PSAT Writing and Language Question 239: Answer and Explanation

Question: 239

The author intentionally places commas around "and Sherpas" in the sentence. Why?

• A. The sentence requires comma usage because it is listing who has died on Mount Everest.
• B. The commas give a further description that the climbers are Sherpas.
• C. The author incorrectly placed the commas in the sentence because neither are necessary for the sentence to make sense.
• D. The commas add stress to the idea that Sherpas also die on the mountain.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D. The passage indicates that Sherpas are professional mountain guides and the comma isolation in the sentence stresses to the reader that even expert climbers are at risk during the climb. See Lesson: Punctuation.