PSAT Writing and Language Question 49: Answer and Explanation

Question: 49

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. pets—from
• C. pets; from
• D. pets from,

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

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 pets and from. The first phrase is a complete idea, and the second phrase is an incomplete idea. Therefore, either GO or HALF-STOP punctuation is needed. The period and the semicolon are STOP punctuation, so eliminate (A) and (C). The dash is a HALF-STOP, so keep (B). The comma in (D) has been moved between the words from and basic, which separates the meaning of the ideas incorrectly; eliminate (D). The correct answer is (B).