PSAT Writing and Language Question 16: Answer and Explanation

Question: 16

If the punctuation were adjusted accordingly the best placement for the underlined portion would be

• A. where it is now.
• B. after the word Pragmatism.
• C. after the word concerned.
• D. after the word truth.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Note the question! The question asks where the underlined portion should be placed, so it tests consistency of ideas. The underlined portion must be consistent with the ideas that come both before and after it. The beginning of the sentence currently says Pragmatism is concerned and then is followed by a comma, indicating that the next phrase is a separate idea. This doesn't make sense because an idea (pragmatism) can't be concerned. The word with needs to follow concerned, because the phrase concerned with means "focused on," and an idea can be focused on something. Thus, the phrase must follow concerned in order for the sentence to provide a precise meaning. The correct answer is (C).