PSAT Writing and Language Question 663: Answer and Explanation

Question: 663

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. based on just one thing birth order.
• C. based, on just one thing: birth order.
• D. based on just one thing; birth order.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Choice (A) uses the colon perfectly as a lead-in for the term to be discussed. Choice (B) is a run-on sentence. Choice (C) places an unnecessary comma after "based." Choice (D) incorrectly employs a semicolon. Recall that a semicolon requires what would otherwise be a full sentence both before and after the semicolon. "Birth order" is not a full sentence.