Correct Answer: make a cottage reservation
Passage Reference: Anyway, we would like to reserve your cottage. Please let me know what details you need and how to send the deposit.
Why this is correct: make a cottage reservation is Alison's main purpose. She clearly says that she wants to reserve the cottage.
Tips: Alison asks many questions, so ask what she most wants from Mr. Albertson. Find the sentence that states it directly.
Why the other options are wrong:
- request a refund of her deposit: She asks how to send a deposit.
- cancel an existing reservation: She wants to reserve it.
- report a problem during her stay: She has not stayed there yet.
Correct Answer: trying local seafood
Passage Reference: We really enjoy sampling the local cuisine, and we’ve read about Nova Scotian specialties such as lobster and scallops.
Why this is correct: trying local seafood matches Alison's interest in local cuisine. She especially mentions lobster and scallops as foods she wants to sample.
Tips: Separate activities the writer hopes to enjoy from problems the writer is worried about.
Why the other options are wrong:
- working in a seafood restaurant: She wants to eat local cuisine.
- enrolling in surfing lessons: She discusses beach relaxation, not lessons.
- purchasing a holiday cottage: She wants a two-week rental.
Correct Answer: she was told that it’s cold
Passage Reference: I’ve heard that the Atlantic Ocean is quite cold and that swimming isn’t always possible.
Why this is correct: She was told that it’s cold matches the words “I’ve heard.” Alison learned this information from what other people have said.
Tips: Notice whether information was heard, read, seen, or personally experienced.
Why the other options are wrong:
- the owner warned her in an earlier letter: No previous owner warning is quoted.
- she has already swum there in September: No previous swim is mentioned.
- she measured the water during a visit: She relies on reports and photographs.
Correct Answer: Hurricane Juan in September 2003
Passage Reference: I’ve read all about Hurricane Juan that hit in late September, 2003.
Why this is correct: Hurricane Juan in September 2003 is named directly in the email. Alison has read about this storm and when it happened.
Tips: For an event question, match both the event name and its date.
Why the other options are wrong:
- a storm that struck in early July: The stated event was in late September.
- a storm expected on her arrival date: She asks about risks, not a forecast.
- a hurricane during her previous cottage stay: No previous stay is reported.
Correct Answer: living without electricity for three weeks
Passage Reference: I learned that the power was out for some residents for as long as three weeks.
Why this is correct: living without electricity for three weeks is what Alison calls unimaginable. She wonders how people could manage for that length of time without power.
Tips: Find where Alison says something is hard to believe. Read the sentence just before it to see what she means.
Why the other options are wrong:
- travelling a short distance for seafood: She considers that outlet.
- spending two weeks beside the ocean: That is her desired holiday.
- wearing protection while surfing: She has seen wetsuit photographs and asks about them.
Correct Answer: it’s near the ocean
Passage Reference: Living that close to the ocean would be a real treat for a few weeks.
Why this is correct: It’s near the ocean is what attracts Alison most to this cottage. She says that staying so close to the ocean would be a special treat.
Tips: Choose the reason the writer praises, not a detail that only describes the area.
Why the other options are wrong:
- it is the cottage she has rented before: No prior stay is mentioned.
- it includes a reserved restaurant table: No table is included.
- the owner guarantees calm weather: No guarantee is provided.
Correct Answer: ocean being cold
Passage Reference: I’ve heard that the Atlantic Ocean is quite cold and that swimming isn’t always possible.
Why this is correct: ocean being cold is the subject of Alison's question. John's reply explains that the temperature depends on what a visitor is used to.
Tips: Use the original question to identify what a reply is answering.
Why the other options are wrong:
- restaurant being closed: No closure was mentioned.
- cottage being unheated: Her question concerns water temperature.
- beach being private: No private access is discussed.
Correct Answer: wetsuits
Passage Reference: wetsuits are the protective clothing Alison saw surfers wearing. The text states For cold-water surfing.
Why this is correct: wetsuits are the protective clothing Alison saw surfers wearing. They provide insulation for surfing in cold water.
Tips: Match an item's stated purpose, such as insulation, with the item designed to provide it.
Why the other options are wrong:
- swimming goggles: These protect eyes, not body warmth.
- sun hats: These do not insulate the body in cold water.
- beach towels: These are not worn as surfing insulation.
Correct Answer: inconvenience
Passage Reference: I learned that the power was out for some residents for as long as three weeks.
Why this is correct: inconvenience fits the serious problems caused by a hurricane. Losing power for three weeks would make food, coffee, heat, and water difficult to manage.
Tips: Use the surrounding examples to decide whether the missing word needs a positive or negative meaning.
Why the other options are wrong:
- certainty about travel plans: Conditions can change quickly.
- improved access to services: Outages interrupt services.
- freedom from disruption: The source describes substantial disruption.
Correct Answer: an emergency supply kit
Passage Reference: The reply lists drinking water, packaged food, a flashlight and emergency instructions. The text states containing drinking water, packaged food, a flashlight and written emergency instructions..
Why this is correct: The reply lists drinking water, packaged food, a flashlight and emergency instructions. These belong in an emergency supply kit and answer Alison’s question about storm preparations.
Tips: Match the owner's answer to the full list of needs in the guest's question.
Why the other options are wrong:
- a guaranteed independent power station: No guarantee or station is supplied.
- a year-round surfing instructor: This does not answer emergency preparedness.
- a reserved table in the city: This does not answer the emergency-supplies question.
Correct Answer: spots to dine
Passage Reference: spots to dine fits Alison's request for restaurant advice. The text states we recommend Scallopini’s.
Why this is correct: spots to dine fits Alison's request for restaurant advice. John recommends Scallopini's and says there are other good nearby places to eat.
Tips: Check that the noun after a describing word such as “excellent” matches the topic of the paragraph.
Why the other options are wrong:
- emergency shelters: The subject here is recommended dining.
- surfing schools: The sentence answers the food question.
- equipment rental shops: These do not answer where to eat.
