Question

Read the opening paragraph of "The Watkinson Evening” by Eliza Leslie.

Mrs. Morland, a polished and accomplished woman, was the widow of a distinguished senator from one of the western states, of which, also, her husband had twice filled the office of governor. Her daughter having completed her education at the best boarding-school in Philadelphia, and her son being about to graduate at Princeton, the mother had planned with her children a tour to Niagara and the lakes, returning by way of Boston. On leaving Philadelphia, Mrs. Morland and the delighted Caroline stopped at Princeton to be present at the annual commencement, and had the happiness of seeing their beloved Edward receive his diploma as bachelor of arts; after hearing him deliver, with great applause, an oration on the beauties of the American character. College youths are very prone to treat on subjects that imply great experience of the world. But Edward Morland was full of kind feeling for everything and everybody; and his views of life had hitherto been tinted with a perpetual rose-color.

Based on the text, what is the best prediction of what will happen?

Mrs. Morland and her children will soon return to their home state out West.
Mrs. Morland and her children will travel together and have new experiences.
Mrs. Morland will forgo her plans and stay to help celebrate her son’s graduation.
Mrs. Morland will witness her son perform an act of kindness toward a stranger.

Answer 1

Mrs. Morland and her children will travel together and have new experiences.

Reason: the passage explicitly says the mother planned a tour with her children to Niagara and the lakes (returning by Boston) and describes them already stopping at Princeton en route, so continued travel and new experiences is the most supported prediction. The other options are not directly supported by the text.