Question

read paragraph 9 of the story. then answer the multiple - choice questions that follow. from the tell - tale heart by edgar allan poe. no doubt i now grew very pale;—but i talked more fluently, and with a heightened voice. yet the sound increased;—and what could i do? it was a low, dull, quick sound—much such a sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton. i gasped for breath—and yet the officers heard it not. i talked more quickly—more vehemently; but the noise steadily increased. i arose and argued about trifles, in a high key and with violent gesticulations, but the noise steadily increased. 1. based on context clues in the passage, what is most likely the meaning of the word vehemently? a at a high volume b with a lot of passion c in a soft monotone d sounding trifling 2. what evidence from the text supports your answer from question 1? a but the noise steadily increased. b i arose and argued about trifles in a high key and with violent gesticulations... c i now grew very pale;—but i talked more fluently, and with a heightened voice. d no doubt i now grew very pale.

Explanation:

The word "vehemently" in the context of the passage from "The Tell - Tale Heart" suggests strong, intense emotion. The narrator is speaking more passionately and forcefully as the noise (the imagined heartbeat) increases. Looking at the options, "with great passion" best captures this intensity.

Answer:

B. with great passion