Read this passage from a play about early settlers to America. Then, answer the question(s)

Question

that follow.
(1) [Setting: A pioneer kitchen in the 1820s. Mother is kneading bread dough while two children
play on the floor by the fire. A baby is in a cradle.]
(2) [John comes bursting into the room from outside and slams the door behind him.]
(3) John: Oh, Mother, Father has been hurt! A log fell on his leg when he was trying to help the
horse get it out of the mud, and he can’t get up. We need your help!
(4) [The children stand up suddenly and run to their mother. They cry in dismay. Mother closes
her eyes, presses her hands against the counter, and takes a deep breath.]
(5) Mother: May heaven help us! Mary, you cover this bread dough with a damp cloth so it
doesn’t ruin. Then you mind the baby. And no getting distracted! [She takes the girl’s face in
her hands and looks in her eyes.] Can you be a big girl? I need you to help.
(6) Mary: Yes, Mother. I’ll mind the baby.
(7) Mother: [pulling off her apron as she speaks] And you, Jacob, you mind your sister.
Promise now!
(8) Jacob: Yes, Mother.
(9) [Mother pulls on her boots and coat, which the older boy, John, is holding open for her.]
(10) Mother: What tools can we take from the barn to help, John?
(11) John: [as he closes the door behind them] We already have all the tools by the creek, in the
wagon.
(12) [Mother pops her head in one last time, surveying the children, who look frightened, and
have not moved.]
(13) Mother: Be good, children. We will be back soon.

Reread this excerpt from the play.
Mother: [pulling off her apron as she speaks] And you, Jacob, you mind your sister.
Promise now!
Which part of the excerpt above is an example of a stage direction?
a. Mother:
b. [pulling off her apron as she speaks]
c. And you, Jacob, you mind your sister.
d. Promise now!

Answer 1

The part of the excerpt that is an example of a stage direction is:

b. [pulling off her apron as she speaks]