Question

read the sentence from barrio boy by ernesto galarza.

people talked to one another on the street in low tones; only drunks and muchachitos mal educados raised their voices, or the arrieros when they shouted to their donkeys.

which words best signal that \muchachitos mal educados\ has a negative connotation?

people talked
on the street
raised their voices
their donkeys

Explanation:

Analyze the context and contrast

The sentence establishes a norm of quiet behavior: "People talked to one another on the street in low tones." The word "only" introduces exceptions to this respectful norm: "only drunks and muchachitos mal educados raised their voices..."

Evaluate the negative association

By grouping "muchachitos mal educados" with "drunks" as the only ones who "raised their voices" (violating the social norm of speaking in low tones), the text signals that raising one's voice in this context is a negative, disruptive behavior.

Identify the signaling phrase

The action of having "raised their voices" is what links these groups to bad manners or disruptive behavior, serving as the direct contextual signal for the negative connotation of the Spanish phrase (which translates to "ill-bred/rude children").

Answer:

• O People talked
• O on the street
• O raised their voices (Correct answer)
• O their donkeys