PSAT Writing and Language Question 24: Answer and Explanation

Question: 24

The writer is considering deleting the phrase in front of the tube and ending the sentence with a period after the word day. Should the phrase be kept or deleted?

• A. Kept, because the meaning of the sentence is unclear without the phrase.
• B. Kept, because it shows what the viewers of television find so compelling.
• C. Deleted, because it does not clarify whether the number was closer to three or five.
• D. Deleted, because this kind of slangy language should be avoided at all costs.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Note the question! The question asks whether a phrase should be deleted, so it tests consistency. If the content of the phrase is not consistent with the ideas surrounding it, then it should be deleted. Determine the function of the phrase in the sentence. The sentence states that Americans spent multiple hours a day in front of the tube. The phrase in front of the tube explains what Americans spent multiple hours a day doing, so it is necessary to the meaning of the sentence and should be kept. Eliminate (C) and (D). Keep (A) because it accurately states that the sentence is unclear without the phrase. Eliminate (B) because the phrase does not state what the viewers of television find so compelling. The correct answer is (A).