PSAT Writing and Language Question 364: Answer and Explanation

Question: 364

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. twisted
• C. mysterious
• D. complex

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

Vocabulary is changing in the answer choices, so this question is testing precision of word choice. Look for a word with a definition that is consistent with the other ideas in the sentence. The sentence says that robotic surgery allows the doctor to perform procedures without making significant incisions. Procedures that would otherwise require significant incisions are complicated, so the correct word should mean "complicated." Puzzling is similar in meaning to "complicated," so keep (A). Twisted means "distorted," which doesn't match "complicated," so eliminate (B). Mysterious means "secretive," which doesn't match "complicated," so eliminate (C). Complex means "complicated," so keep (D). Although puzzling has some support, it implies that the procedures are confusing to the doctors, which is not necessarily true. Eliminate (A). Choice (D) makes the meaning of the sentence most precise. The correct answer is (D).