Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 157: Answer and Explanation
Question: 157
In 1862, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered the excerpt below as part of a lecture called "American Civilization" at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
At this moment in America the aspects of political society absorb attention. In every house, from Canada to the Gulf, the children ask the serious father-"What is the news of the war today? and when will there be better times?" The boys have no new clothes, no gifts, no journeys; the girls must go without new bonnets; boys and girls find their education, this year, less liberal and complete. All the little hopes that heretofore made the year pleasant are deferred. The state of the country fills us with anxiety and stern duties.
As used in the text, the word stern most nearly means
- A. playful.
- B. terrifying.
- C. serious.
- D. pointless.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
(C) According to the text, the state of the country induces "stern duties," so serious is the correct choice. A country at war would not connect to anything playful. (B) is too negative. Choice (D) would inaccurately indicate that what's at stake is pointless.
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