PSAT Writing and Language Question 39: Answer and Explanation

Question: 39

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. choice in literature was Toni Morrison
• C. recent winner, whose name was Toni Morrison,
• D. recent recipient of the prize, Toni Morrison,

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

The entire phrases are changing in the answer choices, so the question is testing concision and precision. Also, the commas are changing in the answer choices, so the question is testing the four ways to use a comma. In this sentence, the commas are used to separate out unnecessary info. Both (A) and (B) use the name Toni Morrison as both the object of the prize (it went to her) and the subject of the verb earned. The name cannot do both jobs, so eliminate (A) and (B). Both (C) and (D) correctly separate out Toni Morrison as she is already identified as the winner or the recipient. Since (C) and (D) are both grammatically correct, choose the more concise answer. The phrase whose name was is not needed, so eliminate (C). The correct answer is (D).