PSAT Writing and Language Question 317: Answer and Explanation

Question: 317

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. they're
• C. they are
• D. their

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Apostrophes are changing in the answer choices, so the question is testing apostrophe usage. When used with a pronoun, an apostrophe indicates a contraction. The sentence says that Brown wanted to find a way to see who was at her door from any room in the house. Keep (A) because the phrase there was indicates the introduction of a topic, and this sentence introduces the idea of seeing who was at the door. Choices (B) and (C) both mean the same thing—they're is a contraction of they are—so neither could be correct, since each question can have only one correct answer. Furthermore, with either one, the sentence would say they are was, which incorrectly uses two verbs; eliminate (B) and (C). Eliminate (D) because the sentence does not imply that two or more people own something; the possessive pronoun their is not appropriate. Choice (A) makes the meaning of the sentence most precise. No apostrophe is needed. The correct answer is (A).