PSAT Writing and Language Question 38: Answer and Explanation

Question: 38

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. categories; though
• C. categories however
• D. categories. Though

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

The punctuation is changing in the answer choices, so the question is testing STOP and GO punctuation. Use the Vertical Line Test and identify the ideas as complete or incomplete. Draw the vertical line between the words categories and though. The phrase These winners share an average age (64) and geographical diversity with those in other categories is a complete idea. The phrase though they have not attended the same schools is an incomplete idea. To connect a complete idea to an incomplete idea, GO or HALF-STOP punctuation is needed. The semicolon and the period are STOP punctuation, so eliminate (B) and (D). The words though and however are changing in (A) and (C). Both words indicate a separate idea that contrasts with the previous idea. The word however makes the second part of the sentence complete, which does not work with GO punctuation. Eliminate (C). The correct answer is (A).