PSAT Writing and Language Question 481: Answer and Explanation

Question: 481

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. theirselves
• C. yourself
• D. himself or herself

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) We must choose the proper reflexive pronoun to match "the food scientist." "The food scientist" is a single person of indeterminate gender, so our reflexive pronoun should reflect that. "Theirselves" can be eliminated, as it is not a word. "Themselves" can be eliminated, as the food scientist is one person. "Yourself" can also be eliminated, as "the food scientist" is third person and "yourself" is second person. "Himself or herself" is the correct answer.