16Hit1600
Craft and StructureHardFunction of a detail in a literary passage

Craft and Structure practice question

The following text is from a short story. Daniel had prepared for the interview for weeks. He knew the company's history, its products, the names of its directors. What he had not prepared for was the receptionist asking, kindly, whether he was all right, and finding that he could not answer.

Which choice best describes the function of the final sentence?

  1. A. It reveals that Daniel's careful preparation has not addressed the nervousness beneath it.Correct
  2. B. It shows that Daniel was unprepared for the interview's questions.
  3. C. It suggests that the receptionist was rude to Daniel.
  4. D. It indicates that Daniel got the job.

Answer: A. It reveals that Daniel's careful preparation has not addressed the nervousness beneath it.

Weeks of facts, undone by a kind question he couldn't answer: the anxiety his preparation hadn't touched.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It shows that Daniel was unprepared for the interview's questions.
He knew the facts; what undid him was not a question about the company.
C. It suggests that the receptionist was rude to Daniel.
The receptionist asked 'kindly'.
D. It indicates that Daniel got the job.
The outcome is not given.

More Craft and Structure questions

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