PSAT Writing and Language Question 32: Answer and Explanation

Question: 32

At this point, the writer wants to insert an idea that will support the idea given in the previous sentence. Which of the following true statements would offer that support?

• A. The rate of literacy remains at an all-time high, despite the introduction of the radio in the 1930s.
• B. The number of creative-writing majors may soon eclipse the number of English majors, which will lead to an odd imbalance.
• C. Then-candidate Richard Nixon looked really bad on TV in 1960, and how else would people have known his big scandal was coming?
• D. The printing press, the newspapers, the radio, and even the television have all been integrated effectively into American culture.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Note the question! The question asks for the statement that would support the idea given in the previous sentence, so it tests consistency. Eliminate answers that are inconsistent with the purpose stated in the question. The previous sentence says that history would say that [the change] is not troubling. The change refers to an increase in Internet usage. Therefore, the correct answer must support the idea that increased Internet time may not be a bad thing, according to history. Eliminate (A) because the rate of literacy is too specific—time spent reading is only one idea mentioned as a potential harm of new technology. Eliminate (B) because the odd imbalance does not support the idea that the change is not troubling. Eliminate (C) because the example is too specific for the content of this paragraph. Keep (D) because The printing press, the newspapers, the radio, and even the television are all examples of things that, like the Internet, were subject to criticism but proved to be eventually integrated effectively into American culture. The correct answer is (D).