Question

Most people at their first consultation take a furtive look at the surgeon’s hands in the hope of reassurance. Based on this, Henry Perowne loses a number of cases each year. He knows it’s about to happen before the patient does: the downward glance, repeated questions, overemphatic thanks during retreat to the door. Which statement explains his loss of cases?

• A. Other people do not communicate due to their poor observation.
• B. Other patients don’t like what they see but are ignorant of their right to go elsewhere.
• C. But Perowne himself is not concerned.
• D. But others will take their place, he thought.
• E. These hands are steady enough, but they are large.

Hint:

When selecting the answer, focus on the specific visual cue mentioned and its potential interpretation by others.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

The passage focuses on the patients' observation of the surgeon’s hands. Their large size might cause hesitation despite being steady. This matches the context of patients deciding against surgery with him.