Craft and StructureHardFunction of a detail in a literary passage
Craft and Structure practice question
The following text is from a novel.
Every evening Ruth set two places, ate from one, and washed both. The second plate had not been used in three years. She would have said, if asked, that she was keeping her hand in.
Which choice best describes the function of the sentence 'She would have said, if asked, that she was keeping her hand in'?
- A. It shows Ruth ready with an explanation that avoids the real reason for the second place.Correct
- B. It indicates that Ruth is training as a waitress.
- C. It shows that Ruth is often asked about the plate.
- D. It explains why the plate is washed.
Answer: A. It shows Ruth ready with an explanation that avoids the real reason for the second place.
'If asked': a prepared excuse for a habit that is really about absence.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. It indicates that Ruth is training as a waitress.
- Not suggested.
- C. It shows that Ruth is often asked about the plate.
- 'If asked' implies no one does.
- D. It explains why the plate is washed.
- The washing is part of the ritual, not the point of the sentence.
More Craft and Structure questions
- Hard
What is the main purpose of the text? - Hard
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined final sentence in the text as a whole? - Hard
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text? - Hard
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word? - Hard
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word? - Hard
What is the main purpose of the text?
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