Question

in this excerpt, the author uses the words \bread of knowledge\ to refer to
a the purpose for which he was sent on errands.
b the severe shortage of books during that time period.
c an aid which enabled him to perform his task quickly.
d nourishment for the growth of his mind.
when i was sent on errands, i always took my book with me. by doing one part of my errand quickly, i found time to get a lesson before my return. i used also to carry bread with me. this bread i used to bestow upon the hungry little urchins, who, in return, would give me that more valuable bread of knowledge

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The errands' purpose is not related to "bread of knowledge" (which is about learning), so A is wrong.
• Option B: The excerpt doesn't mention book shortage; it's about exchanging bread for lessons, so B is wrong.
• Option C: The "bread of knowledge" is what he gets in return, not an aid for his task. His task is the errand, and he gets lessons (knowledge) in return for giving bread, so C is wrong.
• Option D: The author gives bread to children and gets lessons (knowledge) in return. Knowledge is like nourishment for the mind's growth, so D fits.

Answer:

D. nourishment for the growth of his mind.