Comprehension: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question. In…
2025
Comprehension:
Read the given passage carefully and answer the question.
In the labyrinthine streets of the ancient city, the fragrant scent of jasmine drifted through the air, blending with the soft chimes ringing from distant temples. Shadows moved across the worn cobblestone paths, weaving a scene rich with mystery and intrigue. Amid the lively hum of the bustling market, a hooded figure slipped through the crowd, moving with deliberate purpose and remaining entirely unnoticed. The figure's destination was shrouded in myth—a hidden library, spoken of only in hushed voices, rumored to house ancient secrets of immense power. Swiftly and cautiously, the figure arrived at an inconspicuous door, nearly invisible among the weathered stone walls. As it creaked open, a cool, musty air enveloped the figure, revealing rows upon rows of towering shelves filled with ancient tomes, each blanketed in dust. Inside, the library seemed to hold its breath, as if guarding the powerful knowledge within, waiting for the worthy to uncover its secrets.
Which word best describes the movement of the hooded figure in the passage?
- A.
Hesitant
- B.
Clumsy
- C.
Deliberate
- D.
Erratic
Attempted by 1 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
In a reading-comprehension question that asks which word 'best describes' an action, the correct choice is the option whose meaning most closely paraphrases the descriptive language the passage itself uses for that action - this is a literal-comprehension skill, not one requiring outside inference.
Application
The passage states directly that the hooded figure 'slipped through the crowd, moving with deliberate purpose and remaining entirely unnoticed.' The phrase 'deliberate purpose' names movement that is conscious, intentional, and controlled - the same quality named by the option 'Deliberate'.
Contrast
'Hesitant' would mean the figure paused or wavered before moving, but the passage shows continuous, unbroken motion ('slipped through the crowd') with no sign of doubt.
'Clumsy' would mean awkward, uncoordinated movement, but the figure moves skillfully enough to remain 'entirely unnoticed' in a crowded market - the opposite of clumsy.
'Erratic' would mean unpredictable or inconsistent movement, but the passage describes one steady, goal-directed action ('swiftly and cautiously' reaching a single destination), not shifting or random movement.
Answer
The word that matches the passage's own description of the figure's movement is 'Deliberate'.