Passage 10: Analysis and Answers

Part 1: Passage Explanation (Chunk by Chunk)

Passage Context: This excerpt from Anthony Marra’s “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” follows a character named Akhmed who, on the verge of despair, visits a hospital. Witnessing both immense suffering and profound human resilience there, he undergoes a transformation, finding a new purpose in life dedicated to helping his war-torn community and speaking out against violence.

Passage Chunk 1:

“When Akhmed arrived at the hospital, he was no longer sure he wanted to die. He stood outside the clinic, watching the shadows of the trees stretch across the ground, and wondered what kind of life he could have if he survived. He had always been a man of few words, content to live in the background, but now he felt a sudden urge to speak up, to make his voice heard.”

Explanation of Chunk 1:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Akhmed, initially contemplating death, begins to question this desire upon reaching the hospital, reflecting on a potential future and feeling an uncharacteristic urge to become more assertive.
• Role of this Chunk: It establishes Akhmed’s initial state of crisis and hints at the beginning of a psychological shift, setting the stage for his experiences within the hospital.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Contemplative, Uncertain, Introspective. Akhmed is in a state of deep thought, his certainty about wanting to die is wavering, and a new, unfamiliar impulse is stirring.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Character Development	Introduces Akhmed and immediately shows him at a turning point, questioning his previous state of mind.
	Foreshadowing	His “sudden urge to speak up, to make his voice heard” foreshadows his later actions and transformation from a background figure.
	Setting as a Catalyst	The hospital environment, even before he enters, seems to prompt this initial shift in his thoughts.

 

Passage Chunk 2:

“As he walked through the halls of the hospital, he saw the wounded and the dying, and he felt a sense of kinship with them. He knew what it was like to suffer, to feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. He knew what it was like to be alone, to feel as if there was no one in the world who cared about him.”

Explanation of Chunk 2:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Walking through the hospital, Akhmed identifies deeply with the suffering patients, recognizing shared experiences of pain, burden, and loneliness.
• Role of this Chunk: It builds empathy both in Akhmed for the patients and in the reader for Akhmed, establishing a common ground of suffering.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Empathetic, Somber. Akhmed’s connection to the suffering around him is palpable, and the description of shared pain creates a somber mood.
Vocabulary	Kinship	A feeling of being connected or similar to other people. Stress: Highlights his immediate and profound identification with the suffering individuals.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Shared Humanity	Emphasizes the common experience of suffering as a connector between people.
	Internal Monologue	Reveals Akhmed’s own past or current feelings of suffering and isolation through his identification with others.

 

Passage Chunk 3:

“And yet, as he moved through the hospital, he also saw the resilience of the human spirit. He saw people who had been through unimaginable suffering, who had lost everything they had ever known, and yet who still found the strength to go on.”

Explanation of Chunk 3:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Despite the pervasive suffering, Akhmed also witnesses remarkable human resilience among the patients, observing their capacity to endure and continue despite profound loss and pain.
• Role of this Chunk: It introduces a crucial counterpoint to the theme of suffering – the theme of resilience – which becomes a key factor in Akhmed’s transformation.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Hopeful (emerging), Admiring. While still acknowledging suffering, the focus shifts to the strength of the human spirit, evoking a sense of admiration and nascent hope.
Vocabulary	Resilience	The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Stress: This is a central quality Akhmed observes and which profoundly impacts him.
Stress Words/Phrases	And yet	Signals a significant contrast to the suffering he just identified with, introducing a positive observation.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Theme of Resilience	Directly introduces one of the core themes that influences Akhmed.

 

Passage Chunk 4:

“He saw a young girl, no more than six years old, lying in a bed with a bullet wound in her chest. Despite her pain, she smiled up at him and asked him to tell her a story. He saw an old man, his face lined with wrinkles, sitting in a corner and singing softly to himself. He saw a woman, her eyes closed in prayer, holding the hand of her dying husband.”

Explanation of Chunk 4:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Akhmed observes specific, poignant examples of human spirit and coping mechanisms amidst suffering: a wounded child seeking connection through a story, an old man finding solace in song, and a woman finding strength in prayer.
• Role of this Chunk: These vivid examples concretize the “resilience of the human spirit” mentioned earlier, making the observation more impactful and emotionally resonant for Akhmed and the reader.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Poignant, Touching, Observational. The descriptions are brief but emotionally charged, highlighting small acts of humanity in dire circumstances.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Vignettes	Presents small, illustrative scenes that contribute to the larger theme of resilience.
	Juxtaposition	The innocence of the girl and her request for a story juxtaposed with her severe injury (“bullet wound in her chest”) is particularly striking.
	Coping Mechanisms	Shows different ways individuals deal with suffering – storytelling, song, prayer.

 

Passage Chunk 5:

“As he walked through the hospital, Akhmed began to realize that there was something worth living for. He saw the beauty in the midst of the chaos, the hope in the midst of the despair. He saw that even in the darkest moments, there was still a glimmer of light.”

Explanation of Chunk 5:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Witnessing these scenes, Akhmed starts to perceive positive elements—beauty, hope, light—even within the overwhelming suffering and despair of the hospital, leading to a realization that life has inherent worth.
• Role of this Chunk: This marks a significant step in Akhmed’s internal transformation, as abstract concepts of hope and meaning begin to crystallize in his mind.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Epiphanic, Hopeful. Akhmed is experiencing a profound realization, a dawning of hope and purpose.
Vocabulary	Glimmer	A faint or wavering light; a faint sign of something. Stress: Represents a small but significant presence of hope or positivity in an otherwise dark situation.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Epiphany	Akhmed has a moment of sudden and profound understanding about the value of life.
	Contrast/Paradox	Beauty amidst chaos, hope amidst despair – these paradoxes are what he begins to perceive and find meaning in.

 

Passage Chunk 6:

“And so, he decided that he would not die. He would live, and he would do whatever he could to help those around him. He would be a voice for the voiceless, a light in the darkness.”

Explanation of Chunk 6:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Based on his newfound realization, Akhmed makes a definitive decision to live and dedicates his life to helping others, aspiring to become a beacon of support and advocacy.
• Role of this Chunk: This is the pivotal moment of Akhmed’s decision, marking his full commitment to a new path and purpose, directly stemming from his hospital experience.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Resolute, Determined, Altruistic. His decision is firm, and his intentions are focused on the well-being of others.
Stress Words/Phrases	And so	Indicates a decision made as a direct consequence of his preceding realizations.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Turning Point	Represents the culmination of his internal change and the beginning of his new mission.
	Metaphor	“a voice for the voiceless, a light in the darkness” – metaphorical descriptions of his intended new role.
	Theme of Purpose	Akhmed finds a clear and actionable purpose for his life.

 

Passage Chunk 7:

“As he made his way back to his village, he felt a sense of purpose he had never felt before. He knew that his life would never be the same, that he would never be content to live in the background again. He had seen too much, felt too much, to ever go back to the way things were before.”

Explanation of Chunk 7:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Returning to his village, Akhmed is imbued with an unprecedented sense of purpose and a profound understanding that his experiences have irrevocably changed him, making a return to his former passive life impossible.
• Role of this Chunk: It describes the immediate aftermath of his decision, emphasizing the depth and permanence of his transformation as he begins his new journey.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Transformed, Purposeful, Resolute. He is no longer the uncertain man from the beginning; he is now driven by a clear purpose.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Irreversible Change	The repetition of “never” (“never be the same,” “never be content”) highlights the definitive nature of his transformation.
	Impact of Experience	“He had seen too much, felt too much” emphasizes how profound experiences can alter one’s perspective and life trajectory.

 

Passage Chunk 8:

“And so, he set out to make a difference. He started by helping the wounded and the dying in his village, using the skills he had learned from his father. He tended to their wounds, brought them food and water, and listened to their stories.”

Explanation of Chunk 8:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Akhmed begins to act on his newfound purpose by providing practical help and compassionate care to the afflicted in his own village, utilizing his existing skills.
• Role of this Chunk: It shows the initial, tangible steps Akhmed takes to fulfill his commitment, grounding his abstract decision in concrete actions.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Active, Compassionate, Practical. The focus is on his actions and the direct, hands-on support he offers.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Action-Oriented	Demonstrates how purpose translates into action.
	Grassroots Effort	He begins his work at the local, community level.
	Importance of Listening	“listened to their stories” highlights the value of acknowledging individual experiences and providing emotional support alongside physical aid.

 

Passage Chunk 9:

“But he didn’t stop there. He began to speak out against the violence that had torn his country apart. He organized rallies, wrote letters to the government, and spoke to anyone who would listen.”

Explanation of Chunk 9:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Akhmed expands his efforts beyond direct aid, becoming an activist who publicly condemns the prevailing violence and actively works to mobilize others and influence policy.
• Role of this Chunk: It shows the evolution of his mission from local, direct care to broader social and political advocacy, fulfilling his earlier desire to “make his voice heard.”

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Bold, Proactive, Advocative. Akhmed takes on a more public and challenging role.
Stress Words/Phrases	But he didn’t stop there.	Signals an escalation and expansion of his activities.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Activism	Depicts Akhmed’s transition into a social activist working for systemic change.
	Growth of Character	Shows his development from a man “content to live in the background” to an organizer and public speaker.

 

Passage Chunk 10:

“And slowly, but surely, things began to change. The violence began to subside, and people began to come together once again. The wounds of the past began to heal, and a new future began to emerge.”

Explanation of Chunk 10:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Akhmed’s persistent efforts, along with presumably those of others he inspired, lead to positive changes in his country: a reduction in violence, community reconciliation, and the beginning of healing and hope for the future.
• Role of this Chunk: It demonstrates the impact and effectiveness of dedicated action and advocacy, providing a hopeful outcome to the conflict described.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Hopeful, Optimistic, Encouraging. Describes positive societal shifts and the emergence of a better future.
Stress Words/Phrases	slowly, but surely	Emphasizes that change is gradual but definite, requiring persistence.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Theme of Hope	Reinforces the idea that positive change is possible even after great suffering and division.
	Collective Healing	Suggests that societal wounds can begin to heal through effort and reconciliation.
	Impact of Individual Action	Shows how one person’s commitment can contribute to broader societal transformation.

 

Passage Chunk 11:

“Akhmed knew that there was still a long way to go, that there were still many challenges to overcome. But he also knew that he had found a purpose in life, a reason to keep going. And he knew that as long as he had that, he could face anything that came his way.”

Explanation of Chunk 11:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Akhmed realistically acknowledges that the work is far from over and challenges remain, but his firm sense of purpose gives him the strength and resilience to confront any future difficulties.
• Role of this Chunk: It provides a concluding perspective that is both realistic about ongoing struggles and deeply optimistic about Akhmed’s internal fortitude and unwavering commitment, driven by his clearly defined purpose.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Realistic, Resolute, Confident (in purpose). Acknowledges difficulties but emphasizes his inner strength and determination stemming from his sense of purpose.
Stress Words/Phrases	But he also knew	Contrasts the acknowledgment of challenges with his overriding sense of purpose and capability.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Enduring Purpose	The sense of purpose is presented as a sustainable source of strength.
	Realistic Optimism	Balances awareness of future difficulties with a strong belief in his ability to face them due to his purpose.
	Character Resolution	Akhmed’s internal journey reaches a stable point of clarity and strength, even as his external work continues.

 

1.What can be inferred about the protagonist’s motives for pursuing power based on their actions in the novel?

(a) The protagonist is motivated by a desire to help others and make the world a better place.

(b) The protagonist is motivated by a desire for personal gain and is willing to harm others to achieve it.

(c) The protagonist is motivated by a desire for revenge against those who have wronged them.

(d) The protagonist is motivated by a sense of duty to their community and a desire to protect it from harm.

2.What can be inferred about the theme of power in the novel based on the interactions between the characters?

(a) The theme of power is primarily portrayed as a positive force that allows characters to achieve their goals.

(b) The theme of power is primarily portrayed as a negative force that corrupts characters and leads to their downfall.

(c) The theme of power is portrayed as a neutral force that can be used for good or bad depending on the character’s intentions.

(d) The theme of power is not a significant focus of the novel and is not explored in depth.

(c) Ugly and unattractive

3.What is the meaning of the word “prodigious” as used in the following sentence: “The furrows between his eyes were deep and long, prodigious like the scars from the beating he took in his youth.”

(a) Large and impressive

(b) Old and worn out

(d) Weak and feeble

4.What can be inferred about the protagonist’s motives for committing the crime based on the information provided in the novel?

(a) The protagonist committed the crime out of revenge against the victim.

(b) The protagonist committed the crime to protect someone else from harm.

(c) The protagonist committed the crime for financial gain.

(d) The protagonist committed the crime due to mental illness or psychological issues.

5.Identify the grammatical error in the following sentence:

“The company’s profits have been increasing every quarter, and they plan to invest it in new projects.”

(a) Subject-verb agreement error

(b) Pronoun-antecedent agreement error

(c) Misuse of the possessive apostrophe

(d) Incorrect use of a comma

 

 

Part 2: Answers and Explanations for Your Provided Questions (Passage 10)

46. What can be inferred about the protagonist’s motives for pursuing power based on their actions in the novel? (Note: The passage doesn’t explicitly frame Akhmed’s actions as “pursuing power” in a traditional sense like political ambition. It describes him finding his voice and agency to help and advocate. We will interpret “power” here as the capacity to effect change or influence.) (a) The protagonist is motivated by a desire to help others and make the world a better place.

• Reasoning for (a): The passage clearly states Akhmed decided he “would do whatever he could to help those around him” (Paragraph 6), started by “helping the wounded and the dying” (Paragraph 8), and then began to “speak out against the violence” (Paragraph 9). His actions lead to positive changes like violence subsiding and wounds healing (Paragraph 10). This demonstrates a clear motivation to alleviate suffering and improve his community.
• Why other options are incorrect (based on this passage):
  • (b) The protagonist is motivated by a desire for personal gain and is willing to harm others to achieve it: There is no indication of personal gain or harming others in this passage; his actions are entirely altruistic.
  • (c) The protagonist is motivated by a desire for revenge against those who have wronged them: The passage focuses on healing, helping, and speaking out against violence in general, not on personal revenge.
  • (d) The protagonist is motivated by a sense of duty to their community and a desire to protect it from harm: While this is close and partially true (he does protect from harm by speaking against violence), option (a) more broadly covers his desire to “help others and make the world a better place,” which encompasses his healing actions and his broader advocacy. His initial impetus was seeing suffering and resilience, leading to a desire to help, which then extended to his community.

47. What can be inferred about the theme of power in the novel based on the interactions between the characters? (Note: Similar to Q46, this question uses “power” which might have broader connotations in the full novel. Based on this excerpt, Akhmed gains the “power” of voice, agency, and influence.) (c) The theme of power is portrayed as a neutral force that can be used for good or bad depending on the character’s intentions. (While this is a general truth about power, within this specific passage, the “power” Akhmed discovers and uses is entirely positive.) More specific answer based SOLELY on this passage’s portrayal of Akhmed’s newfound agency: If we consider Akhmed’s ability to effect change as a form of “power,” then this passage portrays it as a force for good. However, if the question implies how power in general might be seen through the lens of Akhmed’s positive use of it, then (c) is the most fitting general statement about power that doesn’t contradict Akhmed’s positive use. Let’s assume the question is asking what kind of power Akhmed’s actions represent in this passage: Alternative interpretation focused on the passage: The agency Akhmed discovers (his “power” to make a difference) is portrayed entirely as a positive force stemming from empathy and a desire to heal and rebuild. Given the options, (c) is the most nuanced statement about power in general, and Akhmed’s story would be an example of it being used for good. Options (a) and (b) are too absolute for a general theme of power, and (d) is unlikely for a novel with such transformative events.

• Reasoning for (c) (as the most likely intended answer for a broader theme): Akhmed’s transformation shows him channeling his experiences into positive action (“He would be a voice for the voiceless, a light in the darkness,” Paragraph 6; his subsequent actions). This demonstrates power (of voice, of influence, of action) being used for good. The underlying violence in his country (Paragraph 9) implies that power has also been used destructively by others. Therefore, power itself can be seen as neutral, its impact depending on the user’s intent.
• Why other options are incorrect (in the context of a general theme):
  • (a) The theme of power is primarily portrayed as a positive force that allows characters to achieve their goals: The passage implies a backdrop of destructive power (the violence that “had torn his country apart”).
  • (b) The theme of power is primarily portrayed as a negative force that corrupts characters and leads to their downfall: Akhmed’s story in this passage is one of positive empowerment.
  • (d) The theme of power is not a significant focus of the novel and is not explored in depth: Akhmed’s journey to find his voice and make a difference is a significant exploration of personal agency and its power to effect change, making this option unlikely.

48. What is the meaning of the word “prodigious” as used in the following sentence: “The furrows between his eyes were deep and long, prodigious like the scars from the beating he took in his youth.” (Note: This question is NOT based on Passage 10. The word “prodigious” and this sentence do not appear in the provided excerpt about Akhmed. This is a standalone vocabulary question.) (a) Large and impressive

• Reasoning for (a): “Prodigious” means remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree. In the given sentence, it describes the furrows as being impressively deep and long, comparable to significant scars.
• Why other options are incorrect:
  • (b) Old and worn out: While the furrows might be on an older person, “prodigious” itself doesn’t mean old or worn out; it refers to their impressive size/depth.
  • (c) Ugly and unattractive: “Prodigious” refers to scale or extent, not aesthetic quality. While deep furrows or scars might be considered unattractive by some, that’s not the meaning of prodigious.
  • (d) Weak and feeble: This is the opposite of the implication of something large or impressive.

49. What can be inferred about the protagonist’s motives for committing the crime based on the information provided in the novel? (Note: This question is NOT based on Passage 10. The character Akhmed in this passage does not commit any crime; he works to stop violence and help people.) Answer: This question is not applicable to the provided Passage 10, as the protagonist (Akhmed) does not commit a crime in this excerpt. (If this question refers to a different novel or a different part of “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” not included here, an answer cannot be determined from this text.)
50. Identify the grammatical error in the following sentence: “The company’s profits have been increasing every quarter, and they plan to invest it in new projects.” (b) Pronoun-antecedent agreement error

• Reasoning for (b): The pronoun “it” is singular, but its antecedent is “profits,” which is plural. The pronoun should agree with its antecedent in number. Therefore, “it” should be “them” to refer to “profits.” (Alternatively, if “invest it” refers to a singular concept of the total profit amount, the phrasing is still awkward, but the most direct error is the pronoun-antecedent mismatch with “profits”).
• Corrected sentence: “The company’s profits have been increasing every quarter, and they plan to invest them in new projects.”
• Why other options are incorrect:
  • (a) Subject-verb agreement error: “Profits have been increasing” (plural subject, plural verb form) is correct. “they plan” (plural subject, plural verb) is correct.
  • (c) Misuse of the possessive apostrophe: “company’s” is a correct possessive.
  • (d) Incorrect use of a comma: The comma before “and” correctly joins two independent clauses.

 

“In the morning, when the sun was still low, she would go out into the garden and weed or water, thinking about the decisions she had made and the directions they had taken her. She would think about her husband and the life they had built together, and she would think about the moments when she had been happiest, like the summer they spent in Idaho, when she was carrying their first child and they lived in a tent by the river. She would remember the smell of the pine trees and the sound of the water rushing over the rocks, and she would feel a sense of longing for that time, for the life they had had. But then she would remember the moments when she had been the most miserable, like the time they spent in Europe, when her husband had been sick and they had fought constantly. She would think about the way he had treated her, the way he had blamed her for everything that had gone wrong, and she would feel a sense of anger and resentment towards him. These thoughts would occupy her mind as she worked in the garden, pulling out weeds and watering the plants. She would think about the choices she had made, the things she had given up, and the things she had gained, and she would wonder if she had made the right decisions. It was during these moments of reflection that she would feel the most alone, the most isolated. She would feel as if no one understood her, as if no one could relate to the struggles she had faced. And yet, she knew that there were others out there, others who had faced similar struggles and made similar choices. She thought about her grandmother, who had traveled across the country in a covered wagon, leaving behind everything she knew in search of a better life. She thought about her grandfather, who had fought in the Civil War and lost everything he had in the process. She thought about the pioneers who had settled the West, who had faced incredible hardships and yet had managed to build new lives for themselves. And she realized that, in a way, she was like them. She had faced her own struggles, her own hardships, and yet she had managed to build a life for herself. She had made her own choices, and she had lived with the consequences. She knew that there would always be moments of doubt, moments of regret. But she also knew that she had to keep moving forward, that she had to keep working, keep building, keep living. And so she would go back to her weeding and watering, content in the knowledge that, no matter what had happened in the past, she was still moving forward, still building, still living.”
Reference: Stegner, Wallace. Angle of Repose. New York: Penguin Books, 2002

 

Part 1: Passage Explanation (Chunk by Chunk)

Passage Context: The excerpt portrays a woman engaged in her morning gardening routine, which serves as a backdrop for her deep reflections on her past life, her marriage, her choices, and her place within a lineage of resilient individuals.

Passage Chunk 1:

“In the morning, when the sun was still low, she would go out into the garden and weed or water, thinking about the decisions she had made and the directions they had taken her. She would think about her husband and the life they had built together, and she would think about the moments when she had been happiest, like the summer they spent in Idaho, when she was carrying their first child and they lived in a tent by the river. She would remember the smell of the pine trees and the sound of the water rushing over the rocks, and she would feel a sense of longing for that time, for the life they had had.”

Explanation of Chunk 1:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: The protagonist uses her morning gardening time for introspection, reflecting on past decisions and specifically recalling a period of profound happiness with her husband during her first pregnancy in Idaho.
• Role of this Chunk: It establishes the character’s reflective nature, introduces the theme of memory and past happiness, and sets a nostalgic, somewhat wistful tone.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Reflective, Nostalgic, Wistful. The character is looking back on a cherished past, and the “longing” indicates a gentle sadness for what has passed.
Vocabulary	Longing	A yearning desire. Stress: Emphasizes her deep emotional connection to this specific happy memory and the sense that this past state is unrecoverable.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Imagery	Vivid sensory details (“smell of the pine trees,” “sound of the water rushing”) create a strong sense of place and the happiness associated with it.
	Flashback/Reminiscence	The core of the chunk is a fond memory.
	Routine as a Catalyst	The routine act of gardening triggers deeper thoughts.

 

Passage Chunk 2:

“But then she would remember the moments when she had been the most miserable, like the time they spent in Europe, when her husband had been sick and they had fought constantly. She would think about the way he had treated her, the way he had blamed her for everything that had gone wrong, and she would feel a sense of anger and resentment towards him.”

Explanation of Chunk 2:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Contrasting with the previous happy memories, the protagonist recalls a period of intense misery in Europe, marked by her husband’s illness, constant conflict, and his blaming behavior, leading to her feelings of anger and resentment.
• Role of this Chunk: It introduces the complexity of her past and her marriage, showing that it wasn’t idyllic and involved significant pain and negative emotions. It provides balance to the nostalgia of the first chunk.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Reflective, Bitter, Resentful. The shift in memory brings a shift in emotion, detailing painful experiences and the negative feelings they engendered.
Vocabulary	Miserable	Wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable. Stress: Highlights the extremity of her negative experience, providing a stark contrast to the happiness of Idaho.
	Resentment	Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly. Stress: Specifies the nature of her negative feelings towards her husband stemming from his treatment of her.
Stress Words/Phrases	But then	Signals a sharp contrast to the preceding positive memories.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Juxtaposition	The unhappy memories of Europe are placed directly after the happy memories of Idaho, emphasizing the fluctuating nature of her past and relationship.
	Conflict	Introduces the theme of marital conflict and emotional distress.

 

Passage Chunk 3:

“These thoughts would occupy her mind as she worked in the garden, pulling out weeds and watering the plants. She would think about the choices she had made, the things she had given up, and the things she had gained, and she would wonder if she had made the right decisions.”

Explanation of Chunk 3:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: While gardening, her mind is preoccupied with a broader evaluation of her life choices, weighing her sacrifices against her gains, and questioning the rightness of her decisions.
• Role of this Chunk: It universalizes her reflections beyond specific memories of her husband, moving into a more existential contemplation of her life’s path and the inherent uncertainty of choices made.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Contemplative, Questioning, Introspective. She is deeply engaged in a balanced consideration of her life, marked by uncertainty.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Internal Monologue	The passage continues to delve into her private thoughts and self-assessment.
	Theme of Choice	Centralizes the idea of life being shaped by decisions and the subsequent reflection on those decisions.
	Ambivalence	Her wondering “if she had made the right decisions” suggests a lack of complete certainty or satisfaction.

 

Passage Chunk 4:

“It was during these moments of reflection that she would feel the most alone, the most isolated. She would feel as if no one understood her, as if no one could relate to the struggles she had faced. And yet, she knew that there were others out there, others who had faced similar struggles and made similar choices.”

Explanation of Chunk 4:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Her deep reflections lead to feelings of profound loneliness and isolation, stemming from a sense of being misunderstood. However, this is tempered by an intellectual awareness that her experiences are not unique.
• Role of this Chunk: It highlights the emotional toll of her introspection and introduces a turning point where she begins to seek connection or commonality with others, even if only in thought.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Melancholy, Lonely, Searching. The feelings of isolation are prominent, but the “And yet” introduces a hint of seeking or acknowledging a broader human experience.
Vocabulary	Isolated	Far away from other places, buildings, or people; remote. Feeling separate or alone. Stress: Emphasizes her deep sense of detachment and solitude during these reflections.
Stress Words/Phrases	And yet	Signals a counterpoint to her feelings of isolation, acknowledging the shared nature of human struggle.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Theme of Loneliness	Explores the isolating aspects of personal struggle and deep introspection.
	Universal Experience	Begins to touch upon the idea that individual struggles, while feeling unique, are often part of a broader pattern of human experience.

 

Passage Chunk 5:

“She thought about her grandmother, who had traveled across the country in a covered wagon, leaving behind everything she knew in search of a better life. She thought about her grandfather, who had fought in the Civil War and lost everything he had in the process. She thought about the pioneers who had settled the West, who had faced incredible hardships and yet had managed to build new lives for themselves.”

Explanation of Chunk 5:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: To counteract her feelings of isolation, she calls to mind the significant struggles and resilience of her ancestors and other pioneers who faced immense hardships in pursuit of new lives.
• Role of this Chunk: It provides historical context and a source of vicarious strength and connection for the protagonist, linking her personal struggles to a larger narrative of human endurance and pioneering spirit.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Reflective, Respectful, Inspired (implicitly). She recalls these figures and their trials with a sense of gravity and implied admiration for their fortitude.
Historical/Contextual Terms	Covered wagon, Civil War, Pioneers settling the West	These terms evoke specific, challenging periods in American history characterized by great upheaval, sacrifice, and resilience. Stress: These examples set a high bar for endurance.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Historical Allusion	References to significant historical events and archetypal figures (pioneers).
	Theme of Ancestry/Legacy	Connects her personal experience to the experiences of those who came before her.
	Theme of Resilience	Focuses on the ability of people to endure extreme hardship and build anew.

 

Passage Chunk 6:

“And she realized that, in a way, she was like them. She had faced her own struggles, her own hardships, and yet she had managed to build a life for herself. She had made her own choices, and she had lived with the consequences.”

Explanation of Chunk 6:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: The protagonist has an epiphany, realizing a fundamental similarity between her own life’s journey—with its struggles, hardships, and choices—and those of the resilient pioneers and ancestors she contemplated.
• Role of this Chunk: This is a crucial turning point where she internalizes the lessons from the past, finding a sense of validation and shared identity in her own resilience and agency. It diminishes her sense of isolation.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Epiphanic, Empowered, Affirming. The realization brings a sense of clarity and self-affirmation.
Stress Words/Phrases	And she realized	Marks a moment of significant insight and understanding.
	in a way, she was like them	The core of her realization, connecting her personal narrative to a larger, respected one.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Epiphany	A moment of sudden and profound understanding.
	Self-identification	She sees herself mirrored in the experiences of others, which provides strength.
	Agency and Responsibility	Acknowledges her role in making choices and living with their outcomes.

 

Passage Chunk 7:

“She knew that there would always be moments of doubt, moments of regret. But she also knew that she had to keep moving forward, that she had to keep working, keep building, keep living.”

Explanation of Chunk 7:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: She accepts the inevitability of future doubt and regret but reaffirms her commitment to continuous effort, progress, and active engagement with life.
• Role of this Chunk: It shows her mature acceptance of life’s complexities and her conscious decision to embrace a forward-looking, proactive stance, despite potential negative emotions.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Realistic, Resolute, Determined. She acknowledges potential future difficulties but her resolve to continue is firm.
Stress Words/Phrases	But she also knew	Signals a strong counter-argument to the inevitability of doubt, emphasizing her active resolve.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Acceptance	Acknowledges that negative feelings like doubt and regret are part of life but do not have to be paralyzing.
	Perseverance	The commitment to “keep moving forward, keep working, keep building, keep living” underscores a deep-seated resilience.
	Repetition (Anaphora)	The repetition of “keep” emphasizes her determination and the continuous nature of her effort.

 

Passage Chunk 8:

“And so she would go back to her weeding and watering, content in the knowledge that, no matter what had happened in the past, she was still moving forward, still building, still living.”

Explanation of Chunk 8:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: The protagonist returns to her gardening, her reflections having led her to a state of contentment derived from the understanding that she is actively progressing and living her life, irrespective of past events.
• Role of this Chunk: It brings the narrative full circle, showing the positive outcome of her introspection. The physical act of gardening now mirrors her internal state of active, ongoing life-building.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Content, Peaceful, Resolved. Her internal conflict has eased, leading to a sense of peace and satisfaction with her ongoing life.
Vocabulary	Content	In a state of peaceful happiness; satisfied. Stress: This is the emotional resolution of her reflective journey, a significant shift from her earlier loneliness and questioning.
Stress Words/Phrases	And so	Indicates a conclusion or result stemming from her previous thoughts and realizations.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Resolution	Her internal struggles find a measure of peace.
	Symbolism	The act of weeding and watering (tending to life, removing negatives, nurturing growth) can be seen as symbolic of her approach to her own life.
	Cyclical Narrative	Begins and ends with gardening, but her internal state has evolved through the process.

 

Part 2: Answers and Explanations for Your Provided Questions

41. What can be inferred about the protagonist’s attitude towards her life and decisions based on the information provided in the excerpt? (c) The protagonist is conflicted about the choices she has made and wonders if she could have done things differently.

• Reasoning for (c): Paragraph 3 explicitly states, “she would wonder if she had made the right decisions.” This directly indicates a sense of questioning and potential conflict. While she later finds a form of contentment (Paragraph 8), this doesn’t erase the earlier, clearly stated wondering and internal debate about her choices. The passage shows her grappling with both positive (“happiest moments”) and negative (“most miserable”) outcomes of her decisions.
• Why other options are incorrect:
  • (a) The protagonist is filled with regret and wishes she had made different choices: While Paragraph 7 mentions “moments of regret,” the overall tone isn’t one of being “filled” with regret. She acknowledges it as a possibility but resolves to move forward. She wonders, which is different from definitively wishing she had done things differently throughout.
  • (b) The protagonist is satisfied with the decisions she has made and the life she has built: This is too strong. While she ends on a note of contentment with “moving forward,” Paragraph 3 shows clear questioning of past decisions. Her satisfaction is more about her present resilience than a blanket approval of all past choices.
  • (d) The protagonist is resigned to the fact that her life has not turned out the way she had hoped: “Resigned” implies a passive acceptance of a negative outcome. While she has faced hardships, her realization in Paragraph 6 (“she was like them… managed to build a life for herself”) and her determination in Paragraph 7 show agency and active life-building, not just resignation.

42. What can be inferred about the protagonist’s relationship with her husband based on the information provided in the excerpt? (c) The protagonist’s relationship with her husband had its ups and downs, with moments of happiness and moments of conflict.

• Reasoning for (c): The passage explicitly contrasts two periods: the “happiest” moments in Idaho (Paragraph 1) where they “lived in a tent by the river” and she was “carrying their first child,” indicating joy and togetherness. This is directly followed by “moments when she had been the most miserable” in Europe (Paragraph 2), where “her husband had been sick and they had fought constantly” and he “blamed her for everything.” This clearly depicts a relationship with both positive and negative phases.
• Why other options are incorrect:
  • (a) The protagonist’s relationship with her husband was always happy and fulfilling: This is directly contradicted by Paragraph 2 detailing the misery and conflict in Europe.
  • (b) The protagonist’s relationship with her husband was marked by conflict and unhappiness: This ignores the “happiest” moments described in Paragraph 1.
  • (d) The protagonist’s relationship with her husband was passionate and intense, but ultimately doomed: The passage doesn’t provide enough information to conclude it was “doomed” or to characterize it primarily as “passionate and intense” in a way that overrides the clear descriptions of happy and miserable periods. It simply describes different phases.

43. What can be inferred about the protagonist’s perspective on life based on the information provided in the excerpt? (a) The protagonist sees life as a series of choices that must be made carefully. (Self-correction: While ‘a’ is plausible, (d) might be stronger given her realization of agency. Let’s re-evaluate based on the entire arc.) Re-evaluation: (d) The protagonist believes that life is what you make of it, and that one can find happiness if they work hard enough. (More accurately: she believes in building a life through her own efforts and choices, and finding contentment in that process).

• Reasoning for (d) (revised): Paragraph 6 states, “She had faced her own struggles, her own hardships, and yet she had managed to build a life for herself. She had made her own choices, and she had lived with the consequences.” This shows a strong sense of agency. Paragraph 7 reinforces this with “she had to keep working, keep building, keep living,” and she ends (Paragraph 8) “content in the knowledge that… she was still moving forward, still building, still living.” This active “building” and finding contentment through her own efforts points to a belief that life is significantly shaped by one’s actions.
• Why (a) is plausible but less complete: She does reflect on choices (Paragraph 1 & 3), but her ultimate realization is less about the carefulness of choices (as in avoiding mistakes) and more about the act of choosing, facing consequences, and actively building a life despite hardships, similar to the pioneers.
• Why other options are incorrect:
  • (b) The protagonist believes that life is unpredictable and that one must be prepared for anything: While life has thrown her challenges, her focus is more on her active response and building rather than just being prepared for unpredictability.
  • (c) The protagonist sees life as a constant struggle, with little hope for happiness: This is too pessimistic. She recalls “happiest moments” and ends with contentment. She acknowledges struggle but also her ability to “build a life.”

44. What can be inferred about the protagonist’s thoughts on the concept of regret based on the information provided in the excerpt? (a) The protagonist believes that regret is a natural part of life and must be accepted.

• Reasoning for (a): Paragraph 7 states, “She knew that there would always be moments of doubt, moments of regret.” This is a direct acknowledgment that these feelings are an ongoing, perhaps inevitable, part of life. Her subsequent thought is not to eliminate them, but to “keep moving forward” despite them. This implies an acceptance of their potential presence.
• Why other options are incorrect:
  • (b) The protagonist sees regret as a negative emotion that should be avoided at all costs: She acknowledges its presence, not a strategy to avoid it at all costs. Her strategy is perseverance despite it.
  • (c) The protagonist recognizes the potential for regret, but believes that it can be overcome through hard work and determination: The passage suggests she believes in moving forward and living despite regret, not necessarily that hard work eradicates regret itself, but makes life meaningful alongside it.
  • (d) The protagonist is unsure about her thoughts on regret and is still trying to come to terms with it: She “knew” there would be moments of regret, which sounds more like a settled understanding or acceptance rather than being unsure or still trying to come to terms with the concept of regret. Her struggle is more with specific past decisions, but her understanding of regret as a potential future emotion seems clear.

45. Which sentence in the following excerpt uses a prepositional phrase? “His speaking voice, a gruff husky tenor, added to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed.” (c) “added to the impression of fractiousness”

• Reasoning for (c): A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause (the object of the preposition).
  • In option (c), “to the impression of fractiousness” is a prepositional phrase. “To” is a preposition, and “the impression” is its object. Furthermore, “of fractiousness” is another prepositional phrase modifying “impression,” where “of” is the preposition and “fractiousness” is its object. The entire segment “added to the impression of fractiousness” contains these. However, the question asks which sentence (implying a part of the given sentence, i.e., a phrase or clause acting as a component) uses one. “added to the impression of fractiousness” is the verb phrase that contains these prepositional phrases directly modifying the verb “added” (where it leads) and then “impression.”
  • Looking at the options as distinct phrases from the sentence:
    • (c) “added to the impression of fractiousness”: “to the impression” is a prepositional phrase, and “of fractiousness” is another. This option contains them and shows their use.
• Why other options are incorrect:
  • (a) “His speaking voice”: This is a noun phrase (voice) with modifiers (His, speaking). No prepositions.
  • (b) “a gruff husky tenor”: This is a noun phrase (tenor) with modifiers (a, gruff, husky), acting as an appositive. No prepositions.
  • (d) “he conveyed”: This is a clause with a subject (he) and verb (conveyed). No prepositions.

Therefore, the phrase “added to the impression of fractiousness” is the part of the sentence that clearly incorporates and demonstrates the use of prepositional phrases (“to the impression,” “of fractiousness”).

Part 3: Additional Sample Questions (CLAT Style)

Here are a few more sample questions based on the passage:

1. Question Type: Vocabulary in Context
   Question: In Paragraph 1, the word “longing” most nearly means:
   (a) A feeling of deep satisfaction.
   (b) A strong desire for something distant or past.
   (c) A sense of confusion about the future.
   (d) A momentary feeling of joy.
   Answer: (b) A strong desire for something distant or past.
2. Question Type: Inference
   Question: What primarily helps the protagonist to mitigate her feelings of isolation described in Paragraph 4?
   (a) The physical activity of gardening.
   (b) The decision to confront her husband about past grievances.
   (c) The act of remembering the struggles of her ancestors and pioneers.
   (d) The hope that her children will understand her better.
   Answer: (c) The act of remembering the struggles of her ancestors and pioneers.
3. Question Type: Character Analysis
   Question: The protagonist’s reflection on her ancestors and pioneers (Paragraph 5) reveals her:
   (a) Desire to escape her current life.
   (b) Belief that past generations had easier lives.
   (c) Search for a sense of shared human experience and resilience.
   (d) Feeling of inadequacy compared to their achievements.
   Answer: (c) Search for a sense of shared human experience and resilience.
4. Question Type: Main Idea (Paragraph)
   Question: The main purpose of Paragraph 6 (“And she realized that, in a way, she was like them…”) is to show:
   (a) The protagonist’s decision to abandon her current lifestyle.
   (b) A moment of self-pity for her own hardships.
   (c) Her critical judgment of the pioneers’ choices.
   (d) A pivotal moment of self-identification and empowerment.
   Answer: (d) A pivotal moment of self-identification and empowerment.
5. Question Type: Author’s Technique
   Question: The author’s use of contrasting memories in Paragraphs 1 and 2 primarily serves to:
   (a) Suggest the protagonist has a poor memory.
   (b) Illustrate the complex and multifaceted nature of her past and her marriage.
   (c) Indicate that the protagonist prefers to dwell on negative experiences.
   (d) Show that her husband was solely responsible for the unhappy times.
   Answer: (b) Illustrate the complex and multifaceted nature of her past and her marriage.
6. Question Type: Tone/Attitude (Overall)
   Question: What is the overall emotional state of the protagonist by the end of the passage (Paragraph 8)?
   (a) Deeply regretful and sorrowful.
   (b) Anxious about future challenges.
   (c) Resigned but peacefully resolute.
   (d) Overjoyed and free from all doubt.
   Answer: (c) Resigned (to the fact that doubts may come) but peacefully resolute (in her contentment and forward movement).

 

“He was an old man who had not even been particularly remarkable as a young man. He had been a doctor at the time of the war, and had been one of the tens of thousands of Australians sent to Singapore in the mistaken belief that they could stop the Japanese advance down the Malay Peninsula. He had been captured, along with the largest surrender of Australian troops in history, and sent to the Burma–Thailand railway. He had worked on the line before being transferred to Japan, where he had worked as slave labour in the Mitsubishi shipyards in Nagasaki. He had been a prisoner of war for three and a half years. And yet he was one of the most famous Australians of his time. Indeed, when Australians thought of the Burma railway, they thought of him. And he was a man who had become famous for the worst thing that had ever happened to him. The worst thing. He had come to think of his entire life as a prelude to it. He had been thirty-seven then, had married only two years before. He had been a doctor for less than a decade. And it had happened on the line, in the middle of the worst day of his life, when he had come face to face with the most beautiful woman he would ever see. That was how he thought of her now – the most beautiful woman he would ever see – and he could not remember her face. Not at will, anyway. He could only remember it when he wasn’t thinking of it, and then it would rise up before him, dim and fragile, like the image of a face on glass. He had been a doctor for just long enough to know that there was nothing he could do for her. Her leg had been cut off by a train, and she had been left to die. She had been a British officer’s wife and had been travelling in the company of her husband. The Japanese had executed him, and then left her as a warning to other Europeans. The doctor had come across her crawling in the mud beside the track, and had seen that her wound was infected and that she had no hope. He had given her some water and then had covered her in leaves to give her what dignity he could. When he 11 had come back the next day, she was still alive, and he had given her more water, and then had gone back to his work. When he had come back the next day, she was dead. He had thought of her every day since then. Every day of his life. He had been faithful to his wife – who had died of cancer only a few years before – and he had never been able to explain to her why he had never been able to forget this woman. When he had tried, he had found he could not speak of it. Not to her, not to anyone. He had simply lived with it, and how it had come to define him. And he had never been able to understand why this woman had so affected him, why she had so consumed him. He had never been able to find the words to describe what it was about her that had so haunted him. But then, one day, when he was an old man, he received a letter from someone who had been there, and who knew what had happened. And suddenly everything was clear. It was the way she had looked at him when she died.”
Reference: Flanagan, Richard. The Narrow Road to the Deep North. London: Chatto & Windus, 2013.

Passage Context: This passage introduces an old man, a former doctor and prisoner of war, whose life was profoundly shaped by a singular, traumatic encounter during World War II. It delves into themes of memory, trauma, and the search for meaning in suffering. The reference is to Richard Flanagan’s novel “The Narrow Road to the Deep North.”

Passage Chunk 1:

“He was an old man who had not even been particularly remarkable as a young man. He had been a doctor at the time of the war, and had been one of the tens of thousands of Australians sent to Singapore in the mistaken belief that they could stop the Japanese advance down the Malay Peninsula. He had been captured, along with the largest surrender of Australian troops in history, and sent to the Burma–Thailand railway. He had worked on the line before being transferred to Japan, where he had worked as slave labour in the Mitsubishi shipyards in Nagasaki. He had been a prisoner of war for three and a half years.”

Explanation of Chunk 1:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section introduces the protagonist as an old man whose youth was unremarkable, and then details his harrowing experiences as an Australian doctor and prisoner of war during World War II, including his capture in Singapore and forced labor on the Burma-Thailand railway and in Nagasaki.
• Role of this Chunk: It establishes the character’s background, highlighting the intense suffering and historical context of his early adulthood, setting the stage for understanding the depth of his later trauma.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Factual, Somber, Understated. The narration is straightforward in recounting severe events, and the description of his youth as “not even particularly remarkable” creates an understated tone.
Vocabulary	Remarkable	Worthy of attention; striking. Stress: Its negation emphasizes his ordinary beginnings, contrasting with his later fame or the extraordinary nature of his wartime experiences.
	Mistaken belief	An incorrect conviction or assumption. Stress: Highlights the futility and tragic misjudgment of the military strategy leading to their capture, adding to the sense of wasted sacrifice.
Historical/Contextual Terms	Burma–Thailand railway	A strategic railway built by the Empire of Japan during World War II, notorious for the brutal conditions and high death toll among the Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers forced to build it. Stress: A key site of his trauma.
	Mitsubishi shipyards in Nagasaki	Refers to forced labor in Japanese industrial sites during WWII. Nagasaki is also significant as the site of the second atomic bombing. Stress: Further details the extent of his suffering as a POW.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Understatement	Describing potentially heroic or traumatic experiences (like being a doctor in war, POW) with a lack of dramatic emphasis initially (“not even particularly remarkable”).
	Exposition	Provides background information crucial for understanding the character and the subsequent narrative.

 

Passage Chunk 2:

“And yet he was one of the most famous Australians of his time. Indeed, when Australians thought of the Burma railway, they thought of him. And he was a man who had become famous for the worst thing that had ever happened to him. The worst thing. He had come to think of his entire life as a prelude to it. He had been thirty-seven then, had married only two years before. He had been a doctor for less than a decade. And it had happened on the line, in the middle of the worst day of his life, when he had come face to face with the most beautiful woman he would ever see.”

Explanation of Chunk 2:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section reveals the paradox of the man’s fame: he is renowned in connection with the Burma railway, specifically due to the “worst thing” that happened to him there. This event, which occurred when he was thirty-seven, is portrayed as the central, defining moment of his existence, a moment that also involved encountering an unforgettable woman.
• Role of this Chunk: It introduces the central conflict and mystery of the passage – the nature of this “worst thing” that brought him fame and overshadowed his entire life, and it introduces the significant figure of “the most beautiful woman.”

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Ironic, Introspective, Ominous. There’s irony in becoming famous for something terrible. The introspection comes from his view of his life as a “prelude.” The mention of the “worst thing” is ominous.
Vocabulary	Prelude	An action or event serving as an introduction to something more important. Stress: Emphasizes how this single event re-contextualized his entire preceding life in his own mind.
Stress Words/Phrases	And yet	Signals a contrast to the previous description of his unremarkable youth and difficult POW experience, introducing his unexpected fame.
	The worst thing.	Repetition for emphasis, highlighting the profound negative impact and significance of the event.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Paradox	The contrast between fame and intense personal suffering; being known for the lowest point of one’s life.
	Focalization/Foreshadowing	The narrative focuses on this singular, defining event, foreshadowing its importance and the subsequent revelation of its details.
	Repetition	“The worst thing” is repeated to underscore its significance to the character.

 

Passage Chunk 3:

“That was how he thought of her now – the most beautiful woman he would ever see – and he could not remember her face. Not at will, anyway. He could only remember it when he wasn’t thinking of it, and then it would rise up before him, dim and fragile, like the image of a face on glass.”

Explanation of Chunk 3:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section focuses on the old man’s memory of the woman, emphasizing her perceived supreme beauty and the peculiar, involuntary nature of his ability to recall her face—it appears unexpectedly and elusively.
• Role of this Chunk: It deepens the mystery surrounding the woman and highlights the nature of traumatic memory – fragmented, uncontrollable, yet profoundly impactful.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Melancholic, Ethereal, Mystified. There’s a sadness in his inability to recall her at will, and the description of the memory is dreamlike and delicate. His own memory mystifies him.
Vocabulary	Fragile	Easily broken or damaged; delicate. Stress: Describes the tenuous and delicate quality of his visual memory of her, emphasizing its elusiveness.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Simile	“dim and fragile, like the image of a face on glass.” This compares his memory to a delicate, possibly transparent or easily shattered image, emphasizing its insubstantiality and preciousness.
	Nature of Memory	Explores how memory, especially traumatic memory, can be involuntary and fragmented rather than a clear, controllable recall.
	Subjectivity	Her description as “the most beautiful woman he would ever see” is his personal, subjective perception, intensified by the circumstances.

 

Passage Chunk 4:

“He had been a doctor for just long enough to know that there was nothing he could do for her. Her leg had been cut off by a train, and she had been left to die. She had been a British officer’s wife and had been travelling in the company of her husband. The Japanese had executed him, and then left her as a warning to other Europeans. The doctor had come across her crawling in the mud beside the track, and had seen that her wound was infected and that she had no hope. He had given her some water and then had covered her in leaves to give her what dignity he could. When he had come back the next day, she was still alive, and he had given her more water, and then had gone back to his work. When he had come back the next day, she was dead.”

Explanation of Chunk 4:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section brutally details the circumstances of the woman: her horrific injury, the execution of her husband by the Japanese, her abandonment as a “warning,” and the doctor’s agonizing helplessness despite his medical knowledge. He could only offer her minimal comfort and dignity in her final hours.
• Role of this Chunk: It reveals the core traumatic event – “the worst thing” – grounding the preceding mystery in a concrete, horrifying scenario of wartime atrocity and personal limitation.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Grim, Stark, Tragic, Helpless. The description of events is direct and unsparing. The doctor’s inability to save her contributes to a profound sense of tragedy and helplessness.
Vocabulary	Dignity	The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. Stress: Highlights the doctor’s attempt to offer a small measure of humanity and respect to the dying woman in an inhumane situation.
Historical/Contextual Terms	“left her as a warning”	Refers to the brutal tactics used by occupying forces to intimidate and control populations. Stress: Underscores the deliberate cruelty of the Japanese soldiers’ actions.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Juxtaposition	The doctor’s medical knowledge is juxtaposed with his utter inability to apply it effectively in this situation.
	Brutal Realism	The passage does not shy away from the horrific details of the woman’s injury and the circumstances of her death.
	Small Acts of Kindness	The act of giving water and covering her with leaves stands out as a small but significant gesture of compassion amid overwhelming brutality.

 

Passage Chunk 5:

“He had thought of her every day since then. Every day of his life. He had been faithful to his wife – who had died of cancer only a few years before – and he had never been able to explain to her why he had never been able to forget this woman. When he had tried, he had found he could not speak of it. Not to her, not to anyone. He had simply lived with it, and how it had come to define him.”

Explanation of Chunk 5:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section emphasizes the profound and enduring impact of the encounter with the dying woman on the doctor’s entire life. He thought of her daily, yet was unable to articulate this consuming memory or its significance, even to his own wife, allowing it to silently shape his identity.
• Role of this Chunk: It illustrates the long-term psychological consequences of trauma, the isolation it can create, and how a single event can become a defining element of one’s existence.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Reflective, Somber, Resigned. The doctor reflects on the persistent memory with a sense of sadness and resignation to its inescapable presence in his life.
Vocabulary	Define	To state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of; in this context, to characterize or shape the essential nature of. Stress: Shows how this memory became central to his identity.
Stress Words/Phrases	Every day…	Repetition emphasizes the constancy and inescapability of the memory.
	Not to her, not to anyone.	Highlights his profound isolation in this experience, unable to share his deepest trauma.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Internal Conflict	His faithfulness to his wife contrasts with this other, unexplainable, consuming memory, creating an internal tension.
	Incommunicability of Trauma	The difficulty or impossibility of conveying the depth and nature of profound traumatic experiences to others who have not shared them.
	Enduring Impact of Trauma	Shows how a traumatic event from decades past continues to shape the protagonist’s present.

 

Passage Chunk 6:

“And he had never been able to understand why this woman had so affected him, why she had so consumed him. He had never been able to find the words to describe what it was about her that had so haunted him.”

Explanation of Chunk 6:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: Despite the daily intrusion of her memory, the old man remained perplexed by the sheer intensity of the woman’s impact on him and his inability to articulate the specific reasons for his enduring obsession.
• Role of this Chunk: It underscores the man’s internal struggle for understanding and the elusive nature of the memory’s power over him, setting the stage for the later revelation.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Bewildered, Searching, Frustrated. The repetition of “never been able to understand” and “never been able to find the words” conveys his ongoing confusion and frustration.
Vocabulary	Consumed	(Of a feeling) to absorb all of the attention and energy of (someone). Stress: Indicates the overwhelming and all-encompassing nature of her memory in his life.
	Haunted	(Of a ghost) to manifest itself at (a place) regularly; (of a memory or thought) to preoccupy or disturb (someone) persistently. Stress: Emphasizes the persistent, troubling, and inescapable nature of her memory.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Psychological Exploration	Delves into the protagonist’s internal state, focusing on his lack of comprehension regarding his own deep-seated reactions.
	The Unspeakable	Reinforces the idea that some profound experiences or emotions defy easy verbal expression.

 

Passage Chunk 7 & 8:

“But then, one day, when he was an old man, he received a letter from someone who had been there, and who knew what had happened. And suddenly everything was clear.

It was the way she had looked at him when she died.”

Explanation of Chunks 7 & 8:

• Main Idea of these Chunks: In his old age, a letter from someone present at the event provides a catalyst that brings sudden clarity to the doctor’s lifelong haunting. The final, stark revelation is that the profound impact stemmed from the specific way the dying woman had looked at him in her final moments.
• Role of these Chunks: They provide the climax and resolution to the central mystery of the passage. The letter acts as a deus ex machina (or rather, an external confirmation) that unlocks his understanding, and the final line delivers the poignant explanation for his decades of being consumed by this memory.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Revelatory, Climactic, Profound, Poignant. There’s a shift from confusion to sudden clarity. The final statement is delivered with a quiet but immense emotional weight.
Vocabulary	Suddenly	Quickly and unexpectedly. Stress: Emphasizes the abruptness and completeness of the understanding that dawns upon him after receiving the letter.
Literary/Thematic Elements	Climax/Resolution	The arrival of the letter and the subsequent realization form the peak of the narrative tension and provide an answer to the long-standing question of why she haunted him.
	Epiphany	The old man experiences a sudden moment of profound insight or understanding.
	Significance of Human Connection	The final line suggests that a fleeting moment of profound, non-verbal human connection or acknowledgment in the face of death was the core of the experience.
	Understated Power	The explanation, when it comes, is simple and brief, yet carries immense emotional depth.

 

Passage Questions with Types and Answers:

1. Question Type: Factual Recall/Detail
   Question: According to the passage, the old man’s work as slave labour during the war was primarily in:
   (a) The Mitsubishi shipyards in Nagasaki.
   (b) The coal mines near the Burma-Thailand railway.
   (c) Building bridges on the Malay Peninsula.
   (d) A munitions factory in Singapore.
   Answer: (a) The Mitsubishi shipyards in Nagasaki.
2. Question Type: Inference / Character Analysis
   Question: What does the phrase “He had come to think of his entire life as a prelude to it” (Paragraph 2) imply about the old man’s perspective?
   (a) He believed his earlier life was insignificant compared to that defining event.
   (b) He felt his life was a carefully planned sequence leading to a positive outcome.
   (c) He viewed his early experiences as training for his later fame.
   (d) He considered all events before the war as unimportant.
   Answer: (a) He believed his earlier life was insignificant compared to that defining event.
3. Question Type: Inference
   Question: The passage states the old man “could not remember her face… Not at will, anyway.” This suggests that his memory of the woman was:
   (a) Completely erased due to trauma.
   (b) Involuntary and perhaps triggered by specific, unstated cues.
   (c) Deliberately suppressed because it was too painful.
   (d) Fading progressively with old age.
   Answer: (b) Involuntary and perhaps triggered by specific, unstated cues.
4. Question Type: Factual Recall/Detail
   Question: What was the primary reason the doctor was unable to provide significant medical help to the British officer’s wife?
   (a) He lacked the necessary medical supplies.
   (b) The Japanese soldiers prevented him from offering aid.
   (c) Her injuries were too severe, and her situation was hopeless.
   (d) He was too afraid of the repercussions from the Japanese.
   Answer: (c) Her injuries were too severe, and her situation was hopeless.
5. Question Type: Figurative Language/Literary Device
   Question: The author uses the simile “dim and fragile, like the image of a face on glass” (Paragraph 3) primarily to convey:
   (a) The woman’s physical weakness when he found her.
   (b) The ethereal and elusive nature of the doctor’s memory of her face.
   (c) The doctor’s fear that his memory of her would break.
   (d) The poor quality of mirrors available during the war.
   Answer: (b) The ethereal and elusive nature of the doctor’s memory of her face.
6. Question Type: Inference
   Question: What can be inferred about the Japanese soldiers’ treatment of the British officer’s wife?
   (a) They offered her medical assistance after her husband’s execution.
   (b) They intended her suffering to serve as a deterrent to other Europeans.
   (c) They were unaware of her injuries after the train accident.
   (d) They transported her to a makeshift hospital but she died en route.
   Answer: (b) They intended her suffering to serve as a deterrent to other Europeans.
7. Question Type: Inference / Character Analysis
   Question: The old man’s inability to explain his feelings about the woman to his wife (Paragraph 5) most likely stemmed from:
   (a) His fear of his wife’s jealousy or misunderstanding.
   (b) The profound and incommunicable nature of his traumatic experience.
   (c) A desire to protect his wife from the horrifying details.
   (d) A lack of love or trust in his relationship with his wife.
   Answer: (b) The profound and incommunicable nature of his traumatic experience.
8. Question Type: Vocabulary in Context
   Question: The word “consumed” in the sentence “why she had so consumed him” (Paragraph 6) most nearly means:
   (a) Angered
   (b) Nourished
   (c) Engrossed or obsessed
   (d) Destroyed
   Answer: (c) Engrossed or obsessed
9. Question Type: Literary Device (Irony) / Main Idea (of the paragraph’s core point)
   Question: What is the central irony presented in the second paragraph of the passage?
   (a) He was a doctor who couldn’t save the most significant patient in his life.
   (b) He became famous for an event that was personally devastating and traumatic.
   (c) He was a POW for years but was most affected by a brief encounter.
   (d) He was sent to stop the Japanese advance but was captured instead.
   Answer: (b) He became famous for an event that was personally devastating and traumatic.
10. Question Type: Author’s Purpose / Plot Device Function
    Question: The letter the old man received in his old age (Paragraph 7) served primarily to:
    (a) Inform him of the woman’s identity and family.
    (b) Offer him financial compensation for his suffering.
    (c) Provide external validation and clarity regarding his haunting memory.
    (d) Accuse him of negligence in his treatment of the woman.
    Answer: (c) Provide external validation and clarity regarding his haunting memory.
11. Question Type: Inference / Drawing Conclusion
    Question: The final sentence, “It was the way she had looked at him when she died,” suggests that the defining aspect of the encounter for the doctor was:
    (a) Her physical beauty even in death.
    (b) A profound, unspoken human connection or acknowledgement in her final moments.
    (c) His guilt over not being able to do more for her.
    (d) Her silent plea for help that he could not answer.
    Answer: (b) A profound, unspoken human connection or acknowledgement in her final moments.
12. Question Type: Tone/Attitude
    Question: What is the predominant tone of the passage when describing the old man’s internal reflections on the woman?
    (a) Angry and resentful
    (b) Detached and analytical
    (c) Hauntingly melancholic and bewildered
    (d) Nostalgic and romantic
    Answer: (c) Hauntingly melancholic and bewildered
13. Question Type: Passage Structure/Emphasis
    Question: Which of the following aspects of the old man’s life is LEAST emphasized in the passage?
    (a) His experiences as a prisoner of war.
    (b) His relationship with his deceased wife.
    (c) His medical career before the war.
    (d) The lasting impact of his encounter with the British officer’s wife.
    Answer: (c) His medical career before the war.
14. Question Type: Author’s Purpose / Main Idea (Overall)
    Question: The author’s primary purpose in this passage appears to be:
    (a) To provide a detailed historical account of the Burma-Thailand railway.
    (b) To explore the complex and enduring nature of trauma and memory.
    (c) To celebrate the heroism of Australian soldiers during World War II.
    (d) To critique the Japanese army’s wartime atrocities.
    Answer: (b) To explore the complex and enduring nature of trauma and memory.
15. Question Type: Inference / Drawing Conclusion
    Question: If the old man had never received the letter, the passage suggests he would most likely have:
    (a) Eventually forgotten about the woman as he aged.
    (b) Found another way to understand his feelings about her.
    (c) Continued to live with the unresolved and consuming mystery of her impact on him.
    (d) Written a book about his experiences to find closure.
    Answer: (c) Continued to live with the unresolved and consuming mystery of her impact on him.

 

Passage 7

“The Liverpool Merchant, a ship of 450 tons, lay at anchor in the River Mersey. She was a ship of good construction, built for the trade of the West Indies, with a high poop and forecastle, and a waist amidships of unusual breadth. She had been fitted out for her present voyage with a cramped and stinking slave deck, and with iron bars, manacles, and padlocks for the human cargo she was to carry. The ship was owned by Erasmus Kemp, a wealthy merchant and slave trader, and was captained by his cousin, William Kemp, a man who had risen from obscurity to become a master of ships. The Liverpool Merchant was one of many ships that plied the infamous triangular trade route, carrying manufactured goods to Africa, slaves to the West Indies and America, and raw materials back to Europe. The slave trade was a lucrative business that fueled the growth of the British economy, but it was also a brutal and dehumanizing practice that destroyed countless lives. As the Liverpool Merchant set sail from Liverpool on a hot August day in 1752, the crew and passengers were filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. They were embarking on a voyage that would take them across the Atlantic to the coast of Africa, where they would purchase human beings from local traders, and then transport them across the ocean to the sugar plantations of Jamaica. For the slaves who were to be crammed into the dark and filthy hold of the Liverpool Merchant, however, the voyage would be a nightmare of pain, suffering, and despair. They would be torn from their homes, families, and cultures, and forced to endure months of confinement, disease, and brutality before being sold into a lifetime of slavery. The Liverpool Merchant was a symbol of the inhumanity and cruelty of the slave trade, and of the moral and psychological corruption that it inflicted on those involved. It was a voyage that would change the lives of everyone on board, and that would leave a lasting legacy of pain and injustice.”
Reference: Unsworth, Barry. Sacred Hunger. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1992.

Passage Context: This passage is an excerpt describing a slave ship, “The Liverpool Merchant,” and setting the scene for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. The reference is to Barry Unsworth’s novel “Sacred Hunger.”

Passage Chunk 1:

“The Liverpool Merchant, a ship of 450 tons, lay at anchor in the River Mersey. She was a ship of good construction, built for the trade of the West Indies, with a high poop and forecastle, and a waist amidships of unusual breadth. She had been fitted out for her present voyage with a cramped and stinking slave deck, and with iron bars, manacles, and padlocks for the human cargo she was to carry. The ship was owned by Erasmus Kemp, a wealthy merchant and slave trader, and was captained by his cousin, William Kemp, a man who had risen from obscurity to become a master of ships.”

Explanation of Chunk 1:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section introduces “The Liverpool Merchant,” describing its physical characteristics, its sinister modifications for transporting enslaved people, and key individuals associated with it (owner and captain).
• Role of this Chunk: It sets the scene by introducing the primary vessel of the narrative and immediately establishes the grim nature of its upcoming voyage and its involvement in the slave trade.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Factual, Descriptive, Ominous. The description is largely objective but terms like “cramped and stinking slave deck” and “human cargo” introduce a dark, foreboding atmosphere.
Vocabulary	Poop (deck)	The stern (rear area) of a ship, or a raised deck at the stern. Stress: Part of the ship’s specific construction details.
	Forecastle	A raised deck at the bow (front part) of a ship. Stress: Another detail of the ship’s construction.
	Amidships	In or toward the middle of a ship. Stress: Describes the location of the ship’s broad waist.
	Manacles	Metal bands, chains, or shackles for fastening someone’s hands or ankles. Stress: Directly indicates the tools of enslavement and control.
	Obscurity	The state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or unimportant. Stress: Highlights William Kemp’s rise in status, possibly through morally questionable means.
Historical/Contextual Terms	Slave deck	A specially constructed or modified deck on a ship designed to hold enslaved people in extremely cramped and inhumane conditions during the Middle Passage. Stress: Central to the ship’s horrifying purpose.
	Human cargo	A term used to refer to enslaved people transported by slave ships, highlighting their dehumanization and treatment as mere goods. Stress: Emphasizes the brutal commodification of human beings.
	Slave trader	A person involved in the business of buying and selling human beings as slaves. Stress: Identifies the profession of the ship’s owner, central to the theme.
	West Indies (trade)	Refers to the Caribbean islands. The trade mentioned here is heavily linked to the slave trade and plantation economies. Stress: Establishes the ship’s intended route and economic context.

Passage Chunk 2:

“The Liverpool Merchant was one of many ships that plied the infamous triangular trade route, carrying manufactured goods to Africa, slaves to the West Indies and America, and raw materials back to Europe. The slave trade was a lucrative business that fueled the growth of the British economy, but it was also a brutal and dehumanizing practice that destroyed countless lives.”

Explanation of Chunk 2:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section places “The Liverpool Merchant” within the broader context of the triangular trade, acknowledging the economic benefits for Britain while simultaneously condemning the slave trade as a brutal and dehumanizing system.
• Role of this Chunk: It provides essential historical and economic background, explaining the system in which the ship operated and presenting the moral paradox of the slave trade.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Informative, Critical, Contrasting. It explains the mechanics of the trade route but uses strong negative language (“infamous,” “brutal and dehumanizing”) to critique it.
Vocabulary	Plied	Traveled regularly over a route, typically for commercial purposes. Stress: Indicates the routine nature of these voyages for ships like the Liverpool Merchant.
	Infamous	Well known for some bad quality or deed. Stress: Immediately characterizes the trade route negatively.
	Lucrative	Producing a great deal of profit. Stress: Explains the economic motivation behind the slave trade, despite its immorality.
	Dehumanizing	Depriving a person or group of positive human qualities; treating them as less than human. Stress: A key term describing the impact of slavery on its victims.
Historical/Contextual Terms	Triangular trade route	The historical trading route between three regions, typically Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of goods, and centrally, enslaved Africans. Stress: The specific system the ship was part of.
Stress Words	but it was also	Signals a contrast between the economic aspect (“lucrative”) and the moral reality (“brutal and dehumanizing”). Stress: Emphasizes the duality and moral conflict.

Passage Chunk 3:

“As the Liverpool Merchant set sail from Liverpool on a hot August day in 1752, the crew and passengers were filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. They were embarking on a voyage that would take them across the Atlantic to the coast of Africa, where they would purchase human beings from local traders, and then transport them across the ocean to the sugar plantations of Jamaica.”

Explanation of Chunk 3:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section describes the departure of the ship, focusing on the positive emotions of the crew and passengers, starkly contrasting with the true nature of their mission – to buy and transport human beings for enslavement.
• Role of this Chunk: It highlights the chilling normalcy and even positive anticipation associated with the slave voyage from the perspective of those who profited from it or participated willingly, setting up a dramatic contrast with the experience of the enslaved.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Narrative, Ironic (unintentional from characters’ view, intentional from author’s), Ominous. The “excitement” is deeply ironic given the cargo. An underlying sense of dread.
Vocabulary	Anticipation	A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen. Stress: Highlights the crew’s mindset, contrasting sharply with the fate of the enslaved.
	Embarking	Beginning (a course of action, especially one that is important or demanding). Stress: Signifies the start of this fateful journey.
Historical/Contextual Terms	Purchase human beings	A blunt and factual statement of the commercial transaction involving enslaved people, underscoring the commodification. Stress: Reveals the horrifying core of the mission.
	Sugar plantations	Large agricultural estates in tropical or subtropical regions, historically reliant on enslaved labor for the cultivation of sugarcane. Stress: The destination and purpose of enslavement.

Passage Chunk 4:

“For the slaves who were to be crammed into the dark and filthy hold of the Liverpool Merchant, however, the voyage would be a nightmare of pain, suffering, and despair. They would be torn from their homes, families, and cultures, and forced to endure months of confinement, disease, and brutality before being sold into a lifetime of slavery.”

Explanation of Chunk 4:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section shifts focus dramatically to the perspective of the enslaved Africans, detailing the horrific conditions and profound suffering they would endure during the voyage (the Middle Passage).
• Role of this Chunk: It serves as a powerful and direct counterpoint to the previous chunk, exposing the true human cost and horror of the slave trade that was masked by the “excitement” of the crew.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Empathetic, Horrifying, Condemnatory, Grim. The language vividly portrays the suffering and injustice faced by the enslaved.
Vocabulary	Crammed	Forced into a space that is too small. Stress: Emphasizes the inhumane overcrowding on the slave deck.
	Filthy hold	The dirty, squalid interior part of the ship where the enslaved were kept. Stress: Highlights the unsanitary and disease-ridden conditions.
	Nightmare	A frightening or unpleasant dream; metaphorically, an extremely unpleasant or terrifying experience. Stress: Encapsulates the entirety of the enslaved’s experience on the voyage.
	Despair	The complete loss or absence of hope. Stress: Describes the profound psychological suffering.
	Torn	Violently pulled or ripped apart. Stress: Emphasizes the traumatic separation from their lives and communities.
	Confinement	The state of being kept in a small space. Stress: A key aspect of their physical suffering and lack of freedom.
	Brutality	Savage physical violence; great cruelty. Stress: Points to the physical abuse and harsh treatment endured.
Stress Words	However	Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously. Stress: Marks the crucial shift in perspective to the slaves.

Passage Chunk 5:

“The Liverpool Merchant was a symbol of the inhumanity and cruelty of the slave trade, and of the moral and psychological corruption that it inflicted on those involved. It was a voyage that would change the lives of everyone on board, and that would leave a lasting legacy of pain and injustice.”

Explanation of Chunk 5:

• Main Idea of this Chunk: This section concludes by positioning “The Liverpool Merchant” not just as a ship, but as a potent symbol of the slave trade’s inherent cruelty, its corrupting influence on participants, and its enduring, devastating consequences.
• Role of this Chunk: It provides a final, damning summary of the slave trade’s impact, elevating the specific story of the ship to represent a broader historical atrocity and its profound moral implications.

Category	Word/Phrase from Chunk	Explanation
Tone		Reflective, Condemnatory, Somber, Conclusive. The language is strong in its moral judgment and reflects on the wide-ranging and lasting damage of the slave trade.
Vocabulary	Symbol	A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. Stress: Elevates the ship beyond its physical form.
	Inhumanity	Extremely cruel and brutal behavior. Stress: A core characteristic attributed to the slave trade.
	Cruelty	Behavior that causes physical or mental harm to another, especially a deliberate infliction of pain. Stress: Reinforces the brutality of the system.
	Moral and psychological corruption	The process by which a person’s or group’s integrity, values, or mental state is damaged or spoiled. Stress: Highlights the damaging effect on the perpetrators too.
	Inflicted	Caused (something unpleasant or painful) to be suffered by someone or something. Stress: Emphasizes the active harm caused by the trade.
Stress Words	Lasting legacy of pain and injustice	A powerful concluding phrase emphasizing the long-term, detrimental consequences of the slave trade. Stress: Broadens the impact beyond the immediate voyage.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that COVID-19 continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern, its highest form of alert. The pandemic was likely at a “transition point” that continues to need careful management, the agency added. It’s three years since the WHO first declared that COVID represented a global health emergency. More than 6.8 million people have died during the outbreak, which has affected every country on Earth, ravaging communities and economies. The availability of vaccines and new treatments has changed the pandemic situation considerably since 2020. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says he hopes to see an end to the emergency this year. “We remain CLAT POINT 9 hopeful that in the coming year, the world will transition to a new phase in which we reduce (COVID) hospitalizations and deaths to their lowest possible level,” he said. It comes as China’s National Health Commission says “the overall epidemic situation in the country has entered a low level, and the epidemic situation in various places has maintained a steady downward trend”. There had been fears that Lunar New Year travel would trigger a wave of infections in rural areas less equipped to deal with them. The world is not prepared for future pandemics, according to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). In its World Disasters Report 2022, the IFRC says “all countries remain dangerously unprepared for future outbreaks,” despite COVID-19 killing more people than any earthquake, drought or hurricane in history. The report says that countries should review their legislation to ensure it is in line with their pandemic preparedness plans by the end of 2023. It says they should also adopt a new treaty and revised International Health Regulations by next year that would invest more in the readiness of local communities. “The next pandemic could be just around the corner. If the experience of COVID-19 won’t quicken our steps toward preparedness, what will?” said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General of the IFRC, which is the world’s largest disaster response network. He added that, “there will be no excuse for a continued lack of preparedness after having gone through three terrible years.” The IFRC also recommends that countries increase domestic health finance by 1% of gross domestic product and global health finance by at least $15 billion per year, which Chapagain described as a “good investment to make”. “The important thing is there has to be a political will to commit to that,” he said. “If it is there, it’s possible.”