Question

Stephen was home from school again, not yet over the chest cold he’d had all week. At least he was up and around, though the slightest exertion still tuckered him out. Now he sat bundled up on the living room couch, drawing comic book figures in his sketchbook. Even his favorite pastime couldn’t hold his interest for long, and he soon set it aside. Outside, a winter storm had descended, darkening the skies and pelting the earth with snow and sleet. Stephen figured his mom must be driving home about now, making her way through the slushy mess. He hoped she’d be cautious, but at the same time, he couldn’t wait for her to get here. Being alone all day was no fun, and he was desperate for company. The monotonous ticking of the kitchen clock was getting on his nerves, and he was just about to unplug it when he heard his mom drive up. Even through the storm, the spluttering and coughing of his mom’s pickup was unmistakable. Stephen had never been so happy to hear it.
14
Which sentence contributes to the tone of boredom in the passage?
A.
At least he was up and around, though the slightest exertion still tuckered him out.
B.
Stephen figured his mom must be driving home about now, making her way through the slushy mess.
C.
Even through the storm, the spluttering and coughing of his mom's pickup was unmistakable.
D.
Even his favorite pastime couldn't hold his interest for long, and he soon set it aside.

Answer 1

D

"Even his favorite pastime couldn't hold his interest for long, and he soon set it aside." directly shows that Stephen is bored—he loses interest even in something he usually enjoys.