Question

question 3 (2 points)
** (words in context question)
the following text is adapted from nathaniel hawthorne’s 1837 story \dr. heidegger’s experiment.\ the main character, a physician, is experimenting with rehydrating a dried flower.

at first (the rose) lay lightly on the surface of the fluid, appearing to imbibe none of its moisture. soon, however, a singular change began to be visible. the crushed and dried petals stirred and assumed a deepening tinge of crimson, as if the flower were reviving from a deathlike slumber.

as used in the text, what does the phrase \a singular\ most nearly mean?

○ a an acceptable
○ b an extraordinary
○ c a disagreeable
○ d a lonely

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "a singular" in the context, we analyze the text. The rose initially showed no change, but then a change occurred where the dried petals stirred and took on a crimson tinge, as if reviving. This change is not ordinary or common. "Acceptable" does not fit as the change is not about being acceptable. "Disagreeable" is incorrect as the change is described as the flower reviving, not negative. "Lonely" is irrelevant. "Extraordinary" fits because the change of a dried flower seemingly reviving is an unusual, remarkable (extraordinary) event.

Answer:

b. An extraordinary