Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 88: Answer and Explanation

Question: 88

The following text is from Kate Chopin's 1899 novel The Awakening.

"Ask Mrs. Pontellier what she would like to hear me play," she requested of Robert. She sat perfectly still before the piano, not touching the keys, while Robert carried her message to Edna at the window. A general air of surprise and genuine satisfaction fell upon everyone as they saw the pianist enter. There was a settling down, and a prevailing air of expectancy everywhere. Edna was a trifle embarrassed at being thus signaled out for the imperious little woman's favor. She would not dare to choose and begged that Mademoiselle Reisz would please herself in her selections.

Upon being asked to select songs for Mademoiselle Reisz to play, Edna could best be described as

• A. eager.
• B. indecisive.
• C. sheepish.
• D. thrilled.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) The text states: "Edna was a trifle embarrassed at being thus signaled out for the imperious little woman's favor. She would not dare to choose, and begged that Mademoiselle Reisz would please herself in her selections." Edna's embarrassment indicates that she was sheepish, which is a word describing embarrassment. Edna certainly was not eager or thrilled, but was rather quite reluctant instead. Edna was not indecisive, as she never intended to make a decision in the first place.