PSAT Writing and Language Question 14: Answer and Explanation

Question: 14

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. James's
• C. Their
• D. Some

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Pronouns and nouns change in the answer choices, so this question tests precision. A pronoun can only be used if it is clear what the pronoun refers to. The pronoun His could refer to William James or to Charles Peirce, so the pronoun is not precise; eliminate (A). Eliminate (C) because the paragraph only discusses the work of William James, one person, so a plural pronoun is incorrect. The word before work in psychology needs to show whose work it was, and the word some does not indicate a particular person, so eliminate (D). Choice (B) is the most precise choice because it provides a specific noun (James). The correct answer is (B).