Question

select the correct answer. based on this excerpt from ernest hemingways \in another country,\ what is the contextual meaning of the phrase \take up\? \ah, yes,\ the major said. \why, then, do you not take up the use of grammar?\ so we took up the use of grammar, and soon italian was such a difficult language that i was afraid to talk to him until i had the grammar straight in my mind a. to become interested in or engaged in something b. to begin to hold or work at a position or post c. to occupy time, space, or the attention of someone d. to pursue a matter later or further with someone

Explanation:

In the text, after the major asks "Why, then, do you not take up the use of grammar?", they start using grammar. This implies starting to engage in (using grammar). Option A ("to become interested in or engaged in something") fits this context. Option B is about positions/jobs (not relevant here). Option C is about occupying time/space/attention (not the case). Option D is about pursuing a matter later (not what's happening).

Answer:

A. to become interested in or engaged in something