Question

1. the loss of my tackle that morning had had a sobering effect on me. i couldnt allow myself another mistake. what is the meaning of sobering, as used in the excerpt? a) serious and calming b) funny and amusing c) confusing and puzzling d) encouraging and cheerful 16. i was sixteen years old, a harmless boy, bookish and religious, and now i had blood on my hands. its a terrible burden to carry. all sentient life is sacred. i never forget to include this fish in my prayers. what is the meaning of burden, as used in the excerpt? a) light load b) heavy responsibility c) simple task d) hidden treasure 17. killing it was no problem. i would have spared myself the trouble—after all, it was for richard parker and he would have dispatched it with expert ease—but for the hook that was embedded in its mouth. what is the meaning of embedded, as used in the excerpt? a) loosely placed b) firmly fixed c) quickly removed d) gently held 18. the dorado did a most extraordinary thing as it died: it began to flash all kinds of colors in rapid succession. blue, green, red, gold and violet flickered and shimmered neonlike on its surface as it struggled. what is the meaning of succession, as used in the excerpt? a) single occurrence b) sequence c) sudden stop d) random event

Explanation:

1. "Sobering" implies a serious and calming effect, often making one more thoughtful.
2. In the context, "burden" refers to a heavy responsibility as the narrator feels a weight - like obligation due to the fish's death.
3. "Embedded" means firmly fixed, as the hook is stuck in the fish's mouth.
4. "Succession" here means a sequence, as the colors appear one after another.

Answer:

1. A. Serious and calming
2. B. Heavy responsibility
3. B. Firmly fixed
4. B. Sequence