Question

Miss Stubbs led a very simple life because ____

• A. she didn’t believe in leading a luxurious life
• B. She was too sad a person to enjoy simple pleasures of life
• C. she couldn’t afford even the normal luxuries of life
• D. she was bed-ridden and bitter about it
• A. her brothers
• B. her pets
• C. her past with her family
• D. her classmates
• A. brass ware
• B. musical instruments
• C. money
• D. metal
• A. grave acts
• B. funny acts
• C. serious sober acts
• D. mischievous acts

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the context of Miss Stubbs’ life.
The passage explains how Miss Stubbs had once been part of a prosperous family. However, due to the crash of foreign investments and the change in circumstances, her father died penniless. This left her with very limited means to survive.

Step 2: Analyzing the given options.
- Option 1: Incorrect. There is no evidence that Miss Stubbs avoided luxury by choice; rather, she was forced into simplicity.
- Option 2: Incorrect. She was not too sad to enjoy life; in fact, she enjoyed talking about her past, her pets, and her brothers.
- Option 3: Correct. The passage clearly mentions financial ruin, indicating she could not afford luxuries.
- Option 4: Incorrect. She is not described as bedridden or bitter; instead, she is shown as lively in her memories and dependent on her pets.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The simplicity of her life was due to financial hardship, not personal choice or physical incapacity.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{3. she couldn’t afford even the normal luxuries of life}} \]

Answer 2

Step 1: Recall from the passage.
The passage mentions that Miss Stubbs often talked about her pets, her three brothers, and her past family life.

Step 2: Eliminate options.
- Option 1: Brothers — clearly mentione(D)
- Option 2: Pets — clearly mentione(D)
- Option 3: Past with family — also mentione(D)
- Option 4: Classmates — not mentioned at all.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The only topic absent from her conversation is “her classmates.”
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{4. her classmates}} \]

Answer 3

Step 1: Context of the sentence.
The old man in the passage says: “When the old father died, he was almost penniless. There is not much brass there now.”
Step 2: Meaning of the wor(D)
Here, “brass” is used as a slang term, not in its literal sense. It does not mean metal or utensils. Instead, it symbolizes wealth or money.
Step 3: Elimination.
- Option 1 (brass ware): Not relevant in context.
- Option 2 (musical instruments): Not connected to poverty.
- Option 4 (metal): Too literal, does not fit the context of “penniless.”
- Option 3 (money): Correct, since it aligns with the meaning of financial ruin.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{3. money}} \]

Answer 4

Step 1: Understanding the word "escapades."
The word “escapades” refers to adventures or actions that are often bold, daring, or mischievous. It is commonly used to describe playful or reckless behavior.
Step 2: Context of the sentence.
Miss Stubbs described the escapades of her brothers with joy, laughing as she recalled them. This shows they were lively, playful, and mischievous rather than serious.
Step 3: Analyzing the options.
- Option 1 (grave acts): Incorrect, opposite meaning.
- Option 2 (funny acts): Partially true, but not the full essence — “escapades” are mischievous, not just funny.
- Option 3 (serious sober acts): Incorrect, completely opposite.
- Option 4 (mischievous acts): Correct, as it matches both the meaning and context.

Step 4: Conclusion.
The word “escapades” in this passage best refers to mischievous acts.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{4. mischievous acts}} \]