Correct Answer: to propose a way to protect both crops
Passage Reference: That would let us keep both crops without crowding the plot.
Why this is correct: Colin's main reason for writing is to suggest a new plan. Herbs go in the sunny front strip and radishes in his balcony container, so both crops are protected.
Tips: Identify the problem and the action the writer asks the reader to consider.
Why the other options are wrong:
- to invite Farah to harvest the beans: The beans are discussed as the cause of shade, not as a harvest invitation.
- to ask Farah to grow the herbs at her home: Colin proposes keeping the herbs in the shared plot and growing radishes at his own balcony.
- to complain that Farah planted without asking: He does not blame Farah and says the bean growth surprised them both.
Correct Answer: the beans grew higher than expected
Passage Reference: They grew much faster than either of us expected.
Why this is correct: The beans' unexpected growth created shade over the herbs.
Tips: Connect the observed effect with the earlier sentence that gives its cause.
Why the other options are wrong:
- the radishes spread into the back edge: The shade came from the fast-growing beans. The radishes are not blamed for covering another crop.
- the wooden border blocked the sunlight: The border may be moved to improve the layout, but it did not cause the shade.
- the basil was planted in a container: The basil is growing along the back edge of the shared plot.
Correct Answer: keep growing radishes without using the sunny strip
Passage Reference: There is an unused container beside my balcony door, so I could grow them there and bring you half.
Why this is correct: Colin offers his balcony container for the radishes so the sunny strip can hold herbs.
Tips: Track what each location will be used for after the proposed change.
Why the other options are wrong:
- give Farah all the balcony-grown radishes: Colin offers Farah half, not the entire crop.
- move both the beans and radishes to his balcony: Only the radishes would move to the balcony. The healthy beans would stay in the plot.
- test whether beans grow better at home: The proposed balcony container is for radishes, not beans.
Correct Answer: he cannot ask the coordinator during the later session
Passage Reference: If you are going later, could you ask the coordinator whether we may move the small wooden border?
Why this is correct: Colin must leave before lunch, which means he cannot speak to the coordinator later in the day. That is why he asks Farah to do it if she goes later.
Tips: Ask what the writer's schedule means for the task he gives the reader.
Why the other options are wrong:
- he expects the work session to be cancelled: He plans to attend in the morning and gives no sign that it will be cancelled.
- he plans to move the border early that morning: He says nothing has been moved and wants permission before any change.
- he wants Farah to water the plot at lunchtime: He asks her to speak to the coordinator, not to water the plants.
Correct Answer: he is careful about decisions affecting shared property
Passage Reference: I would rather check first than change a shared feature without permission.
Why this is correct: Colin refuses to alter a shared border before receiving permission.
Tips: Find the reason Colin gives for asking first. Then ask what that reason says about the kind of person he is.
Why the other options are wrong:
- he doubts that Farah understands the garden rules: He asks for Farah's help and never questions her understanding.
- he has already received permission for the change: He still wants the coordinator to be asked, so approval has not been given.
- he believes the border belongs to him: He calls the border a shared feature rather than his property.
Correct Answer: the coordinator must approve the change first
Passage Reference: I would rather check first than change a shared feature without permission.
Why this is correct: Colin will not move a shared feature until the garden coordinator permits it.
Tips: Separate approval for moving the border from agreement about the wider planting plan.
Why the other options are wrong:
- Colin has already shifted it to protect the herbs: He says he has not moved anything yet.
- Farah may move it without consulting anyone: Colin asks her to seek the coordinator's permission before either gardener acts.
- it caused the beans to shade the herbs: The beans grew faster than expected, and that caused the shade. The border only affects the new layout.
Correct Answer: save the herbs while keeping the beans
Passage Reference: I do not want to pull them out, since they are healthy and should give us a good crop, but the basil is already becoming thin.
Why this is correct: Farah accepts the central purpose of Colin's rearrangement: protecting the herbs without removing healthy beans.
Tips: Choose the result that solves both sides of the original problem.
Why the other options are wrong:
- give the basil more shade: Shade is already making the basil thin, so it needs a sunnier position.
- move the beans into Colin's balcony container: Colin reserves the balcony container for radishes and wants the healthy beans to stay in the plot.
- reserve the front strip for radishes: Colin proposes switching the sunny front strip from radishes to herbs.
Correct Answer: can still share that crop
Passage Reference: There is an unused container beside my balcony door, so I could grow them there and bring you half.
Why this is correct: Colin will grow radishes in his container and bring Farah half.
Tips: Go back to Colin's offer about his balcony. Ask what he promises to bring Farah from it.
Why the other options are wrong:
- can leave the container unused: Their plan depends on using that container for the radishes.
- must stop growing that crop: The balcony plan allows them to continue growing radishes.
- will need a second garden plot: The unused container provides the alternative space.
Correct Answer: ask whether the border may be shifted
Passage Reference: If you are going later, could you ask the coordinator whether we may move the small wooden border?
Why this is correct: Farah can make Colin's requested inquiry when she attends the later part of the work session.
Tips: Match the reply action to the exact request in the original message.
Why the other options are wrong:
- request that the beans be removed: Colin wants to keep the healthy beans and adjust the other crops.
- ask whether the herbs may be moved: Colin seeks permission for the shared wooden border, not for moving the herbs.
- tell the coordinator the border was moved: The border has not been moved, and Colin wants approval first.
Correct Answer: leave the current layout unchanged
Passage Reference: I have not moved or planted anything yet.
Why this is correct: Both writers agree that the shared layout should remain as it is until the coordinator answers.
Tips: Use the phrase 'Until then' to identify the temporary action before a decision.
Why the other options are wrong:
- pull out the thin basil: Neither writer suggests throwing out the basil. They want to protect it.
- plant the herbs beside the beans: The beans are already shading the herbs along that edge.
- move the border before the session: That would ignore Colin's wish to obtain permission before changing it.
Correct Answer: a shared decision
Passage Reference: Let me know what you think.
Why this is correct: Colin seeks Farah's opinion and the coordinator's permission concerning their common plot.
Tips: Choose the phrase that matches both the relationship and the writer's tone.
Why the other options are wrong:
- a request for Farah to do all the work: Colin offers to grow the radishes himself. Farah is only asked to speak with the coordinator.
- an urgent complaint: His cooperative proposal does not accuse Farah or demand immediate action.
- a change only Colin can approve: Colin asks Farah what she thinks and seeks the coordinator's permission for the border.
