Question 689265
If the student simply guesses on each question, he has a 20% chance of guessing correctly (1 chance in 5) and and 80% chance of guessing incorrectly (4 chances in 5).

So what are the points at those odds?
The student has 20% at 2 points. Or 0.2*2 = 0.4 per question
The student has 80 at -1 points. Or 0.8 * (-1) = -0.8 per question

Net, pure guessing is a losing deal here. 

If the student could correctly eliminate one potential answer before guessing, he breaks even. If he can eliminate 2 potential answers before guessing, he comes out ahead. 

FYI ... SAT is scored with negative points for an incorrect answer. For SAT hints on guessing see 
http://www.math.com/students/kaplan/sat_intro/guess2.htm

Answer A