Question

“I” in the passage, most likely, refers to:

• A. the author of the passage
• B. a geometry box
• C. a study table
• D. a pencil
• E. the evolution of a book
• A. Failure to perceive the mystery of the sunset.
• B. Arrogance of treating all simple things as trivial.
• C. Lack of curiosity in seeking the mystery behind the lighting.
• D. A tendency to break down intricacies of creation into its simple parts.
• J. Prosaic attitude immune to the mysteries of the world.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the given passage, the speaker (“I”) is not a human narrator but an object. The answer key confirms that the reference is to a pencil. This can be inferred because: \begin{itemize} \item A pencil can “speak” metaphorically in many literary contexts, describing its journey, use, and significance. \item Options like “author of the passage” (A) are misleading, since authors rarely use “I” to hide themselves in such simple RC questions. \item A geometry box (B) or study table (C) is less likely, as they are static and not commonly personified in such passages. \item “Evolution of a book” (E) is too abstract for the direct “I” reference. \end{itemize} Thus, “I” most likely refers to a pencil, which fits with literary personification and is the answer provided.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{D. a pencil}} \]

Answer 2

Step 1: Understanding the word “supercilious.”
The word “supercilious” originates from Latin (\textit{supercilium}, meaning "eyebrow" or "haughtiness") and refers to a behavior or attitude that is arrogant, disdainful, or condescending. Someone with a supercilious attitude looks down on others or trivializes things that might be meaningful to them.

Step 2: Matching with the passage’s implication.
The passage suggests that a person with a supercilious attitude fails not because of ignorance, but because of arrogance — they dismiss what others may consider beautiful, mysterious, or profound as if it were insignificant or trivial.

Step 3: Evaluating options.
(A) “Failure to perceive the mystery of the sunset.” — This focuses on inability or ignorance, not arrogance. Incorrect.
(B) “Arrogance of treating all simple things as trivial.” — This matches the definition of “supercilious” exactly, as it highlights arrogance and disdain. Correct.
(C) “Lack of curiosity in seeking the mystery behind the lighting.” — This implies indifference, not arrogance. Incorrect.
(D) “A tendency to break down intricacies of creation into its simple parts.” — This describes analysis or reductionism, but not arrogance. Incorrect.
(E) “Prosaic attitude immune to the mysteries of the world.” — This implies dullness or insensitivity, not arrogance. Incorrect.


Step 4: Conclusion.
Only option (B) captures the essence of “supercilious” — arrogance or disdain toward things that might otherwise be valued.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{B. Arrogance of treating all simple things as trivial}} \]