SAT OwlThe following text is from an 1896 novel by Louisa Penhurst. Mr. Crane, a wealthy merchant, is speaking with his nephew.
"You will find," said Mr. Crane, folding his hands upon his waistcoat, "that I ask very little of those I help. A word of thanks now and then. A visit on Sundays. Some small attention to my opinions on matters of business." He smiled at his nephew. "Your cousin Edward neglected these trifles, and you will have noticed that Edward no longer dines with us."
Based on the text, what can most reasonably be inferred about Mr. Crane?
He truly asks nothing of his relatives in return for his help.
He regrets that Edward no longer comes to dinner and hopes to win him back.
He intends to leave his entire fortune to his nephew.
He expects the people he helps to defer to him, and he withdraws his favor from those who do not.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D
Mr. Crane calls his demands "very little," yet they include gratitude, regular visits, and attention to his opinions. He then points out that Edward, who neglected these things, no longer dines with them. The smiling mention of Edward works as a warning, which supports choice D.
Choice A takes Mr. Crane's words at face value, ignoring the example of Edward, which shows that his "trifles" are real conditions.
Got it wrong? On SAT Owl, Owl looks at the answer you chose and explains the exact mistake, then gives you similar questions until it sticks. Get your predicted SAT score free.