PSAT Reading Question 316: Answer and Explanation

Question: 316

The narrator's father's manner of speaking to his children as they prepare to leave for vacation is best characterized as

• A. patient.
• B. imperious.
• C. relaxed.
• D. insulting.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Line 6 state that the narrator's father "hollered out his orders for what should be loaded next" to describe the setting when the family is packing to leave on the trip. It can most reasonably be inferred that the father's manner of speaking to his children as they prepare to leave for vacation would be best characterized as "imperious," or commanding, given how he orders his family around. The answer is not choice (A) or choice (C) because the father is not acting patiently or relaxed—he is suggesting that everyone move with urgency. It is not choice (D) because the father is not insulting his children; he is simply ordering them around.