Final answer:
The head of the block gave advice to Elie on how to avoid selection, but it did not ultimately help him. The Kapos reassured the men who were told to stay behind that they had not been selected for execution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The head of the block gave advice to Elie and others on how to avoid selection, but it did not ultimately help Elie. Selections were carried out by the Nazis to separate those who were fit for work from those who were deemed weak or unfit. The prisoners who were told to stay behind were reassured by the Kapos, who were fellow prisoners in positions of authority, that they had not been selected for execution.