PSAT Writing and Language Question 490: Answer and Explanation

Question: 490

The author wishes to use wording at this point that will convey the narrator's mild sarcasm. Which of these choices would be most effective?

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. "advanced"
• C. abysmal
• D. "lazy"

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Read the question carefully. We need a choice that will use "mild sarcasm" to describe honors students who do not spend enough time studying. "Lazy" is an apt description of these students, but it conveys nothing of sarcasm or of sarcasm's cousin: irony. "Terrible" and "abysmal" aren't so much sarcastic as insulting. "Advanced" is a perfect choice here; it is ironic and certainly fits the definition of sarcasm.