16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardInference about a fortress's water

Information and Ideas practice question

The hilltop fortress had no well, and the nearest spring was half a mile below its walls. Yet its garrison withstood a siege of five months in 1362. Archaeologists who found large plastered cisterns cut into the rock beneath the courtyard concluded that the defenders ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. had stored rainwater in advance, enough to last through a long siege.Correct
  2. B. surrendered when the spring was captured.
  3. C. had a secret tunnel to the spring.
  4. D. did not need water during the siege.

Answer: A. had stored rainwater in advance, enough to last through a long siege.

Cisterns explain five months without a well.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. surrendered when the spring was captured.
They withstood the siege.
C. had a secret tunnel to the spring.
Cisterns, not a tunnel, were found.
D. did not need water during the siege.
Everyone needs water.

More Information and Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.