PSAT Writing and Language Question 95: Answer and Explanation

Question: 95

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. hot sun and night air.
• C. hot sun, and also night air.
• D. hot sun, and the air of the night.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Commas and words change in the answer choices, so this question tests the four ways to use a comma and consistency. The sentence contains a list of three things: 1) alcohol, 2) hot sun, and 3) night air. There should be a comma after each item in the list. Eliminate (B) because it is missing a comma after sun. Additionally, all items in a list must be phrased the same way to be consistent with one another. Eliminate (C) because the word also isn't needed since that's implied by the word and. Eliminate (D) because it is less concise than (A), and the additional words don't make the meaning more precise. The correct answer is (A).