PSAT Writing and Language Question 92: Answer and Explanation

Question: 92

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. it spread.
• C. it had been spread.
• D. its spread.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

Verbs change in the answer choices, so this question tests consistency of verbs. A verb must be consistent with its subject and with the other verbs in the sentence. The underlined portion is part of a list of two things doctors were unable to figure out: how the disease originated and something about spreading. To be consistent, the underlined verb must be in the same form as originated, which is in past tense. Choice (A) is in past tense, but spreading is not in the same form as originated, so eliminate it. Keep (B) because spread is in past tense and in the same form as originated. Eliminate (C) because it is in the wrong tense. Eliminate (D) because it changes spread from a verb to a noun, which does not match with originated. The correct answer is (B).