Question

The author suggests that, in general, customers who use overnight delivery services are primarily concerned with (A) cost. (B) reliability. (C) holiday incentives. (D) fashion choices.

Short answer

Customers who use overnight delivery services primarily value reliability.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks us to identify the primary concern for customers using overnight delivery services according to the author's suggestion. We need to evaluate which of the provided options best aligns with this concern.

Analyzing the Options

Let's break down each option: - (A) Cost: While some customers might consider cost, those choosing overnight delivery are likely more focused on faster service. - (B) Reliability: Customers choosing overnight delivery often require their packages to arrive on time, making reliability a top priority. - (C) Holiday Incentives: Such promotions are not typically a driving factor for overnight deliveries, which are used throughout the year. - (D) Fashion Choices: Fashion isn't related to the logistics of delivery.

Selecting the Most Suitable Option

From our analysis, the primary reason customers would choose overnight delivery is (B) reliability, as ensuring the package arrives on time is critical for such a service.

Key concepts

Standardized Test Preparation

Understanding how to prepare for standardized tests like the PSAT can greatly enhance your performance and confidence. One key strategy is to become familiar with the test format and types of questions. This familiarity reduces test anxiety and helps in managing time better during the test. Practice regularly using sample questions and simulate testing conditions whenever possible.

Effective practice involves more than just doing problems; reflection on those problems is crucial. Consider why each answer is correct or incorrect, and identify any patterns in mistakes. For the PSAT, focus on questions related to reading comprehension as it’s a significant part of the test.

• Familiarize yourself with common question types.
• Simulate real testing conditions.
• Reflect on your learning and problems.

Lastly, don't forget to review the basic concepts and strategies related to critical reading, math, and writing, which are consistently tested in standardized assessments.

Critical Reading Skills

Developing strong critical reading skills is essential not just for tests, but for understanding any complex material. It involves being able to actively engage with a text—this means questioning the material, making predictions, and drawing connections with other concepts. For example, while reading an author's argument, critically evaluate the evidence provided. Is it convincing? This skill helps in identifying the central idea and key details quickly, which is exactly what you need to answer questions efficiently on a test.

To build these skills:

• Practice summarizing paragraphs in your own words.
• Ask yourself questions about the author's purpose and how they support their claims.
• Examine how different parts of the text connect to each other.

Consistent practice with these techniques in a variety of contexts will build your ability to read and understand complicated texts more quickly and thoroughly.

Question Analysis

Analyzing questions effectively can significantly improve the accuracy of your answers, especially in a multiple-choice setting. Start by carefully reading and understanding what the question is asking. This is the first step towards finding the correct answer. Break down the question into its core components; this was demonstrated in the PSAT reading comprehension exercise involving delivery services.

Strategies for effective question analysis include:

• Identifying keywords or phrases that hint at what the answer should focus on.
• Understanding the context – who is asking the question, and what is being asked.
• Eliminating obviously incorrect options before making a choice.

By systematically evaluating each option, like examining reliability over cost for overnight delivery, you can narrow choices down to the most reasonable ones. Always relate options back to the key question asked to ensure you're on track.