PSAT Writing and Language Question 582: Answer and Explanation

Question: 582

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. earn a following in a national convention,
• C. follow an earning nationally in a convention,
• D. follow a national earning in a convention

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Take note of parallelism in this sentence: "one has to win" (to win is an infinitive verb) and "triumph" (one has to is implied, which makes this an infinitive verb). Therefore, eliminate choice (A) since "following" is not an infinitive verb. We can eliminate choice (D) for omitting the listing comma after "convention." From there, we can analyze the context to see what is most logical. To "earn a following" means to gain supporters, while to "follow an earning" is nonsensical. Choice (B) is the best answer.