PSAT Writing and Language Practice Question 422
Question: 422
Picking a good birthday present for my friend Sarah is nearly impossible. 1 Irregardless of what I buy her—be it new clothing, electronics, or even concert tickets—she never seems satisfied. Perhaps this is because Sarah is the girl 2 whom has nearly everything already. She makes enough money from her job such that if 3 there is an item she really wants, she will simply 4 buy them for herself. Even a gift card causes a hostile reaction from her—"why did you get 5 her something that I can only use at one store?"
In the gift exchange this year, I could get Sarah, Bethany, or my Mother, but I 6 was worried I could have 7 her. Purchasing a present for Bethany is far easier 8 than Sarah.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
(B) In the previous sentence, there are three females mentioned: Sarah, Bethany, and the narrator's mother. So, a pronoun would not be appropriate at this point because it is unclear to whom the pronoun refers. On the PSAT, you never need to worry about whether the word substituted for a vague pronoun is true—if the pronoun needs to be clarified, whatever logical noun they use will be fine. Choice (A) keeps the vague pronoun, and choices (C) and (D) change the original meaning.