Digital SAT® Practice Test 1: Reading and Writing Module 2 (Hard): Question 5 Explanation

Since public interests often diverge from personal ones, public and private affairs rarely become intertwined. Over a hundred letters sent to French sailors held captive by the British during the Seven Years’ War challenges such a notion: the letters were messages from the sailors’ lovers and families, but the British Navy confiscated them due to concerns of possible espionage.

Choice B is the best answer. The word "intertwined" means entangled. The text states that public interests often diverge from personal ones, but the British confiscation of letters sent to French sailors challenges this notion. In this case, public and private affairs became entangled.

Choice A: "benevolent" means well meaning. The text does not suggest that public affairs and private matters are rarely well meaning.

Choice C: "antiquated" means old-fashioned or outdated. This would not be relevant to the divergence of public and private affairs.

Choice D: "futile" means pointless. However, it would not make sense that because public and private interests differ, their affairs become pointless.

✨ Expert's Tip ✨

Recognize that the confiscation of personal letters sent to French sailors challenges the text’s notion about public and private affairs.

Digital SAT Reading and Writing Test 5 Question 5

Explanation

✨ Expert's Tip ✨