16Hit1600
Information and IdeasMediumQuotation supporting a claim about setting

Information and Ideas practice question

A critic claims that in the novel, the city itself behaves almost like a character.

Which quotation from the novel would best support the critic's claim?

  1. A. 'The city watched her go, its windows narrowing like eyes, and it did not forgive her for leaving.'Correct
  2. B. 'The city had two million residents and forty-one bridges.'
  3. C. 'She had lived in the city all her life without once visiting its museum.'
  4. D. 'The rain made the streets shine like glass.'

Answer: A. 'The city watched her go, its windows narrowing like eyes, and it did not forgive her for leaving.'

The city watches, narrows its eyes and refuses to forgive — actions and feelings, which are what a character has.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 'The city had two million residents and forty-one bridges.'
Statistics describe the city as a place, not a personality.
C. 'She had lived in the city all her life without once visiting its museum.'
This is about the woman's habits, not the city's behaviour.
D. 'The rain made the streets shine like glass.'
A description of wet streets gives the city no will or feeling.

More Information and Ideas questions

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