I learn Review 2026

Figurative Meanings

Summary in Nonfiction

Perspective and Purpose

Planning Your writing

Narrative Writing

100

Two pencils competed in a race.
Which of these responses completes the joke with a pun?

A. They forgot their shoes.

B. The paper was slippery.

C. The result was a draw.

D. They ran in major style.

A pun is a humorous use of similar words or phrases to suggest different meanings. The correct answer is a pun because it suggests different meanings through the word "draw." The statements ("Two pencils competed in a race. The result was a draw.") could be interpreted two ways. It could mean that something was drawn with the pencils or that the race was a tie.

100

Question 2.

The orchid family is one of the largest families of flowering plants. There are twice as many species of orchids as species of birds. There are four times as many species of orchids as species of mammals. Charles Darwin wrote a book about orchids in 1862. The book studied the way in which orchids evolved to attract birds and insects. It is suggested that for every different type of bird or insect, there was an orchid that matched in appearance. This in-depth study on orchids helped Darwin develop his ideas on evolution. Orchids can survive almost anywhere—even underground. The only place they cannot survive is in glacial regions, like Antarctica. They grow best in tropical regions that are hot and humid. Some scientists believe that orchids have been around since the time of the dinosaurs.

Which of the following is the best summary of this passage?

A. There are far more species of orchids than there are species of birds or mammals. They have evolved to look like different species of birds and insects.

B. The orchid family is a very large family of flowering plants. Orchids have evolved since the dinosaur years and can survive almost anywhere.

C. Orchids can survive almost anywhere except for Antarctica. They grow in the tropics and even underground. They survive best in regions with hot, humid weather.

D. Charles Darwin wrote a book about the evolution of orchids. His book showed that for every type of bird or insect, there was an orchid that looked similar.

A good summary tells the reader what the passage is about by using the most important details from the passage. In this case, the summary tells the reader what the orchid is, where it can survive, and how long it has existed.

100

The government will move cautiously with its smallpox vaccination program set to begin next week. The government will analyze reactions to the first round before giving shots to millions of health care and emergency workers. This was based on suggestions from a scientific advisory panel on Friday.

In the paragraph above, the writer's purpose is to

A. entertain the reader with a story about health care emergency.

B. inform the reader about a health care plan of the government.

C. persuade the reader to get vaccinated to prevent smallpox.

D. describe to the reader the process of smallpox vaccination.

The paragraph most likely comes from a newspaper article. The writer is simply reporting information that the author has about a recommendation by a scientific advisory panel. The paragraph is not meant to persuade or entertain. It does not describe the process of smallpox vaccination.

100

Sometimes, the best ideas are the craziest ideas. In 1869, a man calling himself Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico had an idea. It was published by the Oakland Daily News. Norton I, whose real name was Joshua Norton, said that there should be a bridge built across the Golden Gate in San Francisco, California.
Even though no one believed Norton to be an emperor, they did give his idea some attention. In fact, his idea caught on. More and more citizens began calling for a bridge. In 1933, building for the Golden Gate Bridge was started.
Bridge-builder Joseph B. Strauss designed the bright orange bridge. It is a mile long. It also has cables that can hold 200 million pounds. Its construction was completed in 1937. During that time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the U.S. Now, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York Harbor holds that claim.

Which sentence best summarizes this article?

A. Today, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York Harbor is the longest suspension bridge.

B. The United States has a lot of bridges.

C. Though the idea was suggested by an eccentric man, the building of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937 was a great engineering accomplishment.

D. Joshua Norton claimed to be Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.

The correct answer tells the central idea of the article. Being able to summarize research material is a good skill for writing reports. When you take notes, just jot down a quick summary of what you've read, and be sure to make note of what source you found the material in. You'll need that information for your "works cited" page.

100

Emily was spending her vacation at a ski resort with her parents and her brother, Oscar. Emily had never gone skiing before, and so she was very excited to try it out. As the family made its way up the slope in the morning, Emily could not stop smiling, and Oscar laughed when he saw his little sister's beaming face. He then repeated what he had been teaching her the past few weeks, urging her to be careful. Emily nodded to show she understood and turned toward the slope. She got into the right position, took a deep breath, and away she went! When she reached the bottom of the slope, Emily felt exhilarated and couldn't wait to get back to the top and try again.

Which dialogue would add more details about Oscar's reaction to seeing Emily's excitement?

A. "It's great that you're excited, but I hope you remember all that I've been teaching you."

B. "Skiing is a dangerous sport, and you're too young to try it."

C. "If you're not going to be serious about this, you'll probably hurt yourself."

D. "Since you love it so much, we should come here again next year."

The passage states that Oscar was happy to see his little sister's excitement, but also wanted her to be careful while skiing for the first time. Therefore, the correct answer is "It's great that you're excited, but I hope you remember all that I've been teaching you."

200

(1) For decades, the forest, hugging the eastern side of Birch Hollow, had no visitors. (2) The villagers there never walked near the forest and never directly looked at it. (3) The forest didn't even exist in their conversations. (4) The forest was all but invisible until a man emerged from its brush. (5) The man's mysterious appearance created unrest within the village. (6) The villagers could no longer ignore the forest.

Which sentence from the passage is an example of personification?

A. sentence 4

B. sentence 1

C. sentence 2

D. sentence 5

When an author gives human qualities to an inanimate object, it is called personification. In sentence 1, the forest is described as "hugging the eastern side of Birch Hollow." The forest does not really hug the town. Figurative language, like personification, can add depth to a narrative.

200

The debate over snacking is very confusing. Even experts cannot agree on whether snacking helps or prevents weight control. Some studies show that snacking results in eating a greater number of calories, which leads to weight gain. Other studies show that this is not always the case. These studies say that snacks might even make weight control easier. The ultimate answer may be that the pros and cons of snacking vary among individuals.

What is the best summary of this paragraph?

A. Snacking can reduce the overall amount of food a person eats and can lead to weight loss. Snacking helps to curb cravings throughout the day and leads to people eating less food at large meal times.

B. Snacking is a big part of America's growing weight problem. Snacking on junk food can make a person drink more soda. This will lead a person to eat a lot of food in one day and then gain weight.

C. Snacking causes a person to gain weight and should be avoided whenever possible. Snacking leads to a person eating a greater number of calories for the entire day, which makes a person gain weight.

D. There is a debate among experts as to the advantages and disadvantages of snacking. Some studies say snacking leads to weight gain, while others say that snacking makes weight control easier.

A summary is a shorter way of telling what happens in a story or article. It only tells the main events or details of the passage. This paragraph is about the debate over snacking. The most important details are (1) there is a debate as to whether or not snacking is good for weight control and (2) some studies say snacking leads to weight gain, while others say it makes weight control easier.

200

DO YOU WANT LOWER TAXES?
DO YOU WANT A BETTER EDUCATION FOR YOUR KIDS?
ARE YOU READY FOR A CHANGE?
IF YOU ANSWERED "YES,"

VOTE FOR GEORGE V. JONES

The purpose of the political advertisement above is to

A. persuade readers to vote for George V. Jones.

B. entertain with a story of George V. Jones.

C. describe the past work of George V. Jones.

D. inform the readers about George V. Jones.

The advertisement lists things that George V. Jones promises will happen in the future if he is elected. There is no factual information about Mr. Jones or about the work that he has done in the past. The only possible answer is that the ad is designed to persuade readers to vote for George V. Jones.

200

Gloria is writing a four-page paper about the Jurassic period. Which of these topics is the most specific?

A. Herbivore Dinosaurs of the Jurassic

B. Archeological Evidence

C. Climate of the Jurassic

D. Dinosaurs of the Jurassic

“Herbivore Dinosaurs of the Jurassic” is the most clearly focused topic. The other choices are too broad and vague. It would take more than four pages to cover them completely.

200

Carlos is writing a story about the soccer game his team played on Saturday. Which of the following answer choices with descriptive details would help the reader picture the setting of the story?

A. the style, colors, and numbers of the opposing team's jerseys

B. the grassy field, aluminum bleachers, and soccer goals

C. the number of points Carlos' team scored and the players' names

D. the types of candy and the drink prices at the snack stand

The correct answer gives information about what the setting looks like. Describing the field, bleachers, and soccer goals would help the reader picture the setting. Sensory details describe the way things look, sound, feel, smell, and taste and help readers feel more engaged in the story.

300

Carrie dropped the bowl as she was trying to put it into the refrigerator. It fell to floor, and lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, and peppers spilled out everywhere.
Sheila said, "That gives new meaning to tossed salad."

What is humorous about Sheila's statement?

A. Salads are usually tossed with tongs, but Carrie's salad is literally tossed onto the floor by accident.

B. Carrie didn't know how to toss the salad, so Sheila tells her how to do it without making a mess.

C. People think it's funny when others drop things, so Sheila is pointing out that Carrie is clumsy.

D. Sheila wants Carrie to clean up the mess she made when she spilled the salad onto the floor.

Sheila uses the term "tossed salad" to make a joke. People usually use tongs to toss or stir salads, but Carrie dropped the salad, and it got tossed all over the floor.

300

Sports Illustrated predicted that the U.S. women’s bobsledding team would finish third in the Olympics. Jean Racine and Gea Johnson were the U.S. team. The magazine said the women would finish behind the German team of Sandra Prokoff and Susi Erdmann. The strapping Prokoff is 176 pounds. Erdmann is 6-foot-2 and has already competed in three Olympics as a luger. She won the bronze medal in 1992 and the silver medal in 1994.
Racine is only 5-foot-4 and 135 pounds. She is concerned about her and partner Johnson’s chance to win an Olympic medal. She should draw confidence from her partner’s previous athletic accomplishments. Johnson was the 1990 NCAA champion in the heptathlon. That is where athletes compete in seven different events. Johnson is a former Ms. National Fitness and has arms that look strong enough to push over a house. When she decided to try bobsledding as a way to realize her Olympic dream, competitors began wondering, “Who’s that?”

Which detail from the passage would be most important to include in the summary?

A. Sports Illustrated predicted that the U.S. women's bobsledding team would finish third in the Olympics.

B. The magazine said the women would finish behind the German team of Sandra Prokoff and Susi Erdmann.

C. Erdmann is 6-foot-2 and has already competed in three Olympics as a luger.

D. She is concerned about her and partner Johnson's chance to win an Olympic medal.

A good summary only mentions the most important details. This passage is talking about the chances that the women's bobsledding team of Racine and Johnson will win a medal. One of the most important ideas in this passage is that they could win an Olympic medal in the event. The sentence from the passage that best explains that idea is "Sports Illustrated predicted that the U.S. women's bobsledding team would finish third in the Olympics." This tells the reader that the women could win a bronze medal in bobsledding.

300

WB's Popstars has all the necessary ingredients for pure, campy entertainment. The first hour is jam-packed with vocal histrionics, overly dramatic hand gestures, hideously revealing outfits, and bad Christina Aguilera imitations. Remember cheerleading tryouts in high school? Well, this is like gawking at one giant cheerleading tryout. There are the tears, the hysteria, and the unshakable feeling that everything hangs on a 10-second audition. But even with this foundation, the show trudges through its opening hour.

What was the author's purpose in writing the paragraph above?

A. to convince people to watch the show Popstars

B. to inform readers about good shows on TV

C. to anger the creators of the show Popstars

D. to express an opinion on the show Popstars

The author of this paragraph says the show "has all the necessary ingredients for pure, campy entertainment," which makes it sound like it would be fun to watch. At the end, it says "the show trudges through its opening hour," implying the show's first hour is pretty slow and boring.

These sentences indicate the author is expressing his or her opinion.

300

Ever wonder how or why rubber duckies became associated with bath time? Like most good things, the connection can be linked to Sesame Street. In 1970, Muppets creator Jim Henson appeared on the show. He sang the songs “Rubber Duckie” and “DUCKIE” as the Sesame character Ernie. The ducks became more popular in cultures around the world after that.
In countries like Canada, Germany, Japan, and Australia, many people collect rubber duckies. The Guinness Book of Records listed the World’s Largest Rubber Duck Collection at more than 2,500 ducks. Charlotte Lee of Duckplanet.com won the title in 2007. Rubber duckies are so popular that a United Kingdom tabloid reported that Queen Elizabeth has one in her bathroom. They say the duckie even wears a crown. After this story was reported in 2001, the ducks saw an increase in popularity.
Rubber duckies also had a busy news day when several were found in the Atlantic Ocean in 2007. In 1992, almost 30,000 ducks were washed off a ship during a storm. During the next three months, most of them washed up in countries like Indonesia and Australia. However, 10,000 of the ducks were still floating around in the ocean. An American oceanographer named Curtis Ebbesmayer charted their progress. After 15 years, the rubber duckies were still floating around in the ocean!

What question is answered in the last paragraph?

A. How did the rubber duckies get into the ocean?

B. Did the rubber duckies make it back to land?

C. How many miles did the rubber duckies travel?

D. What manufacturer made the rubber duckies?

The last paragraph gives the background on the event. In 1992, boxes of rubber duckies were washed off a ship. Over the next few years, they traveled the Atlantic Ocean.

300

Lucas was at the library, poring over the latest mystery novel by his favorite author. Ever since he was little, Lucas had loved to read, and he was particularly fond of stories that were full of suspense and mystery. He finished reading the book and looked at his watch, realizing that it was nearly time for the library to close. When he walked up to the librarian's desk to return the book, she asked him if he liked reading it, and he replied that he had enjoyed it greatly. He then walked out of the library, zipping up his jacket to shield himself from the frosty wind, his head still full of thoughts about the book he had just read.
Lucas lived only a few blocks away from the library, so he decided to walk home. He turned into a deserted lane which was only lit by one lamppost. Suddenly, he thought he heard a noise behind him. When he turned, he saw nothing there. Shaking his head, Lucas kept walking. After a few more steps, he heard the noise again. It sounded like footsteps. His heart beating wildly, Lucas picked up his pace. The footsteps behind him picked up pace as well. Convinced that he was being followed, Lucas began to run. Suddenly, he tripped and fell. The footsteps reached him and stopped. Lucas peered up at the face looming over him. Then, a familiar voice asked him if he was hurt. It was Mr. Delfino, who Lucas regularly saw at the library. He explained that Lucas had left his wallet behind at the library and that he had been trying to catch up with Lucas to return it. Embarrassed, Lucas got back on his feet and thanked Mr. Delfino for returning his wallet, silently vowing never to read mystery novels at such late hours.

Which narrative technique would improve the development of this passage?

A. multiple plot lines

B. character description

C. dialogue

D. setting

The narrative describes the setting and the main character. However, it does not include any dialogue. Including the dialogue between Lucas and the librarian and Lucas and Mr. Delfino instead of just summarizing the conversations would improve the narrative. Therefore, the correct answer is "dialogue."

400

"Could you be any more polite?" Opal asked her son, Reeve.
Reeve had called his Aunt Millie "hair" as he stared at her elaborate hairstyle.
"It was an accident, Mom," Reeve replied, embarrassed. "I have been good at this party. I have tried everything, including the appetizer."
"Oh, but you haven't tried the lamb stew with pumpkins and pineapples," Opal said. "You will love it."
"Yuck," Reeve said, feeling a little queasy at the thought of the flavor combination in the stew. "Thanks for the tip, Mom. I promise I will love it."

Opal's dialogue with her son at the beginning of the story demonstrates verbal irony because

A. Reeve's actions have pleased Opal.

B. Reeve's remarks have not been polite.

C. she is extremely bored at the gathering.

D. she seems focused on her son's words.

Verbal irony is when someone says one thing but means something different. According to the story, Reeve has made a mistake by calling his aunt "hair." Because his action is impolite, his mother's remarks in the first paragraph on Reeve's politeness is ironic.

400

The trumpet produces many different sounds. They range from a piercing call to battle to a soft, romantic melody. Throughout history, trumpets have signaled the arrival of royalty, opened celebrations, and announced the time of day. The military has used trumpet calls as a part of its daily routine. The stirring "Reveille" plays in the morning, while the soulful sound of "Taps" ends the day. The different tones of the trumpet can express the full range of human emotion. In an orchestra, the trumpet may start out supporting the basic harmonies and end with a soft, flowing melody. In a jazz ensemble, the trumpet section will provide the excitement of an up-beat piece only to follow with a soft ballad. Changes in tone are also made by inserting mutes into the bell of the instrument.

Which is the best summary of this passage?

A. Throughout history, trumpets were used for different things. Trumpets played when everybody arrived. Other instruments were also used to end large celebrations. They even announced the time of day.

B. In a jazz ensemble, trumpets are used for their many different sounds. Trumpets help to add excitement to an up-beat, fun piece. Trumpets can also be used to play a soft, slow, beautiful melody.

C. Trumpets are used by the military throughout the day. In the morning, the trumpets play "Reveille." At night, the trumpets end the day with "Taps." Trumpets are also used to call soldiers to battle.

D. Trumpets can make many different sounds. The trumpet has been used throughout history for royalty and the military. Trumpets can have different tones to play soft melodies or exciting pieces.

A good summary helps the reader to understand the important points in a passage. The best summaries tell what the entire passage is about by using these main details. In this passage, the main details are (1) trumpets can make many different sounds, (2) the trumpet has been used throughout history for different reasons, and (3) trumpets have different tones that allow the instrument to play both soft melodies and up-beat pieces.

400

The Menace of Littering

People enjoy the natural beauty of places like beaches, lakes, and mountains. In the last couple of decades, these spots have witnessed a considerable increase in the number of tourists. Although tourists help boost the economy of a place, they are often responsible for causing an increase in litter by disposing of tissues, drink cans, water bottels, and plastic bags on the ground. Despite regular cleanup, these places gradually get polluted and lose their charm.

Tourists need to show civic responsibility. They should only carry the essentials and should dispose of waste in trash bins. Governments and other institutions are making an effort to keep tourist spots clean, but only conscious tourists can ensure these places are litter-free.

Why did the author most likely write this article?

A. to persuade readers to not litter at tourist spots

B. to inform readers to not visit certain tourist spots

C. to describe to readers the connection between economics and littering

D. to entertain readers with fun facts about places of natural beauty

The Menace of Littering

Why did the author most likely write this article?

A. to persuade readers to not litter at tourist spots

B. to inform readers to not visit certain tourist spots

C. to describe to readers the connection between economics and littering

D. to entertain readers with fun facts about places of natural beauty

400

Rob is making an outline to help him organize his ideas to write a paper about several important changes in people's lifestyles during the Industrial Revolution.

Industrial Revolution in Europe

General Background
- began in Great Britain
- started in the 18th century
- machines replaced laborers
Economic Changes
- rise of the merchant class
- cities full of laborers
- growth in international trade
Technological Changes
- use of steam engine improved production
- invention of power loom
- better railroad systems
__________________
- population growth
- rise in literacy rate
- smaller families and education for children

Which heading would best complete the outline?

A. Social Changes

B. Political Changes

C. Personal Changes

D. Ecological Changes

In the outline, the headings are used to represent an aspect of the main topic. Population, literacy, and family structure are aspects of society, or social changes. Therefore, the correct answer is "Social Changes."

400

Carlie waded awkwardly into the clear saltwater. With her snorkel mask and her breathing tube in place, she leaned forward and put her face in the water as she floated.

Which of the following sensory details should the writer add to this passage to help readers imagine how Carlie physically feels?

A. Carlie drifted through the water as she listened to the steady pattern of her breath going in and out of the tube.

B. Carlie swallowed a bit of salted water that had leaked around the mouthpiece she was wearing.

C. Carlie relaxed as the water's light pressure lifted her body, and the sunshine covered her back with warm kisses.

D. Carlie marveled at a group of anemones as they waved their colorful petals like ballet dancers.

The correct answer describes what Carlie is feeling. The sensory details in the correct answer help the reader imagine the feeling of floating in the water with the sun's warmth on his or her back.

500

The road trip to Florida was a vacation of a lifetime. Anya and Romeo had never enjoyed hanging out with their parents so much. They loved hearing stories in the car and singing all the silly songs. Anya and Romeo loved acting like children, like they used to a few years ago. Anya was going off to college, and this was going to be the last family vacation for a while. The family enjoyed the beach and the activities, but the most precious time was made up of moments they spent together talking to each other or just hanging out in silence.
"Now, Anya is all grown-up," the father said as the family started packing up for the journey back home. "So, kiddo, how did you like your going away vacation?"
"I have had better times," Anya said, hugging her father. "Wasn't it terrible, guys?"

How is Anya's remark at the end of the story ironic?

A. She dislikes the thought of going to college.

B. She is going to be away from her family.

C. She actually thinks her family is bored.

D. She actually has a good time in Florida.

Verbal irony is when someone says one thing but means something different. In this story, Anya and the family have a great time in Florida. Thus, Anya's comment on "better times" shows she is being ironic.

500

The beagle is a small hound first bred to hunt small game. The beagle has a high energy level and a keen sense of smell. These traits, along with its single-mindedness, make it a great rabbit hunter. These same characteristics make the beagle unique and a bit of a challenge. If you are looking for a mellow, very obedient dog, you should look elsewhere! Some breeds of dogs are designed to work closely with you, take direction easily, and follow commands. Beagles are designed to follow their instincts and work alone. As a result, they can be spirited and mischievous. They will follow their noses with complete abandon. It could take them into the woods or onto your kitchen counters. Expect to spend a lot of time and effort in housebreaking, training, and socializing a beagle if you choose to get one.

Which of the following best summarizes the passage above?

A. Beagles have many unique traits: a good sense of smell, a high energy level, and they like to work alone. These traits mean that they are challenging, spirited, and hard-to-train pets.

B. Beagles are hard dogs to train. You have to spend a lot of time and effort to get them correctly trained. You also have to work on housebreaking them because they are used to being outside a lot.

C. Beagles are small hounds that were bred to hunt small game. They used their excellent sense of smell to find the animals their owners were hunting. Now, they climb on people's kitchen counters.

D. Beagles like to follow their noses, literally. They have a very good sense of smell. A beagle will follow its nose wherever it takes the dog. It could lead the beagle into the woods or onto the kitchen counter.

A good summary is a shorter way to tell what happens in a passage. It gives only the most important details from a passage. In this passage, the important details are (1) beagles have many unique traits, like their sense of smell, high energy level, and independence, and (2) these traits make them very challenging pets to train and housebreak.

500

The Status of Libraries in the Digital World

The use of digital devices in schools provides students with new ways of accessing information. Digital devices and the internet have brought about a revolution in the educational system. Today, the internet has become an important source of information, and students rely a great deal on information available online for learning. The rapid digitalization of learning will ensure the preservation of knowledge.

With the growing emphasis on e-books and online resources for learning, public libraries face a serious threat. The number of visitors to public libraries has declined drastically in the past few years. Public libraries no longer hold the position they used to. In the past, libraries were of great value to people since they were the main resources of information. But now, students can quickly find what they want from online sources, and do not need to spend their time and energy scouring books in the library. However, it cannot be denied that libraries are still essential to learning. Libraries around the world contain hundreds of thousands of books that are not available on the internet. Libraries keep old manuscripts and rare books. Libraries also serve as community hubs where people with similar interests can meet and interact.

Libraries are the carriers of wisdom and the keepers of culture. It is important for communities to raise awareness about the need for maintaining libraries. It is the responsibility of the community to preserve libraries so that this age-old tradition may continue.

How does the author address conflicting viewpoints about the importance of libraries?

A. by describing the impact that technologies have had on libraries

B. by explaining what libraries were like in the past

C. by providing examples of how libraries can benefit a community

D. by admitting that people still learn from books

Addressing conflicting viewpoints can strengthen an argument. In the passage, the author argues that libraries are beneficial, despite a decline in their use. To address the conflicting viewpoint that "libraries no longer hold the position they used to," the author responds by providing examples of how libraries can benefit a community.

500

Noah is writing a paper for his science fair project. He made this chart to help him organize his thoughts for his paper.

What best fits in the blank box?

A. set up science fair display

B. change project

C. test hypothesis

D. write paper

Noah’s chart is showing the process of developing his science fair project. First, he must pick which project he will complete. Next, Noah must write a hypothesis as part of the scientific method. He should then gather materials. The next step is to test the hypothesis by doing the science experiment. Then he can record his results.

500

Alex flopped down at the kitchen table, dropping his backpack in the dog's water bowl. His mom did not move or speak, so he let out a deep, long sigh. His mom, who was putting the finishing touches on a cake, turned around and, with a slight grin, asked, "Am I to assume that something is wrong?"
"Yeah," said Alex, "I'm getting old."
"Now, Alex," his mom responded as she tried to stifle a giggle, "We both know that that is absurd. You're fifteen years old, and you've only been fifteen for six hours."
"Yeah, but it's already been two years since my bar mitzvah," replied Alex, "so I'm already deep into adulthood."
"Is that so?" said his mom, deciding that she would play along with him. "Which of your adult responsibilities is troubling you the most?"
"Well," said Alex, "It's more that I see my life changing all the time. I just started high school, so I have to start thinking about college. In order to get into a good college, I have to start working on my grades and extra-curricular activities. In a year or so, I'll be old enough to drive, so I need to take driver's ed. I also need to get a job in order to save up money for a car. All of that will lead to marriage and children. . . ."
"Wait just a minute!" his mom screamed. "You're not even allowed to think about having children until you're thirty!"
"You make jokes because you don't get it, mom. Being a teenager isn't like it used to be. We have a lot of heavy-duty stuff to think about."
"Oh, you're right," his mom said as she laughed a little bit, "Kids have a lot more pressure on them than they did back in 1752, when I was fifteen. Life was so much easier before the Revolutionary War. I understand what you're saying."
Alex, having ignored everything his mom said except "I understand what you're saying," replied, "I'm glad somebody does," and walked away.

Which statement from the passage leads the reader to believe that Alex is taking life a little too seriously?

A. "We both know that that is absurd."

B. "...easier before the Revolutionary War."

C. "I understand what you're saying."

D. "...so I'm already deep into adulthood."

Which statement from the passage leads the reader to believe that Alex is taking life a little too seriously?

A. "We both know that that is absurd."

B. "...easier before the Revolutionary War."

C. "I understand what you're saying."

D. "...so I'm already deep into adulthood."