Question

question 15 of 20
read this passage:
the doorknob shakes and rattles, and then theres a
pounding outside - fist to oak. lilla sits up anxiously on
the couch. again the knob, and then the jangle of keys.
please be maggie, lilla whispers to herself. she stands
and leans against the doorway gently, listening for
breathing, trying to decide who has come to fetch her -
her mother or her sister.
which statement best summarizes the passage?
a. lilla is lounging on the couch when she hears someone rattling
the door, trying to use a set of keys to get in.
b. lilla stands and leans against the doorway gently, listening for
breathing, trying to decide who has come to fetch her - her
mother or her sister.
c. lilla has obviously done something she knows is wrong, otherwise
why would she be so worried that its her mother at the door and
not her sister?
d. lilla listens anxiously as someone tries to open the door; she
hopes it will be her sister but knows that it could be her mother.

Explanation:

The passage shows Lilla's anxious state (sits up anxiously, whispers, listens for breathing, trying to decide). It mentions someone trying to open the door (doorknob shakes, rattles, pounding, jangle of keys). And it indicates her hope (Please be Maggie) and uncertainty (her mother or her sister). Option D captures all these key elements. Option A misses the anxious listening and the hope/uncertainty. Option B doesn't mention the initial anxious sitting up and the door - opening attempts. Option C makes an unfounded assumption about Lilla having done something wrong.

Answer:

D. Lilla listens anxiously as someone tries to open the door; she hopes it will be her sister but knows that it could be her mother.