PSAT Writing and Language Question 691: Answer and Explanation

Question: 691

Should the phrase-underlined portion of the sentence be deleted, with the punctuation adjusted accordingly?

• A. Yes, because it digresses from the primary focus of the paragraph.
• B. Yes, because it is an illogical transition between the beginning and end of the sentence.
• C. No, because without this, the passage would contain no clarification about the amount of dark matter in the universe.
• D. No, because it clarifies a specialized term for nonscientist readers.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) Unless someone has studied physics, it is unlikely that he or she will be familiar with the term "dark matter." Thus, providing a scientific definition for the term before proceeding further is helpful. Choice (C) is incorrect because this phrase does not clarify the quantity of dark matter.