Question

A corporate president recently made a visit to a nearby Native American reservation as part of his firm's public relations program. "We realize that we have not hired any Indians in the five years our company has been located in this area," he told the assembled tribespeople, "but we are looking into the matter very carefully." "Hora, hora," said some of the audience. "We would like to eventually hire 5 percent of our total work force from this reservation," he said. "Hora, hora," shouted more of the audience. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, the president closed his short address by telling them that he hoped his firm would be able to take some hiring action within the next couple of years. "Hora, hora, hora," cried the total group. With a feeling of satisfaction, the president left the hall and was taken on a tour of the reservation. Stopping in a field to admire some of the horses grazing there, the president asked if he could walk up closer to the animals. "Certainly," said his guide, "but be careful not to step in the hora."

To get the main point of this passage, the reader must infer
A) the location of the reservation.
B) what kind of company the president headed.
C) the meaning of the word hora.

Answer 1

The reader must infer that 'hora' is not an expression of enthusiasm but means horse manure, which showcases the corporate president's misunderstanding of the Native American audience's reactions to his speech.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the provided passage, the main point that a reader must infer to understand the story is C) the meaning of the word hora. While the corporate president assumes that 'hora' is an expression of approval and encouragement from the Native American audience, he later learns it has a different meaning entirely.

The guide's warning not to step in the 'hora' reveals that the term actually refers to horse manure. This play on words highlights the importance of understanding cultural language and perspectives, suggesting that the president's optimistic interpretation was mistaken.

Moreover, the audience's response was not one of enthusiasm for potential job opportunities but likely one of skepticism or disbelief given the company's previous lack of engagement with the reservation's community. Recognizing the irony in this situation is essential for the reader's comprehension of the passage's main point.