Question

In 2006, an international committee of scientists gathered to discuss the fate of Pluto. Though Pluto had long been recognized as one of the nine planets in Earth's solar system, the committee decided to re-categorize Pluto as a "dwarf" or minor planet.
In response to the historic decision, a group of students and teachers from the 826 Seattle Creative Writing Center staged a protest. The event was somewhat tongue-in-cheek: the students released a humorous statement in which they said they refused "to bow to this outrageous decree." Still, the protest served a very real purpose. It helped to raise awareness about the way in which our understanding of the solar system is always changing.
2
What does the author suggest by using the words tongue-in-cheek in the paragraph above?
A.
The event was quietly done.
B.
The event was lighthearted.
C.
The event was serious.
D.
The event was brief.

Answer 1

B. The event was lighthearted.

Explanation: "Tongue-in-cheek" means humorous or not meant to be taken seriously, which matches the students' playful protest and humorous statement.