PSAT Writing and Language Question 334: Answer and Explanation

Question: 334

Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at the underlined portion?

• A. principles, this includes competition, in which
• B. competition principles, in which
• C. principles, competition, and
• D. principles, including competition, in which

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Note the question! The question asks how to effectively combine the underlined sentences, so it's testing precision and concision. Start with the shortest answer, which is (C). Choice (C) implies that the act of observing many ecological principles is competition, which is not consistent with the original sentence. It could also be read as a list of three things, which it shouldn't be. Eliminate (C). Consider the shortest of the remaining choices, which is (B). Choice (B) implies that scientists only observed ecological principles related to competition, not that competition is one of the ecological principles they studied. This is not consistent with the original sentences, so eliminate (B). Consider the shorter of the remaining choices, which is (D). Choice (D) preserves the meaning of the original sentence, so keep it. Choice (A) uses a comma to separate two complete ideas, which is not allowed. Eliminate (A). The correct answer is (D).