PSAT Writing and Language Question 514: Answer and Explanation

Question: 514

Which of the following would provide the most effective and logical introduction to this sentence?

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. Instead of acting in a relativist fashion,
• C. In contrast with some documentary evidence,
• D. As opposed to seeing things along a spectrum,

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Immediately before this sentence, the author writes about resisting oppression in more "nuanced" ways. The author then states that the characters act along a more "complex gradation of resistance." In other words, the characters act in such a way that their behavior should be considered to be along a spectrum. Therefore, choice (A) is the most logical, because "relying on colonialist binaries" is a simplified way of interpreting their actions, as a "binary" provides only two extreme options. Choices (B) and (D) are incorrect because they express the opposite of what is intended. Choice (C) is incorrect because the author is suggesting how the interpretation of literature should be done—there is no question about the quality of the documentary sources themselves.