Question

Outside, an early spring rain tapped a pleasing rhythm on the window pane while Elizabeth nestled in her favorite easy chair by the fireplace. The hearth was stone cold, as it hadn’t been used in months, but it still comforted her just to sit near it. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the light within the room grew dim, and Elizabeth reached up to turn on her reading lamp. The mystery novel she’d been reading was a gripping tale of dastardly capers. It was so engrossing that the day had passed almost without her notice. Coming to the end of a chapter, she closed the book and stared straight ahead. Gradually, she became aware of the refrigerator’s hum and the ticking of the wall clock, the gentle sounds she could always count on, like good friends.
1
Read this sentence from the passage above.

Coming to the end of a chapter, she closed the book and stared straight ahead.

How could the sentence best be rewritten to convey that Elizabeth is feeling content?
A.
The book had her on the edge of her seat, and she let out a gasp as she finished the chapter.
B.
Coming to the end of a chapter, she laid her head against the chair back and sighed dreamily.
C.
As she finished the chapter, her heart pounded as she wondered what would happen next.
D.
Elizabeth drummed her fingers on the arm of the chair, wishing the action in the book would pick up a bit.

Answer 1

B. "Coming to the end of a chapter, she laid her head against the chair back and sighed dreamily."

This revision conveys relaxation and contentment, while the other choices show excitement, suspense, or impatience.