Question

The Russians had a neat log house built on a grassy slope, with a windlass well beside the door. As we rode up the draw, we skirted a big melon patch, and a garden where squashes and yellow cucumbers lay about on the sod. We found Peter out behind his kitchen, bending over a washtub. . . . He took us down to see his chickens, and his cow that was grazing on the hillside. He told Antonia that in his country only rich people had cows, but here any man could have one who would take care of her. The milk was good for Pavel, who was often sick, and he could make butter by beating sour cream with a wooden spoon. Peter was very fond of his cow. He patted her flanks and talked to her in Russian while he pulled up her lariat pin and set it in a new place.What is the best summary of Passage 2?
A. Unhappy about the small apartment she and her mother have moved into, the narrator is out walking to feel better. She becomes annoyed when she is startled by someone tapping on her shoulder.
B. The narrator and her mother have moved to a small apartment in an expensive city. It is a nice day, so the narrator takes a walk. She is startled by a very friendly neighbor who tries to be nice to her.
C. The narrator is walking in a new city when someone taps her on the shoulder and startles her. It turns out to be a friendly new neighbor who invites her to a party at her big house. The narrator listens politely to her new neighbor and then continues her walk.
D. The narrator and her mother have moved to a new city, and neither one is very happy to be there. An overly friendly neighbor tries to start a conversation, but the narrator takes an immediate dislike to her. The narrator makes it clear that she would rather be alone.

Answer 1

None of the above.

Best summary of the given passage: A description of a Russian family's neat log house and garden; Peter shows the visitors his chickens and beloved cow, explains how people here can keep cows and how the milk and butter help sick Pavel, and lovingly tends and talks to the cow.

Why the choices are wrong (briefly):
- A–D all describe a narrator in a small apartment in a city and an intrusive/friendly neighbor, which does not match the rural homestead scene in the passage.