If you’re feeling like you could use a little extra Reading prep, look no further than our Reading and Writing Workout for the SAT, which provides additional strategy advice and focused practice.
More Question Types
In this chapter, we’ll take a look at some other types of questions you will see on the Reading Test, including general questions, paired questions, and quantitative questions. For the most part, these questions will follow the Basic Approach, but the general paired questions and quantitative questions will look a little different.
In this chapter, we’ll look at other question types you’ll see on the SAT Reading Test, including paired questions, main idea questions, general questions, questions featuring charts and graphs, and questions based on dual passage sets.
Remember the “Windshield-Pitting Mystery” passage from the last chapter? We’ll continue to use it for the questions in this chapter as well.
Questions 11–21 are based on the following passage.
This passage is adapted from Linton Weeks’s “The Windshield-Pitting Mystery of 1954.” © 2015 by NPR History Department.
You will notice that on every passage there is at least one set of questions that are paired together. The first question looks and sounds just like a regular question. It may ask about a detail, it may be an inference question, or it may be a main idea question. The second question in the pair will always ask, “Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?” There are two types of paired questions: specific and general.
The specific paired questions are a fabulous two-for-one deal. If you’re following all the steps of the Basic Approach, you’ll find when you get to the “best evidence” question of a specific paired set, you’ve already answered it. This is because you’ve already found the best evidence when you carefully read your window and underlined your prediction. Let’s take a look at a set.
16. According to the passage, what percent of cars in Washington suffered damage?
A) About 20%
B) Approximately 10%
C) Between 5% and 6%
D) Less than 1%
17. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?
A) Lines 6–11 (“The epidemic’s…March”)
B) Lines 15–18 (“In Canton…April 17”)
C) Lines 44–48 (“There…cars”)
D) Lines 55–57 (“The cause…them”)
Start with the first question. This question is very straightforward to answer by itself. All you need to do is find out what percent of the cars in Washington were damaged. Although there isn’t a given line reference, you can still skim through the text looking for the lead words Washington and percent. You’ll find these in the sixth paragraph, around lines 35–49. The text clearly states that less than 1% of cars suffered damage. Underline that line and choose (D) for question 16. Then, because you already have the “best evidence” underlined, when you get to question 17, you’ve already answered it. Just find your line reference in the answers (in this case (C)), bubble it in, and move on.
Not all sets of paired questions will be as easy as specific paired sets, but they’ll still be approachable. If you have a question that is a main idea/general question or a question without a clear line reference or lead word, Parallel POE is a very useful strategy.
Using Parallel POE, you’ll be able to work through the questions at the same time! When you find yourself faced with a set of paired questions, you can start with the second question (the “best evidence” question) if (1) you aren’t sure where to look for the answer, or (2) the first question is a general question about the passage.
Because the second question in the pair asks which lines provide the best evidence for the previous question, you can use those lines to help work through the answers for the previous question. Let’s take a look.
20. Based on the passage, the author most likely agrees that “pitting” is
A) a coincidence based on group observations.
B) the result of cosmic rays and nuclear fallout.
C) an example of mass hysteria similar to the Salem Witch trials.
D) the result of a streak of vandalism in the spring of 1954.
21. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?
A) Lines 12–14 (“Panicked…tests”)
B) Lines 30–32 (“As summer…shelters”)
C) Lines 50–53 (“Windshield-pitting…cause”)
D) Lines 86–89 (“I suspect…it”)
When you read question 20, you might have an initial feeling of, “Well, that could be from anywhere in the passage.” Sure could. Now you’re faced with what is potentially the worst scavenger hunt ever. Instead of wading through the entire passage and trying to find something you think answers the question and then hope it’s included in the “best evidence” question, go to the “best evidence” first! This is the Parallel POE strategy.
What’s great about Parallel POE is that it gives you two possible reasons to eliminate an answer for the second question: if the lines don’t answer the first question OR if the lines don’t support an answer choice in the first question. Think for a moment about how paired questions operate. The correct answer to the first question must be supported by an answer to the evidence question, and the correct answer to the evidence question must support an answer to the first question. In other words, if there is an evidence answer that doesn’t support an answer to the first question, it is wrong. Likewise, if there is an answer to the first question that isn’t supported by an evidence answer, it too is wrong.
When you find a set of lines that does answer the first question, see if it supports one of the answers to the first question. If an evidence answer supports a first question answer, literally draw a line connecting them. You should not expect to have four connections. If you are lucky, you will have only one connection, and you will therefore have your answer pair. Otherwise, you might have two or three connections and will then start looking for trap answers. The important thing to remember is that any answer choice in the first question that isn’t physically connected to an evidence answer—and any evidence answer that isn’t connected to an answer in the first question—must be eliminated.
Let’s take a look at how this first Parallel POE pass would look. (The paired questions have been arranged in two columns to help understand this, and the lines have been written out for your convenience. This does not represent what you will see on the official test.)
First, read and understand question 20. The question asks what the author would most likely agree that pitting is. Now, go to the “best evidence” lines.
Choice (21A): “Panicked residents” suspected “everything from cosmic rays to sand-flea eggs to fallout from H-bomb tests.” Do these lines provide an answer to what the author thinks that pitting is? No. These lines explain what “panicked residents” thought the pitting was caused by, not what the author thinks it was. This does not provide evidence to answer question 20, so eliminate (21A).
Choice (21B): As summer rolled on, reports of pitting decreased everywhere and the country moved on to building backyard fallout shelters. This appears to be a fact that the author would agree with—he’s reporting it in this text. Looking through the answers for question 20, you find nothing that is supported by these lines, so you can eliminate (21B). It doesn’t matter that the lines could conceivably answer Question 20; if there’s no support, the answer cannot be right.
Choice (21C): Windshield-pitting, Rohall says, “may be more like crop circles in which there is physical evidence that ‘something’ happened but no one is certain of the cause.” Do these lines provide an answer to what the author thinks that pitting is? Yes. These lines include a quote from David Rohall, and in lines 35–36, the author says we are turning to David Rohall for guidance, indicating that the author agrees with Rohall. Now, check to see whether (21C) supports an answer to question 20. Looking through the answers for question 20, you find nothing that is supported by these lines, so you can eliminate (21C).
Choice (21D): “I suspect that most people already had these pits all along and only attributed it to the mysterious cause when they heard other people doing it.” Do these lines provide an answer to what the author thinks that pitting is? Yes. These lines also include a quote from David Rohall, with whom the author agrees. Now, check to see whether (21D) supports an answer to question 20. These lines support (20A). Draw a line physically connecting (21D) with (20A).
Without support from question 21, (20B), (20C), and (20D) can be eliminated.
At this point, the questions should look something like this:
At this point, you’re done! Only (20A) and (21D) remain. For other questions, you may find that you’re left with two (or, very rarely, three) pairs. In those cases, look for the common trap answers among the pairs that are left to narrow it down to the correct pair.
On the actual test, it would be too complicated to draw a full table, so all you need to do is create a column to the left of the “best evidence” choices for the answers to the previous question. It should look something like this:
For many of the Reading passages, the very first question will ask a general question about the passage. It might ask about the main idea or purpose of the passage, the narrative point of view, or a shift that occurs through the passage. Remember the Select a Question step? Those general questions are not good to do first because you haven’t read the passage yet, but once you’ve done most of the other questions, you have a really good idea of the overall themes of the text.
Let’s take a look at the first question from the “Windshield-Pitting Mystery” passage:
11. The central claim of the passage is that
Because this question asks about the central claim of the passage, there’s no one place you can look. General questions don’t have line references or lead words, so there’s no way to use the text to predict an answer. It’s okay, though. By the time you get to answering this question, you’ve already answered almost all of the questions about the passage, so you know what the main idea of the passage is. Not only that, but you also have a good sense of what the test-writers found most interesting about the passage. While having this knowledge does not always help, it surely can sometimes. If there are answer choices that have nothing to do with either the questions or the answers you’ve seen repeatedly, you can probably eliminate them and instead choose the one that is consistent with those questions and answers.
Let’s take a look at the answer choices:
A) windshield pitting was a major source of concern for most drivers in 1954.
B) windshield pitting turned out to be nothing but a prank.
C) widespread focus on a specific event can make random occurrences seem significant.
D) lack of consensus for an event’s explanation can cause hysteria.
Remember: If it’s a central claim, it’s a main point of the text. What can you eliminate?
Choice (A) might look good initially because it has the words windshield pitting, drivers, and 1954, but this is definitely not a central claim of the passage.
Choice (B) can be eliminated because the only mention of a prank was as a possible theory put forward by someone else.
Choice (C) looks pretty good. You’ve already answered several specific questions dealing with this idea.
Choice (D) might look pretty good at first too. When you go back to the text, though, you see that the author’s central claim is not about the lack of consensus causing the hysteria. That’s a part of it, but it’s not a complete answer.
Choice (C) is best supported by the text and all of the other questions you’ve answered.
Two passages on the Reading Test will contain one or two of what the College Board calls informational graphics, which are charts, tables, and graphs. That means that two of the four history/social studies and science passages will be accompanied by one or two figures that will provide additional information related to the passages. These passages will include a few questions that ask about the data presented in the graphics, either alone or in relation to the information in the passage. These figures might seem like they’ll require more work, but the charts, tables, and graphs and the questions about them are relatively straightforward. Let’s look at an example.
Data collected by Insurance Information Institute, http://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/auto-insurance.
Step 1: Read the graphic. Carefully look at the title, axis labels, and legend. Notice on this graph you’re looking at Average Expenditures for Auto Insurance from 2008 to 2012. The years are listed across the horizontal axis, and the amount, in dollars, is listed on the vertical axis. According to the legend, the graph compares the entire country to Alaska, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.
Step 2: Read the question.
30. According to the graph, which of the following statements is most consistent with the data?
Since the question asks you which is consistent with the data, see if you can find specific reasons to eliminate three answer choices that are NOT consistent with the data. Another approach to questions featuring charts and graphs is to simply find the data point that answers the question.
Step 3: Read the answer choices.
A) Auto insurance expenditures have increased in all states from 2008 to 2012.
B) Of all the states shown on the graph, New York had the greatest total increase in auto insurance expenditures.
C) The states shown on the graph all have auto insurance expenditures higher than the United States’ average.
D) North Carolina drivers are better than New York drivers.
Take another look at the graph, this time looking for specific reasons to keep or eliminate answers.
Based on the data shown, (B) is the correct answer.
Now you try one.
31. Data in the graph indicate that Rhode Island’s average expenditure for auto insurance was closest to the national average in which year?
A) 2009
B) 2010
C) 2011
D) 2012
Here’s How to Crack It
The question asks only about Rhode Island and the national average (which indicates the United States line). That means you need to worry about only those two lines. Find the place where those two lines are the closest and put your pencil on it. Notice how the Rhode Island line is just about parallel to the United States line, except where it dips down before it goes back up. That dip is where the lines are closest together, which is in 2009. The answer is (A)! As you may have noticed, there was no need to eliminate the three wrong answer choices because you were able to simply find the data point that answered the question. Sometimes it really will be that simple. Just make sure you have the information to support your answer.
One of the science or history/social studies passages will be a set of dual passages, two shorter passages about one topic. Although the two passages will be about the same topic, there will also be differences that you’ll need to pay attention to. Rather than attempting to read and understand both passages at the same time, just follow the Basic Approach and focus on one passage at a time.
The questions for Passage 1 will come before the questions for Passage 2, and the questions for each passage follow the order of the passage, just like single-passage questions. The questions about both passages will follow the questions for Passage 2.
Step 1: Work the questions for Passage 1 using the Basic Approach.
After working Passage 1, make a note of the main focus of the passage.
Step 2: Work the questions for Passage 2 using the Basic Approach.
After working Passage 2, make a note of main focus of the passage.
Step 3: Make a note of the relationship between the passages.
What is similar about the focus of the passages? What is different? What do the authors agree about or disagree about?
Step 4: Answer the questions about both passages.
For questions that ask you to compare or contrast both passages, it’s helpful to consider one passage at a time rather than trying to juggle both passages at the same time. First, find the answer for the first passage (or the second passage if that one is easier) and use POE to narrow down the answer choices. Then find the answer in the other passage and use POE to arrive at the correct answer. This will save time and keep you from confusing the two passages when you’re evaluating the answer choices. Always keep in mind that the same POE criteria apply, no matter how two-passage questions are presented.
If a question is about what is supported by both passages, make sure that you find specific support in both passages, and be wary of all the usual trap answers.
If a question is about an issue on which the authors of the two passages disagree or on how the passages relate to each other, make sure you find support in each passage for the author’s particular opinion.
If the question asks how one author would respond to the other passage, find out what was said in that other passage, and then find out exactly what the author you are asked about said on that exact topic.
The bottom line: If you’re organized and remember the Basic Approach for reading comprehension, you’ll see that two-passage questions are no harder than single-passage questions! The following drill provides some practice with dual passages. Answers and explanations can be found at the end of the chapter.
Questions 11–21 are based on the following passages.
Passage 1 is adapted from Louisa Twining, “Workhouses and Women’s Work” © 1857 by The National Association for the Promotion of Social Science. Passage 2 is adapted from Florence Nightingale and William Rathbone, “Workhouse Nursing, the Story of a Successful Experiment” © 1867 by Macmillan and Co.
Passage 1
Passage 2
11. The primary purpose of Passage 1 is to
A) praise an effective structure.
B) criticize a social group.
C) examine the finances of a system.
D) advocate for a necessary change.
12. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?
A) Lines 13–16 (“Efficient nurses…pay”)
B) Lines 16–19 (“One of…it”)
C) Lines 22–27 (“but in…week”)
D) Lines 33–36 (“That such…hospitals”)
13. As used in line 21, “maintained” most nearly means
A) provided for.
B) affirmed.
C) healed.
D) fixed.
14. The phrase in lines 34–35 (“we could hardly hope”) most directly suggests that
A) an ideal candidate should be found for a position.
B) people who go to hospitals should be critical of nurses.
C) allowances should be made, since no person is perfect.
D) an improvement is still likely to have some flaws.
15. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?
A) Lines 13–16 (“Efficient nurses…pay”)
B) Lines 19–22 (“Of course…parish”)
C) Lines 29–32 (“it would…law”)
D) Lines 33–36 (“That such…hospitals”)
16. The final sentence of Passage 1 has which effect?
A) It emphasizes that the current situation is unpleasant.
B) It shares the author’s despair over the circumstances.
C) It casts an entirely optimistic light on a proposal.
D) It evokes the generally low opinion held for a certain group.
17. It can be most directly inferred from the second paragraph of Passage 2 (lines 46–56) that the first year of the experiment described in the passage was unusual in
A) having weather that caused an uncharacteristic amount of illness.
B) the overall number of people who required medical treatment.
C) that effective medical treatment exceeded statistical expectations.
D) the number of people who died from disease.
18. The author of Passage 1 would most likely respond to the phrase in lines 46–47 (“With the exception…class”) of Passage 2 by
A) expressing surprise at an unexpected result that is inconsistent with prior observations.
B) acknowledging that an ideal situation may not be practical to attain.
C) noting that intervention earlier in life may have changed an outcome.
D) suggesting that the data may not be entirely representative.
19. As used in line 69, the phrase “character of seasons” most nearly means
A) changes in morality.
B) weather patterns.
C) the overall health during a period.
D) the unpredictable nature of human behavior.
20. The authors of Passage 2 reference a “careful classified list of cases” (line 64) in order to
A) specify what will be required of all workhouses in the future, if the experiment continues.
B) explain a missing element that would have ensured an outcome.
C) reveal an inconsistency which made more accurate analysis impossible.
D) detail the extent to which records can be kept over a long period.
21. Which choice best describes the relationship between the two passages?
A) Passage 2 describes a scenario that addresses some elements of the situation shown in Passage 1.
B) Passage 2 discusses potential results of the overall problem reviewed in Passage 1.
C) Passage 2 underscores the futility of attempts to resolve the concerns of Passage 1.
D) Passage 2 resolves the issues brought to light in Passage 1.
11. D
The question asks about the primary purpose of Passage 1. Notice that this is the first question in a paired set, so it can be done in tandem with Q12. As this is a general question, it should be done after the specific questions. Look at the answers for Q12 first. The lines for (12A) state that efficient nurses…would not be likely to offer themselves for a post in which it is nearly all work of the hardest kind, and no pay. The passage recommends a change in the employment of pauper nurses in workhouses, saying that they should not have the sole responsibility for sick patients, and that it would be better to hire a paid nurse to supervise at each workhouse. The lines for (12A) give one detail in the argument, but they do not capture the passage’s primary purpose. Additionally, none of the answer choices for Q11 mention the difficulty of the work or how much pay there is. Eliminate (12A). The lines for (12B) mention a pauper nurse who has been sixteen times in the House of Correction. These lines only mention an example of one person; they do not reflect the primary purpose of the passage. Eliminate (12B). The lines for (12C) state that in no case should [the pauper nurses] be left with the sole charge and responsibility of sick wards, as they continually are at present. These lines reflect the passage’s purpose. Look to see whether these lines support any of the answer choices for Q11. These lines are used to advocate for a necessary change, so draw a line between (12C) and (11D). The lines for (12D) state that it is not likely that one paid nurse would always be all we could desire. These lines make a concession, admitting that the plan the author proposes is not perfect. These lines do not capture the primary purpose of the passage, nor do they support any of the answers for Q11. Eliminate (12D). Without any support from the answers in Q12, (11A), (11B), and (11C) can be eliminated. The correct answers are (11D) and (12C).
12. C
(See explanation above.)
13. A
The question asks what the word maintained most nearly means in line 21. Go back to the text, find the word maintained, and cross it out. Then read the window carefully, using context clues to determine another word that would fit in the text. The text says that of course such labor is cheap, and it is desirable, if possible, to employ those who must be maintained at the cost of the parish. Therefore, maintained must mean something like “financially supported.” Choice (A), provided for, closely matches the prediction, so keep it. Affirmed means “encouraged by;” it does not match “financially supported.” Eliminate (B). Healed does not match “financially supported,” so eliminate (C). Fixed does not match “financially supported;” this is a Could Be True trap answer based on a different meaning of maintained than the one used in the text, so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (A).
14. D
The question asks what is most directly suggested by lines 34–35. This is the first question in a paired set, but it is a specific question, so it can be done on its own. Read a window around the line reference. Lines 33–38 state, That such a person would always be all we could desire for so important a post we could hardly hope…but at any rate, there would be a better chance of efficiency and character than in the present plan. In other words, the author acknowledges that the nurses hired won’t be perfect, but hiring them will still be an improvement over the current situation. These lines indicate that the plan should be implemented even though there is not an ideal candidate, so eliminate (A). Eliminate (B) because, although the author is critical, she never indicates what people who go to hospitals should do. Choice (C) states that allowances should be made, since no person is perfect. The passage does not indicate that no person is perfect; it only discusses nurses. It also does not state that allowances should be made; instead it says that the plan to hire the nurses would improve on the present situation. Eliminate (C). Choice (D) matches both parts of the prediction, as it correctly states that hiring the nurses would be an improvement even though they would have some flaws. The correct answer is (D).
15. D
The question is the best evidence question in a paired set. Because Q14 was a specific question, simply look at the lines used to answer the previous question. The last sentence of the passage, lines 33–38, was used as the prediction in the last question. Only one of the answers matches those lines. The correct answer is (D).
16. A
The question asks for the effect of the final sentence of Passage 1. Read a window around the line reference. The last sentence states that such a person would always be all we could desire for so important a post we could hardly hope, from what we know of the paid nurses in hospitals, but at any rate, there would be a better chance of efficiency and character than in the present plan. The author is acknowledging that the solution has flaws, but it is nonetheless preferable to the current system. Since the last sentence indicates that even an imperfect plan would be better than the present situation, it implies that the present situation is unpleasant, so keep (A). Choice (B) uses the word despair, and while the author is not happy with the current situation, she does not completely lack hope. This answer choice is Mostly Right but Slightly Wrong; eliminate (B). Choice (C) mentions an entirely optimistic light, but the last sentence acknowledges flaws with the solution, so it is not completely optimistic. Eliminate (C). Choice (D) mentions the generally low opinion held for a certain group, but the last sentence is about finding solutions, however imperfect, to the current dilemma, not about criticizing a group of people. Eliminate (D). The correct answer is (A).
17. B
The question asks what can be seen as unusual about the first year of the experiment described. Read a window around the line reference. Lines 49–50 indicate that the first year of the experiment could not be judged by statistics, for several reasons. Line 53 states that the season was very unhealthy, which means that an unusual number of people were sick that season. This is something unusual about the first year of the experiment. Choice (A) mentions weather that caused an uncharacteristic amount of illnesses. This answer is Mostly Right but Slightly Wrong: an uncharacteristic amount of illness matches the prediction, but the text never states that the illnesses were caused by weather. Eliminate (A). Choice (B) states that the overall number of people who required medical treatment was unusual that season. This matches the prediction closely, so keep (B). Choice (C) mentions that effective medical treatment exceeded statistical expectations. However, lines 49–50 state it is impossible…to judge the results by statistics. Eliminate (C). Choice (D) mentions the number of people who died, but no deaths are mentioned in paragraph two. Eliminate (D). The correct answer is (B).
18. C
The question asks why the authors of Passage 2 reference a careful classified list of cases. Read a window around the line reference. In lines 60–67, the authors discuss a defect in the statistics of workhouse hospitals. They say that the absence of a careful classified list of cases kept by the medical officers is one reason it is not possible to form a judgement from mere statistical tables. Though the text in lines 64–67 makes it clear that the absence of the careful classified list of cases is problematic, the author never states that it would be required of all workhouses in the future. Eliminate (A). Choice (B) is a Mostly Right/Slightly Wrong trap answer: it mentions a missing element, which seems to match the absence of a careful classified list of cases. However, lines 65–67 say that having the list of cases might allow one to form a judgment. Choice (B) says that having the list of cases would have ensured an outcome; the passage does not support this much certainty. Eliminate (B). Choice (C) says reveal an inconsistency which made more accurate analysis impossible, which closely matches the prediction that it was not possible to form a judgement from mere statistical tables. Keep (C). Choice (D) mentions a long period. This phrase is used in line 68, but the text indicates that it’s necessary to keep statistical tables over a long period to make accurate judgements; it doesn’t discuss whether records can be kept for a long period. Eliminate (D). The correct answer is (C).
19. C
The question asks what the phrase character of seasons most nearly means in line 69. Go back to the text, find the phrase character of seasons, and cross it out. Then read the window carefully, using context clues to determine another phrase that would fit in the text. The text says that the character of seasons, and nature of cases admitted, varies so much from year to year as to invalidate any deductions, unless founded on minutely kept medical records. Therefore, character of seasons must mean something like “seasonal changes in average health.” Notice that (A) uses the word morality, not “mortality.” The correct answer should refer to health, not morals, so eliminate (A). Weather is not mentioned in the sentence, so eliminate (B). Choice (C) closely matches the prediction, so keep it. While the unpredictable nature part of (D) seems to match the prediction, the text is talking about health, not human behavior. Eliminate (D). The correct answer is (C).
20. B
The question asks how the author of Passage 1 would most likely respond to lines 46–47 of Passage 2. Consider the relationship between the passages. In Passage 1, the author recommends that the pauper nurses employed in the workhouses be supervised by a paid nurse. In Passage 2, the authors evaluate the success of a trial in which a trained nurse (a Lady Superintendent) was placed in charge of the patients in a workhouse. The authors agree on their criticism of the pauper nurses. Lines 46–47 of Passage 2 mention the failure of the nurses taken from the pauper classes. Choice (A) mentions that the author of Passage 1 would be surprise[d] at an unexpected result. But the author of Passage 1 clearly has a low view of the pauper nurses, as can be seen in the first line, which introduces the evils of the employment of pauper nurses. So, the author would be expecting failure from the pauper nurses. Eliminate (A). Choice (B), acknowledging that an ideal situation may not be practical to attain, matches Twining’s attitude in lines 33–38, in which she states that such a person would always be all we could desire for so important a post we could hardly hope. In other words, she acknowledges that even the solution she is proposing would not be perfect. Keep (B). As the author of Passage 1 never discussed an intervention earlier in life, (C) must be eliminated. The author of Passage 1 would most likely agree that poor performance would be representative, or typical, of pauper nurses. Eliminate (D). The correct answer is (B).
21. A
The question asks for the relationship between the two passages. Consider the relationship. In Passage 1, the author recommends that the pauper nurses employed in the workhouses be supervised by a paid nurse. In Passage 2, the authors evaluate the success of a trial in which a trained nurse (a Lady Superintendent) was placed in charge of the patients in a workhouse. Choice (A) states that Passage 2 describes a scenario that addresses some elements of the situation shown in Passage 1. This choice matches the prediction: the experiment described in Passage 2 is the scenario, and it does discuss some elements that are addressed in Passage 1, including trained nurses and pauper nurses. Keep (A). Choice (B) states that Passage 2 discusses the potential results of the overall problem reviewed in Passage 1. The overall problem reviewed in Passage 1 is the lack of supervision of the pauper nurses. Though Passage 2 mentions pauper nurses, it does not discuss the potential results of the problem; in fact, it discusses a trial of the solution recommended in Passage 1. Eliminate (B). Choice (C) states that Passage 2 underscores the futility of attempts to resolve the concerns of Passage 1. Passage 2 does not underscore the futility of attempts to resolve the problem of supervision of pauper nurses—it recounts a relatively successful attempt. Note the positive tone of lines 78–80: All these reports bear emphatic testimony to the merits and devotion of the Lady Superintendent and her staff. Eliminate (C). Choice (D) states that Passage 2 resolves the issues brought to light in Passage 1. Passage 2 does not entirely resolve the issues brought to light in Passage 1; note lines 46–49, which state, With the exception of the failure of the nurses taken from the pauper class, the first year’s trial was sufficiently successful to induce a continuance of the experiment. In other words, the trial was successful enough to continue, but not completely successful. Eliminate (D). The correct answer is (A).
For paired questions, make sure you’re following the right strategy.
Specific paired questions simply require you to follow the Basic Approach, making sure you’ve underlined the evidence for your prediction in the text.
General paired questions will be much more straightforward if you use Parallel POE to consider the “best evidence” in tandem with the previous question.
For dual passages, do questions about the first passage first, questions about the second passage second, and dual questions last. Remember that even with dual questions, you must find support in the passages.
Save main idea or general questions until the end of the passage. POE will be much more efficient once you’ve done all of the other questions.
Don’t get bogged down by hard or time-consuming questions! If you find yourself stuck or running short on time, use LOTD and move on.
