PSAT Writing and Language Question 341: Answer and Explanation

Question: 341

Which choice uses information from the graph to accurately describe P. caudatum over the 16-day span?

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. never containing more than 5 cells.
• C. going extinct in fewer than 10 days.
• D. eventually being eliminated entirely from the sample.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Note the question! The question asks which choice describes P. caudatum over the 16-day span, so it's testing consistency. Read the labels on the graph carefully, and look for an answer that is consistent with the information given in the graph. Choice (A) is not consistent with the graph because the population of P. caudatum did not increase to overtake that of P. aurelia. Eliminate (A). Eliminate (B) because it is not consistent with the graph: P. caudatum contained more than 5 cells for at least some time during the 16-day span. Eliminate (C) because it is not consistent with the graph: P. caudatum went extinct after 15 days. Keep (D) because it is consistent with the graph. The correct answer is (D).