SAT OwlQuestion bank / Words in Context
The following text is from an 1889 novel by Laura Pennington. Agnes has been offered a position as a governess.
Agnes did not answer at once. The offer was generous, and she knew that her aunt, who had kept her these three years without complaint, would be glad to see her settled. Yet the thought of leaving the village, where every lane and hedge was known to her, gave her pause, and she asked for a week in which to consider it.
As used in the text, what does the word "kept" most nearly mean?
detained
supported
preserved
celebrated
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
The aunt has given Agnes a home for three years "without complaint" and would be glad to see her settled elsewhere. Here "kept" means provided for, or "supported."
Choice A, "detained," fits another sense of "kept," but the aunt would be glad to see Agnes leave, so she has not been holding her back.
Why the other choices are wrong
- A. This choice misinterprets the aunt's role. The text states the aunt would be glad to see Agnes leave, so she has not been holding her back or restricting her freedom.
- C. This option suggests the aunt maintained Agnes in a static or unchanged state. The context indicates the aunt provided financial and material care, not that she prevented Agnes from changing or aging.
- D. This choice implies the aunt honored or praised Agnes. The passage describes the aunt providing a home and support, not offering recognition or celebration for Agnes's presence.
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