PSAT Writing and Language Question 36: Answer and Explanation

Question: 36

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. one's
• C. his or her
• D. they're

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

Pronouns are changing in the answer choices, so the question is testing consistency of pronouns. A pronoun must be consistent with the noun it is replacing. The pronoun refers to the noun winner, which is singular. To be consistent, the pronoun in the answer choice must also be singular. Their and they're are plural, so eliminate (A) and (D). While one's is singular, it is only consistent with the word "one," which does not appear in the sentence, so eliminate (B). His or her is singular and is consistent with winner. The correct answer is (C).