Comprehension

“Leave it.” Kelsey could not begin to fathom what she was hearing. In fact, a part of her began to feel she was in some sort of dream, unable to emerge to wakefulness. Even the contractor appeared flabbergasted. His mouth stayed in a half-open position, like a marionette waiting for its strings to be tugged. “Yes. Leave it,” Robert said again, speaking to the notion that someone in the room had asked him to clarify his words. No one had, but Robert understood the silence. What were the chances that an Indian burial ground would be found on the bucolic site where Robert and Kelsey had chosen to build their dream home? Why in the world would Robert not want to have the remains carted away, thought Kelsey. The last thing they needed was Indian poltergeists meandering around their home while the two of them were trying to renovate their marriage.

Kelsey, usually deferential to her husband, knew that now was the time to make her position heard. She tried to cajole Robert away from the direction he was heading. “Sweetheart,” she cooed. “We don’t want to build on a site with human remains. It would be irreverent to the dead.” Immediately, she saw contempt in Robert’s eyes; it was a subtle reminder of how he often viewed her as superficial and self-absorbed. “What would be irreverent,” said Robert, his voice dripping with condescension, “would be to desecrate these Native graves and move them from their final resting place. Remember the culture.” No, Kelsey did not “remember the culture.” She could not care less about the culture. However, Robert, the history professor, was obviously enthralled by the contractor’s findings. He had an innate way of understanding other cultures and other people that amazed Kelsey. He did not have that gift with her. But something inside Kelsey said this was too much. She believed wholeheartedly in ghosts and could not imagine a life of them haunting her, rattling her cupboards, and shaking her floorboards. Kelsey had an unnerving sensation that problems were ahead.

Question: 1

In this passage, what is the synonym of flabbergasted?

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Flabbergasted = Shocked.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • hostile
  • dumbfounded
  • querulous
  • unimpressed
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The question asks for a word with the same meaning as "flabbergasted" based on its usage in the story.

Step 2: Meaning

Flabbergasted = Greatly surprised or astonished.

Step 3: Analysis

In the passage, the contractor's mouth stays "half-open" when Robert says "Leave it," indicating extreme shock. "Dumbfounded" perfectly describes this state of being speechless with surprise.

Step 4: Conclusion

Hence, the correct answer is dumbfounded. Final Answer: (B)
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Question: 2

If Kelsey had chosen to be deferential to her husband, what would she have likely told him regarding his plans?

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Deferential = Submissive/Respectful.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • "Don't be silly."
  • "I'll leave you."
  • "I'm not sure."
  • "Good idea."
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The question requires understanding the word "deferential" to predict Kelsey's behavior in an alternative scenario.

Step 2: Meaning

Deferential = Showing respect and bowing to another's will or opinion.

Step 3: Analysis

The passage says she is "usually deferential," implying she normally agrees with or obeys him. If she maintained this, she would support his plan to leave the gravesite alone.

Step 4: Conclusion

Hence, "Good idea" is the most deferential response. Final Answer: (D)
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Question: 3

Which adjective best describes Kelsey and Robert's marriage?

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"Renovating a marriage" implies it is currently in a state of disrepair or tension.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • busy
  • appalling
  • strained
  • good-natured
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The question asks to characterize the relationship between the two main characters based on their interactions.

Step 2: Meaning

Strained = Tense and not relaxed or friendly.

Step 3: Analysis

The text mentions they are "trying to renovate their marriage" , Robert views her with "contempt" and "condescension" , and Kelsey feels he lacks the "gift" of understanding her.

Step 4: Conclusion

Hence, the marriage is best described as strained. Final Answer: (C)
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Question: 4

What about Robert seems to keep him from wanting to move the gravesite?

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Identify a character's profession; it often dictates their priorities.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • He is controlling.
  • He cares about cultural history.
  • He fears the Indians.
  • He is afraid of ghosts.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The question asks for Robert's motivation for his controversial decision.

Step 2: Meaning

Motivation = Reason for acting.

Step 3: Analysis

Robert is a "history professor" who tells Kelsey to "Remember the culture" and is described as having an "innate way of understanding other cultures."

Step 4: Conclusion

Hence, his primary interest is cultural and historical preservation. Final Answer: (B)
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Question: 5

In this passage what is the antonym of desecrate?

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Desecrate = Disrespect; Honor = Respect.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • honor
  • excavate
  • defile
  • criticize
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The question asks for the word with the opposite meaning of "desecrate."

Step 2: Meaning

Desecrate = To treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect; to violate.

Step 3: Analysis

Robert uses "desecrate" to describe the act of moving the graves. The opposite of violating or disrespecting a sacred site is to treat it with respect or "honor" it.

Step 4: Conclusion

Hence, correct answer is honor. Final Answer: (A)
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