PSAT Writing and Language Question 281: Answer and Explanation

Question: 281

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. suggesting massive volcanic eruptions.
• C. theories of massive volcanic eruptions.
• D. massive volcanic eruptions.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Difficulty: Medium

Getting to the Answer: Comparisons on the PSAT must be written in parallel form. This comparison identifies two "scientific theories": "meteor showers" and "massive volcanic eruptions." Be very careful that the wording you choose directly compares these two ideas. The comparison begins after the word "ranged" and fits into the pattern "from... to. . ." So, as written, the sentence compares "meteor showers" to "suggestions of massive volcanic eruptions." This comparison is not parallel, so eliminate (A). (B) and (C) make similar errors, comparing the "meteor showers" to "suggesting" and "theories," respectively. (D) completes the comparison logically.