This question is missing the options. I've found them online. They are the following:
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:
The word austere implies:
B) that the headmistress is not a kind person .
Step-by-step explanation:
The adjective "austere" is used to refer to someone whose appearance, attitude or manner is severe or strict. Even if we did not know that definition, we could figure out the meaning by using context clues. Notice how the author, after using the word "austere", moves on to describe the woman's actions. She is strict when it comes to the students' uniforms. She punishes them if they are not in accordance to the rules. Therefore, she is clearly a rigid - and certainly unkind - person.