PSAT Writing and Language Question 319: Answer and Explanation

Question: 319

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. police, which
• C. police, this
• D. police. Which

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Punctuation is changing in the answer choices, so this question is testing STOP, HALF-STOP, and GO punctuation. Use the Vertical Line Test and identify the ideas as complete or incomplete. Draw the vertical line between the words police and this. The first part of the sentence, If the person did try to break in, you would have to run to the phone and call the police, is a complete idea. The second part, this could use up precious time in the days when most homes had only one phone, with a cord, is a complete idea. To connect a complete idea to a complete idea, STOP or HALF-STOP punctuation is needed. A lack of punctuation is GO punctuation, so eliminate (A). A comma without FANBOYS is GO punctuation, so eliminate (C). Choice (B) and (D) use different words, so consider the second part of the sentence, replacing this with which. The second part of the sentence, which could use…with a cord is an incomplete idea. To connect a complete idea to an incomplete idea, HALF-STOP or GO punctuation is needed. Keep (B) because a comma is GO punctuation. Eliminate (D) because a period is STOP punctuation. The correct answer is (B).