PSAT Writing and Language Question 405: Answer and Explanation

Question: 405

The author is considering deleting the underlined portion. Should it be kept or deleted?

• A. Kept, because it provides a helpful elaboration.
• B. Kept, because it details what the tests assess.
• C. Deleted, because it contradicts information presented elsewhere in the paragraph.
• D. Deleted, because it is irrelevant to the focus of the sentence.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Without the underlined portion, it would not be entirely clear as to why the statement about taking the SAT or ACT would be relevant. Having this portion clarifies their connectedness to scholarship opportunities. Thus, it provides a helpful elaboration. It is not choice (B) because it mentions the tests very broadly and does not go into detail about what they assess. It is not choice (C) or (D) because these advocate removing the selection.