Question

read the passage. select the detail that best shows the author’s use of satire.

ella gripped the edge of the wicker basket, her knuckles pale. moments ago, before the pilot had fainted, this hot air balloon ride had been a tranquil excursion. now, the balloon soared dizzyingly high.

frantic, ella opened the \emergency guide to ballooning\ she had been given before take - off. on the front, balloon corp cares, the company that owned the balloon, had printed: each passenger is our number one priority. the first two steps seemed deceptively straightforward:

1. pull the vent cord to descend.
2. check wind direction to plan your landing.

the third step, however, made her do a double take.

1. this step only available to diamond - platinum plus members and company shareholders.

\oh come on,\ she murmured. \is that even legal?\
steeling herself, she yanked the vent cord. the balloon jerked wildly to a halt before beginning to descend. with

Explanation:

Satire uses humor or irony to critique flaws, often in institutions or systems. Here, the company claims "Each Passenger Is Our Number One Priority" but restricts the critical third emergency step only to elite Diamond-Platinum Plus Members and shareholders. This ironic contrast between the company's stated value and its exclusionary, absurd emergency procedure mocks corporate prioritization of profit/elite status over customer safety, which is the satirical detail.

Answer:

The third step in the "Emergency Guide to Ballooning": 3. This step only available to Diamond-Platinum Plus Members and Company Shareholders (paired with the company's stated motto "Each Passenger Is Our Number One Priority")