Question

from an essay by booker t. washington
after the close of the civil war, while working in the coal - mines of west virginia for the support of my mother, i heard in some accidental way of the hampton institute. when i learned that it was an institution where a black boy could study, could have a chance to work for his board, and at the same time be taught how to work and to realize the dignity of labor, i resolved to go there. bidding my mother good - by, i started out one morning to find my way to hampton, though i was almost penniless and had no definite idea where hampton was. by walking, begging rides, and paying for a portion of the journey on the steam - cars, i finally succeeded in reaching the city of richmond, virginia. i was without money or friends. i slept under a sidewalk, and by working on a vessel next day i earned money to continue my way to the institute, where i arrived with a surplus of fifty cents. at hampton i found the opportunity—in the way of buildings, teachers, and industries provided by the generous—to get training in the class - room and by practical touch with industrial life, to learn thrift, economy, and push. i was surrounded by an atmosphere of business... and a spirit of self - help that seemed to have awakened every faculty in me.
this question has two parts. answer part a, and then answer part b.
part a
which meaning of the word push is used in the last two sentences of the passage?

1. energy
2. leadership
3. motivation
4. persuasion

part b
which phrase from the last two sentences of the passage best supports the correct answer from part a?

1. “training in the class - room”
2. “practical touch with industrial life”
3. “an atmosphere of business”
4. “a spirit of self - help”

Explanation:

In the context, "push" refers to motivation as it is part of the qualities like thrift and economy that one learns at Hampton Institute. The spirit of self - help is what drives a person and is related to motivation. "A spirit of self - help" supports the idea that "push" means motivation as self - help implies an internal drive.

Answer:

Part A: 3. motivation
Part B: 4. "a spirit of self - help"