Question

15 at me, daring
me
to answer incorrectly.
i will like kofi offin
to answer the question, please, he says.
20 dunwötwe, i proudly answer,
standing among
my classmates, smiling
like i just bit into
the sweetest mango.
25 i do not see
the lightning
almost slice
the skin
from my palm,
30 but i do feel the scorch
of the rod
across my hand
and in my bones.
i even taste its sting
35 in my mouth.
queen’s english, please, mr. phillip says,
as calm as rain, like
he did not just attack me
what does the simile \as calm as rain\ suggest about mr. phillips demeanor?
○ he is shy and prefers to keep his thoughts to himself.
○ he is gloomy and depressing.
○ he maintains a pleasant and positive attitude despite the challenges of teaching.
○ he remains composed and unemotional despite his harsh actions.
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Explanation:

The text shows Mr. Phillip just punished the speaker (the "scorch of the rod" on their hand) but speaks "as calm as rain" right after. Rain is associated with steady, unruffled calm; this simile highlights that he stays collected even after acting harshly toward the student. The other options do not fit: he is not shy, gloomy, or positively pleasant—he is calm after a harsh act.

Answer:

D. He remains composed and unemotional despite his harsh actions.