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

Craft and Structure practice question

The following text is from a novel. Every Sunday Idris polished the brass plate on the door of the office he had been made to leave, and every Sunday the new owners let him, because it was easier than stopping him and because, they told each other, it cost nothing.

Which choice best describes the function of the detail that the new owners 'told each other' it cost nothing?

  1. A. It hints that the owners are uneasy about Idris's ritual and reassure themselves rather than act.Correct
  2. B. It indicates that the owners pay Idris for the work.
  3. C. It suggests that the plate is valuable.
  4. D. It implies that Idris still works at the office.

Answer: A. It hints that the owners are uneasy about Idris's ritual and reassure themselves rather than act.

'Told each other': a justification repeated because it needs repeating.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It indicates that the owners pay Idris for the work.
It costs nothing.
C. It suggests that the plate is valuable.
Not suggested.
D. It implies that Idris still works at the office.
He was made to leave.

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