Question

Multiple Choice: Please select the best answer and click "submit."

Read the following passage:

We sat across from Olya as she tapped her long fingernails rhythmically on the desk and spoke on the phone to the rep from Willoughby, Inc. The project wasn't going as planned. The letter from Willoughby sat next to her, unopened, with a letter opener beside it. Every pencil on her desk was lined up perfectly — a warning to others not to take one, or else she would notice. She glared at us shamelessly as she listened to the rep's reply.

Which symbol from the passage most clearly represents a need for control?

A.Glaring at others
B.The pencils
C.The letter
D.Tapping fingernails

Answer 1

B. The pencils

Step-by-step explanation:

Every pencil on her desk was lined up perfectly is a clear sign of the need of order and control in her life. Beyond the perfect alignment, she wants to know if someone touches HER things.

A. Glaring at others, is more like saying "Don't bother me, I'm busy!" to the other persons present, but it's not a sign of control need by itself.

C. The letter, is not even opened... so we don't know what is her reaction to it, but it's clearly not a sign of control need either.

D. Tapping fingernails, is a universal sign of impatience, when you are waiting for something or when things don't go as you want.