Question

read the excerpt from eighty years and more: reminiscences, 1815-1897.

soon after this i began to study latin, greek, and mathematics with a class of boys in the academy, many of whom were much older than i. for three years one boy kept his place at the head of the class, and i always stood next. two prizes were offered in greek. i strove for one and took the second. how well i remember my joy in receiving that prize. there was no sentiment of ambition, rivalry, or triumph over my companions, nor feeling of satisfaction in receiving this honor in the presence of those assembled on the day of the exhibition. one thought alone filled my mind.
ow,\ said i, \my father will be satisfied with me.\

which best retells the central idea in this excerpt?

• the opinion of stantons father is the only one that matters to her.
• stanton studied at an academy with a group of older boys.
• while studying at the academy, stanton won a prize in greek.
• stanton was able to prove her abilities to her teacher and classmates.

Explanation:

Analyze the excerpt

The narrator describes studying Latin, Greek, and mathematics in a class of boys, striving for academic success, and winning a second-place prize in Greek. Despite this achievement, she notes there was "no sentiment of ambition, rivalry, or triumph... nor feeling of satisfaction in receiving this honor." Instead, her sole focus and motivation is revealed in the final line: "One thought alone filled my mind. 'Now,' said I, 'my father will be satisfied with me.'"

Evaluate the options

• Option 1: "The opinion of Stanton's father is the only one that matters to her." This directly aligns with the text evidence where she dismisses any feelings of personal triumph or peer rivalry, stating that her only thought upon winning the prize was that her father would finally be satisfied with her.
• Option 2: "Stanton studied at an academy with a group of older boys." This is a minor supporting detail mentioned in the first sentence, not the central idea of the passage.
• Option 3: "While studying at the academy, Stanton won a prize in Greek." This is a specific plot event used to build up to the main point, rather than the central idea itself.
• Option 4: "Stanton was able to prove her abilities to her teacher and classmates." The text explicitly contradicts this by stating she felt no sentiment of triumph over her companions or satisfaction in front of those assembled; her focus was entirely on her father.

Determine the best answer

Option 1 is the most accurate representation of the central idea, as the entire passage builds up to her academic efforts and achievement serving the singular purpose of gaining her father's approval.

Answer:

• (A) The opinion of Stanton's father is the only one that matters to her. (Correct answer)
• (B) Stanton studied at an academy with a group of older boys.
• (C) While studying at the academy, Stanton won a prize in Greek.
• (D) Stanton was able to prove her abilities to her teacher and classmates.