Question

The headmistress of the boarding school was a buttoned-up, austere woman with a tightly wound, slate-gray bun at the top of her head and clunky black shoes on her feet. She made sure that our uniforms were complete at inspection every morning, and if one of us dared to wear a warmer pair of socks than the thin, oatmeal-colored ones we were issued, there would be trouble.

What does the use of the word austere imply?

A) that the headmistress is concerned about her students
B) that the headmistress is not a kind person
C) that the headmistress is kind to some students
D) that the headmistress is uncomfortable

Answer 1

B), is the correct answer. Austere has several meanings, one of which is "severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance".

Answer 2

B: That the headmistress is not a kind person.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word austere used in the text as "austere woman" implies that the headmistress is not a kind person, she is not concerned about her students, only with their complying with the rules, which she expects to be observed to the smallest detail or requirement in order to avoid being in trouble with her or the school.