Question 24 • *WHS OH-English Language Arts 10 A-CR
Read the excerpt from "The Storyteller.”"You don’t seem to be a success as a storyteller,” said the bachelor suddenly from his corner.The aunt bristled in instant defense at this unexpected attack."It’s a very difficult thing to tell stories that children can both understand and appreciate,” she said stiffly."I don’t agree with you,” said the bachelor."Perhaps you would like to tell them a story,” was the aunt’s retort."Tell us a story,” demanded the bigger of the small girls."Once upon a time,” began the bachelor, "there was a little girl called Bertha, who was extraordinarily good.”The children’s momentarily-aroused interest began at once to flicker; all stories seemed dreadfully alike, no matter who told them.
Answer
A
The aunt wants the bachelor to tell a good story, but he does not.
B
The bachelor fears that the children will not like his story, but they do.
C
The bigger girl does not expect the bachelor to tell a story, but he does.
D
The aunt does not expect the bachelor to tell a story, but he does.
Explanation
The aunt challenges the bachelor to tell the children a story, saying, “Perhaps you would like to tell them a story.” Her remark is a retort, not a genuine expectation that he will accept. But he begins one right away: “Once upon a time.” So the unexpected action is that the bachelor tells a story, making D correct.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.