16Hit1600
Information and IdeasHardWhat a photograph conveys in a literary excerpt

Information and Ideas practice question

The following text is from a novel. In the photograph everyone was laughing except Ilse, who looked at the camera as though it had asked her a question she was still deciding how to answer. Forty years later, she had still not decided.

Which statement best describes what the text conveys about Ilse?

  1. A. The thoughtful reserve visible in the photograph has stayed with her all her life.Correct
  2. B. She was the happiest person in the photograph.
  3. C. She has forgotten that the photograph was taken.
  4. D. She has since become carefree.

Answer: A. The thoughtful reserve visible in the photograph has stayed with her all her life.

Not laughing, weighing an unasked question — and 'forty years later, she had still not decided': the trait persists.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. She was the happiest person in the photograph.
Everyone was laughing 'except Ilse'.
C. She has forgotten that the photograph was taken.
Nothing suggests forgetting; the text is about her lasting disposition.
D. She has since become carefree.
'Still not decided' says the opposite of carefree.

More Information and Ideas questions

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