Question

in the sentence, \the policeman on the beat moved up the avenue impressively,\ what does the word \impressively\ most likely suggest about the officer’s behavior?

he was rushing to catch a criminal.

he was showing off his authority and presence.

he was tired and dragging his feet.

he was trying not to be noticed.

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "impressively" in this context, we analyze each option:

• "Rushing to catch a criminal" implies urgency, but "impressively" suggests a more deliberate, authoritative display rather than haste.
• "Showing off his authority and presence" aligns with "impressively" as acting in a way to make an impression of authority fits the adverb's meaning (doing something in a way that impresses others, here likely through authoritative bearing).
• "Tired and dragging his feet" is the opposite of impressive behavior.
• "Trying not to be noticed" contradicts "impressively" as being unobtrusive is not impressive in this context.

Answer:

B. He was showing off his authority and presence.