Question

read the paragraph.
max ____ the book of poetry aside. even though he had read it twice, the poems made little sense to him. why couldn’t people just say what they meant, without resorting to flowery language and loopy sentences? he rubbed his eyes, gave himself a minute to calm down, and then found the book, where it had landed underneath the bed. “ok, third time’s the charm,” he said as he started reading again.
what verb best completes the sentence?
○ chucked
○ launched
○ laid
○ tossed

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the context and the meaning of each verb:

• "chucked" implies a more forceful, careless throw, which doesn't fit the later action of finding the book under the bed (suggesting a more deliberate or gentle placement).
• "launched" is used for objects (like rockets) and is too forceful/unlikely for a book.
• "tossed" is a casual throw, but again, the later action of finding it under the bed and then reading again suggests a more deliberate placing aside, not a throw.
• "laid" means to place something down gently or deliberately. This fits the context: Max placed the book of poetry aside (after reading it twice, being confused, then later finding it under the bed to read again). So "laid" is the most appropriate as it conveys a deliberate action of placing the book.

Answer:

B. laid