Read the passage. The headmistress of the boarding school was a buttoned-up, austere woman with a tightly wound, slate-gray bun at the top of her head and clunky black shoes on her feet. She made sure that our uniforms were complete at inspection every morning, and if one of us dared to wear a warmer pair of socks than the thin, oatmeal-colored ones we were issued, there would be trouble. What does the use of the word austere imply?
Answer
A
that the headmistress is concerned about her students
B
that the headmistress is kind to some students
C
that the headmistress is uncomfortable
D
that the headmistress is not a kind person
Explanation
“Austere” describes someone who is stern, severe, or lacking warmth. The strict uniform inspections and punishment for wearing warmer socks reinforce the impression that the headmistress is not kind or gentle. So the best answer is that she is not a kind person.
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