PSAT Writing and Language Question 99: Answer and Explanation

Question: 99

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. On the other hand,
• C. Therefore,
• D. Thus,

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Transitions change in the answer choices, so this question tests consistency of ideas. A transition must be consistent with the relationship between the ideas it connects. The sentence before the transition states that the Ebola virus in West Africa provides a terrifying reminder of just how deadly certain diseases can be, and the sentence that starts with the transition states that the Yellow Fever Epidemic provides a remarkable instance of a city's resilience. These are both about examples of deadly diseases, so a same-direction transition is needed; keep (A). Eliminate (B) because it contains an opposite-direction transition. Eliminate (C) and (D) because therefore and thus are used to show a conclusion, which is not consistent with how the ideas connect. Moreover, therefore and thus provide an identical meaning, so there is no reason to choose one over the other, which means they are both wrong. The correct answer is (A).