. The second part of the sentence, Sharpened memories and long experience of learned behaviors make the older females extremely valuable to future generations, is a complete idea. To connect an incomplete idea to a complete idea, GO punctuation is needed. STOP punctuation, like periods and semicolons, cannot be used to connect an incomplete idea to a complete idea; eliminate (A) and (B). Repeat the Vertical Line Test, drawing the line between the words knowledge and in. The first part of the sentence becomes a complete idea, and the second part of the sentence remains a complete idea. Only STOP punctuation can be used to connect two complete ideas; eliminate (C). Choice (D) correctly places STOP punctuation between two complete ideas. The correct answer is (D).