PSAT Writing and Language Question 161: Answer and Explanation

Question: 161

If added to the paragraph, which fact would best support the author’s claims?

• A. The critical response to his 1926 performance in Philadelphia
• B. The selections by Mozart and Tchaikovsky that were played on the radio
• C. Which specific states he traveled to in the western United States
• D. The cities in which the radio program was aired

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Difficulty: Hard

Category: Development: Relevance

Getting to the Answer: Assess the central idea of the introductory sentence in the paragraph and determine which additional fact noted in the answer choices would have the greatest benefit to the reader. The introductory sentence states that Varèse worked in New York until he secured his first success. Describing the critical reaction to the next event mentioned would help strengthen the idea that the Philadelphia performance was a successful event in Varèse's career. Choice (A) is the correct answer.