PSAT Writing and Language Question 657: Answer and Explanation

Question: 657

The author is considering removing the underlined sentence. Should it be kept or removed?

• A. Kept, because it clarifies the goal of the Astronomical Union
• B. Kept, because it gives details on what constitutes a planet
• C. Deleted, because it repeats the idea of the previous sentence
• D. Deleted, because it contradicts information presented elsewhere in the passage

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) The previous sentence states, "[They] set about to solve the problem by clearly defining what a planet is." Notice that this communicates the exact same message as the underlined sentence. Therefore, the underlined portion should be "deleted, because it repeats the ideas of the previous sentence."