PSAT Writing and Language Question 34: Answer and Explanation

Question: 34

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. surprises
• C. outliers
• D. abominations

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The vocabulary is changing in the answer choices, so the question is testing word choice. Look for a word whose definition is consistent with the other ideas in the sentence. The sentence discusses what aren't on the list, and the next sentence uses the phrase As one would expect. Therefore, the definition should mean "something unexpected." Exceptions means "exclusion or objections," so eliminate (A). Surprises means "unexpected," so keep (B). Outliers means "those outside of the norm," so eliminate (C). Abominations means "greatly disliked," so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (B).