Question

read the sentence below, then answer the question.
their weakened bodies succumbed to hunger and disease exacerbated by the crowded conditions of vessels that earned the nickname coffin-ships.
what is the meaning of the term coffin-ships as it is used in the passage?
a. the ships were called this because they carried coffins full of potatoes across the sea.
b. the ships were called this because so many of the people on them died of hunger and disease.
c. the ships were called this because the sailors on them also knew how to build coffins.
d. the ships were called this because they sailed before people used coffins in sea burials.

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "coffin - ships", we analyze the context. The sentence says their weakened bodies succumbed to hunger and disease exacerbated by crowded vessel conditions. Option A is incorrect as there's no mention of carrying coffins with potatoes. Option C is wrong because the sailors' coffin - building skills aren't related. Option D is irrelevant as sea burials with coffins aren't discussed. Option B makes sense: the crowded conditions led to many dying from hunger and disease, so the ships were called coffin - ships as they were like coffins due to the high death toll.

Answer:

B. The ships were called this because so many of the people on them died of hunger and disease.