Question

The author wishes to insert an aside to underscore his self-deprecating self- awareness that readers likely will not share his views about Hornsby. Which of the following would best be inserted at this point to accomplish the author's goal? (A) There are those who can appreciate Hornsby, and there are those who not only cannot appreciate his work, but have no artistic sensibility whatsoever. (B) Forgive my hyperbole, but so profound is my love for his music that I cannot help but get carried away with my adulation. (C) As someone with extensive musical training, I can assure you that if you miss out on Hornsby, you are truly missing out. (D) To listen to him play is like watching Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel-it is to see a master at work.

Short answer

Option B is the best choice.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Nature of Self-Deprecation

The author wishes to emphasize his self-deprecating awareness, which means he is likely acknowledging his obsession with Hornsby while understanding that not everyone might share his enthusiasm. The self-deprecating tone usually involves a humorous acknowledgment of one's own faults or weaknesses.

Analyze Each Option for Self-Deprecation

Examine each option to find self-deprecating tones. - **Option A** implies a judgment of others, which is neither self-deprecating nor self-aware. - **Option B** acknowledges exaggeration (hyperbole) and suggests the author is aware of his extreme enthusiasm. - **Option C** emphasizes the author's authority and knowledge, lacking self-deprecation. - **Option D** is purely complimentary and does not reflect self-awareness.

Choose the Best Option for Self-Deprecating Awareness

Among the options, **Option B**—'Forgive my hyperbole, but so profound is my love for his music that I cannot help but get carried away with my adulation.' This shows the author admitting his exaggeration and enthusiasm, aligning with the self-deprecating self-awareness mentioned in the question.

Key concepts

Understanding Author's Tone

Author's tone refers to the attitude or emotional approach an author takes towards a subject or audience. This tone can be detected through word choice, phrasing, and the underlying message conveyed in the text. In the context of the PSAT critical reading exercises, understanding the author's tone is crucial because it helps decipher what the author is truly expressing.

Here are some features to help identify an author's tone:

• **Word Choice:** The adjectives and adverbs used can significantly reflect the author's mood or feeling.
• **Sentence Structure:** Short, abrupt sentences might indicate urgency or excitement, while longer, more complex sentences may suggest thoughtfulness or introspection.
• **Imagery and Metaphors:** These can provide clues to the author's feelings towards the subject, painting a more vivid picture of their perspective.

Understanding the tone involves looking at these factors holistically. For instance, an author discussing Bruce Hornsby's music with phrases like "profound love" and "cannot help but get carried away" might be showing a tone of admiration infused with self-awareness.

What is Self-Deprecation?

Self-deprecation involves making yourself seem less confident or modest by humorously acknowledging your own shortcomings. It's a way of underscoring one's own flaws or unusual enthusiasm by poking fun at oneself.

When thinking about self-deprecation, consider:

• **Humor:** Often used in a light-hearted manner, self-deprecation can make serious statements more palatable by allowing authors to show they don't take themselves too seriously.
• **Modesty:** It can also be a form of humility, showing that the author knows their weaknesses and isn't afraid to acknowledge them.
• **Connection:** By admitting faults, authors may attempt to better connect with their audience, bridging gaps by showing common human flaws.

In our specific exercise, self-deprecation is used to highlight an exaggerated passion for Bruce Hornsby while showing awareness that not everyone will feel the same level of affection. The phrase "Forgive my hyperbole" signals to the reader that the author knows they are likely being excessive, which invites the reader to share a lighter, more understanding viewpoint.

Mastering Answer Choice Analysis

Answer choice analysis is crucial for multiple-choice questions, particularly on standardized tests like the PSAT. It involves evaluating each option given in a question to determine which best fits the criteria or prompt.

To effectively analyze answer choices:

• **Direct Relevance:** Ensure that the choice directly addresses the question. Options that diverge from the prompt's requirements can often be eliminated.
• **Tone Matching:** Consider if the option's tone matches the author’s intended tone. If the question seeks self-deprecation, options should reflect this by admitting to an aspect of exaggeration or fault.
• **Elimination of Extremes:** Choices that seem too absolute or that pass judgment, like implying others lack "artistic sensibility," might not fit a self-deprecating tone, hence can be discounted.

Practicing answer choice analysis improves over time, allowing you to quickly identify the most suitable choice by process of elimination and careful reading of the nuances in each option. In our exercise, recognizing the hyperbolic and self-aware language of Option B helped pinpoint it as the most fitting for the author’s self-deprecating message.