PSAT Writing and Language Question 352: Answer and Explanation

Question: 352

Which sentence, if added here, would most effectively introduce the topic of the paragraph?

• A. Christopher Columbus was famously influenced by Polo's travels.
• B. The Age of Discovery led to greater geographic understanding but also increased conflict.
• C. Some historians have questioned the accuracy of certain details in Polo's book.
• D. Sadly, a complete and accurate account of Polo's tales no longer exists.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

Note the question! The question asks which choice would most effectively introduce the topic of the paragraph, so it's testing consistency of ideas. Determine the subject of the paragraph and find the answer that is consistent with that idea. The paragraph discusses Polo's original manuscript and says it may never be known exactly what Polo's original manuscript said. Eliminate (A) and (B) because Christopher Columbus and the Age of Discovery are not mentioned in the paragraph. Eliminate (C) because the paragraph doesn't mention historians questioning the accuracy of Polo's manuscript. Keep (D) because it is consistent with the content of the paragraph. The correct answer is (D).