PSAT Writing and Language Question 335: Answer and Explanation

Question: 335

At this point, the writer is considering adding the following sentence.

That is, one species will benefit from a certain advantage it has and increase its population, and the other species could eventually go extinct.

Should the writer make this addition here?

• A. Yes, because it elaborates on a concept and clarifies the connection between competition and extinction.
• B. Yes, because it explains the significance of Gause's research.
• C. No, because it provides information that is unrelated to the paragraph's main idea.
• D. No, because it contradicts information given earlier in the paragraph.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Note the question! The question asks whether a sentence should be added, so it's testing consistency. If the content of the new sentence is consistent with the ideas surrounding it, then it should be added. The paragraph discusses the definition of the principle of competition. The new sentence clarifies part of this definition, so it is consistent with the ideas in the text; the sentence should be added. Eliminate (C) and (D). Keep (A) because it is consistent with the purpose of the new sentence. The sentence after the new sentence mentions extinction, and this sentence introduces it as a possibility. Eliminate (B) because the new sentence does not explain the significance of Gause's research, as Gause is not mentioned here at all. The correct answer is (A).