Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 0%

We were six days going from St. Louis to "St. Jo."-a trip that was so dull, and sleepy, and eventless that it has left no more impression on my memory than if its duration had been six minutes instead of that many days. No record is left in my mind, now, concerning it, but a confused jumble of savage-looking snags, which we deliberately walked over with one wheel or the other; and of reefs which we butted and butted, and then retired from and climbed over in some softer place....
-Mark Twain, from Roughing It

The use of the simile 'like a race car' suggests which of the following?

Rationale

The speaker is moving quickly and frantically toward the end goal.

The simile 'like a race car' evokes imagery of speed and urgency, suggesting that the speaker is in a state of frantic movement, emphasizing the race against time to achieve a specific goal or objective.

A (The speaker values efficiency and organization at work.) YOUR ANSWER

While efficiency and organization are important in a work context, the simile focuses on the speed of movement rather than the qualities of planning or orderliness. It implies a rush rather than a structured approach, making this choice less applicable.

B (People who are late usually drive quickly to reach their destination.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice suggests a general behavior of late individuals, which does not directly relate to the simile’s emphasis on the speaker's personal experience or urgency. The simile centers on the speaker’s own frantic pace, rather than commenting on the behaviors of others.

C (The speaker is moving quickly and frantically toward the end goal.) CORRECT

The comparison to a race car clearly illustrates the speaker's relentless and hurried pursuit of an objective. This imagery captures the essence of urgency and the pressure to reach a destination, making it the most accurate interpretation of the simile.

D (Speed is important to those hoping to advance their position in the working world.) YOUR ANSWER

Although speed can be a factor in career advancement, this choice does not address the specific emotional context conveyed by the simile. The urgency of the speaker's situation is more about immediate action rather than a broader commentary on work culture.

Conclusion

The simile 'like a race car' effectively illustrates the speaker's urgent and frenzied attempt to reach their goal. This vivid imagery encapsulates the experience of racing against time, emphasizing a personal sense of haste rather than abstract notions of efficiency or speed in a work context. Thus, the interpretation that the speaker is moving quickly and frantically toward their end goal is the most fitting.

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