Question

select the correct answer.
read the paragraph.

the trail veered off to the north side of the mountain and started to look quite precarious. the path dangerously narrowed with a steep drop on the left, while the trail itself was not only rocky but slippery as well. on the right, the ground rose into a high cliff that was covered with green moss.
which phrase helps to determine the meaning of the word precarious in the paragraph?

a. rose into a high cliff
b. dangerously narrowed
c. covered with green moss
d. veered off

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "precarious", we analyze context clues. "Precarious" implies danger or instability. Option B ("dangerously narrowed") describes the path's risky condition (narrow with a steep drop, rocky, slippery), matching the sense of precariousness. Option A describes the cliff’s rise, C describes moss, D describes the trail’s direction—none relate to danger/instability like B.

Answer:

B. dangerously narrowed