PSAT Writing and Language Question 347: Answer and Explanation

Question: 347

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

Europeans considered themselves advanced because of the technologies they used, though some had been invented elsewhere.

Should the writer make this addition here?

• A. Yes, because it helps show how influential Marco Polo was.
• B. Yes, because it provides information that supports what was previously stated about advanced civilizations.
• C. No, because it interrupts the discussion of Marco Polo's journey with a largely unrelated detail.
• D. No, because it contains information that was previously stated.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

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 Marco Polo's return from China and what he brought back. The new sentence discusses a belief held by Europeans, so it is not consistent with the ideas in the text; the sentence should not be added. Eliminate (A) and (B). Keep (C) because it accurately states that the new sentence interrupts the discussion of Marco Polo's journey. Eliminate (D) because the information was not previously stated. The correct answer is (C).