Pride and Prejudice
Companion Test Book Sample Volume 2 of 2
WordPairTest
Vocabulary and Reading Tests
A Companion to the Word Pair Edition of
Pride and Prejudice
Volume 2 of 2 — Chapters 31–61
by
Minghua Li
Published by
Word Pair Publishing, LLC
Copyright
Copyright © 2026 by Minghua Li
All rights reserved with respect to the original vocabulary and reading comprehension questions, answer choices, explanations, test designs, and other original editorial material in this edition. No part of such copyrighted material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except as permitted by applicable copyright law.
This book contains extensive excerpts from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, a work in the public domain. No copyright is claimed in the original text of these excerpts.
This book is part of the WordPairTest series and is designed as a companion to the Word Pair Edition of Pride and Prejudice. It provides vocabulary and reading comprehension tests to enhance reading and vocabulary learning through the original literary text.
Published by Word Pair Publishing, LLC
For permissions and inquiries, please contact:
Minghua Li
wordpairbooks@gmail.com
First edition: October 2026
This edition: Volume 2 of 2 — Chapters 31–61
Contents
Volume 2 of 2 (Chapters 31–61)
User’s Guide
This is Volume 2 of 2, covering Chapters 31–61. Together, the two volumes provide vocabulary and reading comprehension tests for all 61 chapters of Pride and Prejudice.
This book is one volume in the WordPairTest Series. The series is designed to be used together with the Word Pair Editions of classic literature, with each test book accompanying a corresponding Word Pair Edition. All vocabulary test sentences and reading comprehension passages are extracted directly from the original text of the corresponding classic. Every chapter is paired with two targeted tests: one on vocabulary and one on reading comprehension.
Unlike most standard test preparation materials, this book is not designed to "teach to the test." Instead, it uses some standard reading and vocabulary test formats as tools to help you understand the corresponding classic more deeply, strengthen your vocabulary, and sharpen your reading comprehension while you are reading it.
Who is this book for?
This book is for you if you encounter many new words and some difficult sentences while reading the original classic book, yet are determined to take advantage of this classic literature to boost your vocabulary and reading comprehension through enjoyable and meaningful reading.
You do not need this book if you find that the original text contains only a few unfamiliar words and you can understand the story without difficulty.
Word Pair Editions in the Series
Companion WordPairTest books are currently available for some of the following Word Pair Editions, while others are in preparation:
• Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
• A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
• A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway
• Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
• The Call of the Wild, by Jack London
• The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
• The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
As additional Word Pair Editions are published, companion WordPairTest books will be added to the series.
Purpose of the Series
The WordPairTest Series is an integrated reading tool for readers who have difficulty reading classic literature and are determined to spend a bit more time to overcome those difficulties. It is designed to become part of the reading process, helping readers understand difficult words and sentences, check their understanding, identify misunderstandings, and decide whether additional work is needed before continuing.
Most test preparation materials are based on isolated passages selected from many different works of literature. They are valuable for standardized test preparation, but they are not designed to be used as part of reading a particular classic. Their use is separate from the reading process itself.
The WordPairTest Series takes a different approach. Each test book is designed to accompany one corresponding Word Pair Edition. Instead of being used before or after reading, the tests are used during the reading process. They become part of your reading, helping you learn and review vocabulary, understand difficult sentences, monitor your reading comprehension, and identify misunderstandings as you work through the book.
I have long believed that students should strengthen their vocabulary and reading comprehension through enjoyable reading, rather than spending a long time studying merely for the sake of taking standardized tests. My hope is that, by working through classic literature in this way, readers will naturally develop the language ability that standardized tests measure. Any improvement in standardized test performance is therefore a result of stronger language ability, not the direct purpose of this series.
Above all, the purpose of this series is to help you decide how to continue reading. If you are doing well on the tests, you may simply continue with your current reading strategy. If not, the results will help you identify the vocabulary, sentences, or passages that need more attention before moving on.
The structure of the book
Across the two volumes, for every chapter of Pride and Prejudice, you will find two standard-test-style practice tests. There are 61 chapters, including Chapter 43, which is divided into Parts 1 and 2 in the Word Pair Edition.
Test 1: Craft and Structure — Vocabulary in Context. For each chapter, the test begins with Word List Extraction and Sentence Match, followed by multiple-choice vocabulary questions. The words are selected mainly from the Should-Remember Words in the corresponding chapter of the Word Pair Edition, with a smaller number from Read-and-Go Words. Most chapters contain ten vocabulary questions; Chapter 43 contains twenty because its two annotated parts have separate lists. For each tested word, you will find an original sentence from the chapter, with the word enclosed in ordinary parentheses, such as (design), without highlighting or other emphasis. Each question asks, “As used in the sentence, ‘[word]’ most nearly means:” and provides four answer choices, following the standard “Words in Context” question format.
Test 2: Information and Ideas — Reading Comprehension and Analysis. For each chapter, the test includes ten reading comprehension questions. The passages are taken verbatim from the chapter and vary in length. The extracts are labeled simply Passage 1 through Passage 10, without length classifications or word counts. Each passage is followed by a multiple-choice question that tests skills such as identifying the main idea, analyzing the function of a passage, making inferences, and citing textual evidence. The tests are designed not only to measure your reading comprehension, but also to enhance it as you work through the book.
Answer Keys and Explanations. Each Test 1 and Test 2 includes an answer key presented in a single line. Explanations are provided only for Test 2. Read them carefully whenever you are uncertain about a question or answer it incorrectly. If you answer a question correctly and understand why it is correct, you do not need to spend extra time reviewing the explanation.
How to work on the new words in each chapter
At the beginning of each chapter in the Word Pair Edition, you will find Should-Remember Words and Read-and-Go Words. Work on the Should-Remember Words before reading the chapter.
1. Use the Triple Action Routine whenever you encounter a new word that is likely to be useful in the future. For each word, look at it, read it aloud, and write it down several times. Use an online dictionary with audio to check its pronunciation, and repeat the word until you can pronounce it confidently. As you write the word, pay attention to its sound rather than simply memorizing its spelling. The goal is to remember the word by its sound and reproduce its spelling from its pronunciation. After working through the list, review all the words to make sure you can pronounce each one and recall its general meaning.
2. Read the chapter in the Word Pair Edition. As you read, you will encounter the Should-Remember Words in their original contexts.
3. After finishing the chapter, begin Test 1: Craft and Structure — Vocabulary in Context. First review Word List Extraction, which contains the tested words selected mainly from the chapter’s Should-Remember Words and some Read-and-Go Words. Next complete Sentence Match to see each tested word in its original context. Then complete the vocabulary questions as quickly as you can and check your answers. Spend extra time reviewing any words you answer incorrectly.
4. Complete Test 2: Reading Comprehension and Analysis to check your understanding of the chapter.
5. After completing several chapters, review all the new words from those chapters together to strengthen your long-term memory.
6. After finishing the entire book, review the complete set of new words you have learned.
How to Work on Test 2: Information and Ideas — Reading Comprehension and Analysis
1. After reading the chapter and completing Test 1, move on to Test 2. This is the time to check how well you understand the chapter.
2. Check the explanations only for the questions you answered incorrectly. If you find parts of the chapter difficult to understand, use the explanations to identify the source of the difficulty and then return to the corresponding passages. Reread them until you understand them. In this way, Test 2 becomes part of your reading process, helping you confirm your understanding and improve your reading comprehension before moving on.
A Note on the Design: With the Assistance of AI
This book was created using a hybrid approach, integrating human editorial direction with the speed and analytical power of artificial intelligence. As the author, I designed the pedagogical structure, the specific format, and the instructional depth of the tests. The AI served as a sophisticated tool to execute this design at scale.
For Test 1: Vocabulary in Context, I provided the AI with the curated vocabulary lists for the chapters, including Should-Remember Words and selected Read-and-Go Words. The AI’s process was as follows:
1. It executed a string search within each chapter’s text to locate and extract the precise sentence where each target word appeared, ensuring perfect contextual accuracy.
2. It then performed a semantic analysis of the word within that context to generate one correct synonym for the multiple-choice question.
3. Finally, it generated three plausible but incorrect “distractors” by analyzing the target word’s broader semantic field, including alternate definitions, related concepts, or antonyms.
For Test 2: Reading Comprehension, a more complex workflow was required:
1. The AI first parsed and segmented the full text of each chapter, identifying a pool of self-contained passages suitable for analysis.
2. This pool was algorithmically filtered to include three short, four medium, and three long passages for each chapter, for variation in passage lengths.
3. For each passage, the AI generated a question mapped to a specific reading skill, such as identifying the main purpose, making an inference, or determining a phrase’s function.
4. It then generated a correct answer that was explicitly supported by textual evidence, followed by the generation of common distractor types.
5. Finally, it synthesized the detailed explanations by quoting the precise textual evidence that proved the correct answer and systematically disproved the incorrect ones.
There are many advantages to leveraging AI for a project of this magnitude, including speed, the reduction of minor human errors, and a consistent format across all chapters. However, working with current AI models also presents unique challenges. One major concern is the tendency for models to deviate from complex instructions or “hallucinate” incorrect information based on corrupted data. When I identified such an error, the AI would apologize, yet often repeat the mistake due to a flaw in its underlying process.
To assure quality, the Pride and Prejudice manuscript has undergone structural, text-extraction, answer-key, and formatting checks, as well as editorial revisions. Nevertheless, just as with tests crafted entirely by human experts, some hidden errors may still remain. If you find an answer that seems incorrect, please do not blindly trust it. I encourage you to use it as an opportunity for further check-up or to simply skip the item. You are also welcome to email me with your findings.
Final note
Again, this is not a test-preparation book. Its purpose is to help you learn vocabulary and enhance comprehension while reading and enjoying the classic. In this way, reading becomes both a source of knowledge and an engaging, pleasurable experience—helping you prepare for exams while also enriching your understanding of classic literature.
In the future, you will be able to find more classic books adapted with the Word Pair technique, and their companions—WordPairTest based on the original texts of the classics. They will be searchable on Amazon.com with key words like “Word Pair” or “Word Pair Edition” or “WordPairTest.”
I truly welcome your feedback, questions, and ideas. You can reach me at: wordpairbooks@gmail.com
WordPairTest Vocabulary and Reading Test: Chapter 31
Test 1: Craft and Structure - Vocabulary in Context
Word List Extraction: dreadful, amiss, stubbornness, retaliate, engrossed, deliberation, professing, execution, scruple, rapidity.
Sentence Match:
1. dreadful: “You shall hear, then—but prepare for something very (dreadful).
2. amiss: “Miss Bennet would not play at all (amiss) if she practised more, and could have the advantage of a London master.
3. stubbornness: There is a (stubbornness) about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others.
4. retaliate: Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it is very ungenerous in you to mention all that you knew to my disadvantage in Hertfordshire—and, give me leave to say, very impolitic too—for it is provoking me to (retaliate), and such things may come out as will shock your relations to hear.”
5. engrossed: Her Ladyship received them civilly, but it was plain that their company was by no means so acceptable as when she could get nobody else; and she was, in fact, almost (engrossed) by her nephews, speaking to them, especially to Darcy, much more than to any other person in the room.
6. deliberation: Lady Catherine listened to half a song, and then talked, as before, to her other nephew; till the latter walked away from her, and moving with his usual (deliberation) towards the pianoforte, stationed himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer’s countenance.
7. professing: “I shall not say that you are mistaken,” he replied, “because you could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming you; and I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know, that you find great enjoyment in occasionally (professing) opinions which, in fact, are not your own.”
8. execution: It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman’s of superior (execution).”
9. scruple: is eyes had been soon and repeatedly turned towards them with a look of curiosity; and that her Ladyship, after a while, shared the feeling, was more openly acknowledged, for she did not (scruple) to call out,—
10. rapidity: They have not the same force or (rapidity), and do not produce the same expression.
Directions: The following questions are based on excerpts from Chapter 31 of Pride and Prejudice. For each question, choose the best answer from the options provided.
1. “You shall hear, then—but prepare for something very (dreadful).
As used in the sentence, "dreadful" most nearly means:
A) boring
B) wonderful
C) complicated
D) terrible
2. “Miss Bennet would not play at all (amiss) if she practised more, and could have the advantage of a London master.
As used in the sentence, "amiss" most nearly means:
A) loudly
B) wrongly
C) skillfully
D) frequently
3. There is a (stubbornness) about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others.
As used in the sentence, "stubbornness" most nearly means:
A) flexibility
B) obstinacy
C) shyness
D) fearfulness
4. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it is very ungenerous in you to mention all that you knew to my disadvantage in Hertfordshire—and, give me leave to say, very impolitic too—for it is provoking me to (retaliate), and such things may come out as will shock your relations to hear.”
As used in the sentence, "retaliate" most nearly means:
A) agree
B) surrender
C) get back at
D) apologize
5. Her Ladyship received them civilly, but it was plain that their company was by no means so acceptable as when she could get nobody else; and she was, in fact, almost (engrossed) by her nephews, speaking to them, especially to Darcy, much more than to any other person in the room.
As used in the sentence, "engrossed" most nearly means:
A) ignored
B) confused
C) annoyed
D) absorbed
6. Lady Catherine listened to half a song, and then talked, as before, to her other nephew; till the latter walked away from her, and moving with his usual (deliberation) towards the pianoforte, stationed himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer’s countenance.
As used in the sentence, "deliberation" most nearly means:
A) joyful excitement
B) great speed
C) awkwardness
D) careful thought
7. “I shall not say that you are mistaken,” he replied, “because you could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming you; and I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know, that you find great enjoyment in occasionally (professing) opinions which, in fact, are not your own.”
As used in the sentence, "professing" most nearly means:
A) questioning
B) stating
C) hiding
D) misunderstanding
8. It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman’s of superior (execution).”
As used in the sentence, "execution" most nearly means:
A) punishment
B) effort
C) planning
D) performance
9. is eyes had been soon and repeatedly turned towards them with a look of curiosity; and that her Ladyship, after a while, shared the feeling, was more openly acknowledged, for she did not (scruple) to call out,—
As used in the sentence, "scruple" most nearly means:
A) hesitate
B) pretend
C) demand
D) attempt
10. They have not the same force or (rapidity), and do not produce the same expression.
As used in the sentence, "rapidity" most nearly means:
A) slowness
B) speed
C) uncertainty
D) silence
Answer Key — Test 1: 1-D, 2-B, 3-B, 4-C, 5-D, 6-D, 7-B, 8-D, 9-A, 10-B
Test 2: Information and Ideas - Reading Comprehension and Analysis
Directions: The following questions are based on excerpts from Chapter 31 of Pride and Prejudice. For each question, choose the best answer from the options provided.
Passage 1
Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed really glad to see them: anything was a welcome relief to him at Rosings; and Mrs. Collins’s pretty friend had, moreover, caught his fancy very much.
1. What chiefly explains Colonel Fitzwilliam’s pleasure at receiving visitors?
A) He hopes to discuss military strategy with Mr. Collins.
B) They offer relief from Rosings, and he is attracted to Mrs. Collins’s friend.
C) He wishes to ask the visitors for financial assistance.
D) They arrive with news of his impending marriage.
Passage 2
“Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my delight. I must have my share in the conversation, if you are speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste.
2. The speaker’s repeated use of "I" and "my" reveals a personality that is:
A) generous and inclusive.
B) self-centered and domineering.
C) shy and insecure.
D) curious and eager to learn.
Passage 3
She has a very good notion of fingering, though her taste is not equal to Anne’s. Anne would have been a delightful performer, had her health allowed her to learn.”
3. What does the speaker claim about Anne’s musical ability?
A) Anne has less musical taste than the person being discussed.
B) Anne is already a more accomplished performer than everyone else.
C) Anne has deliberately abandoned an accomplished career.
D) Anne could have become an excellent performer if her health had permitted lessons.
Passage 4
He now seated himself by her, and talked so agreeably of Kent and Hertfordshire, of travelling and staying at home, of new books and music, that Elizabeth had never been half so well entertained in that room before; and they conversed with so much spirit and flow as to draw the attention of Lady Catherine herself, as well as of Mr. Darcy.
4. This passage serves primarily to:
A) show Elizabeth's deep knowledge of subjects like travel and new books.
B) characterize Colonel Fitzwilliam as a shy and reserved man.
C) suggest that Lady Catherine is annoyed by the lively conversation.
D) contrast Colonel Fitzwilliam’s conversational skill with the general dullness of Rosings.
Passage 5
“I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,” said Lady Catherine; “and pray tell her from me, that she cannot expect to excel, if she does not practise a great deal.” “I assure you, madam,” he replied, “that she does not need such advice. She practises very constantly.” “So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account.
5. This dialogue reveals Lady Catherine's tendency to:
A) defer to the opinions of her nephew.
B) lose interest in subjects quickly.
C) give unsolicited advice and instructions.
D) offer praise and encouragement without reservation.
Passage 6
But I will not be alarmed, though your sister does play so well. There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.” “I shall not say that you are mistaken,” he replied, “because you could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming you; and I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know, that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which, in fact, are not your own.”
6. The main point of the exchange is that:
A) Darcy is trying to intimidate Elizabeth, and she is successfully resisting.
B) Elizabeth is seriously offended by Darcy's imposing presence.
C) Elizabeth playfully accuses Darcy of intimidation, and he playfully accuses her of being contrary.
D) Darcy is genuinely surprised by Elizabeth's musical talent.
Passage 7
“My fingers,” said Elizabeth, “do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women’s do. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault—because I would not take the trouble of practising. It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman’s of superior execution.”
7. Elizabeth's reflection on her own piano-playing suggests a belief in the importance of:
A) innate talent.
B) a high-quality instrument.
C) diligent practice.
D) expensive instruction.
Passage 8
“You shall hear, then—but prepare for something very dreadful. The first time of my ever seeing him in Hertfordshire, you must know, was at a ball—and at this ball, what do you think he did? He danced only four dances! I am sorry to pain you, but so it was. He danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce; and, to my certain knowledge, more than one young lady was sitting down in want of a partner. Mr. Darcy, you cannot deny the fact.” “I had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the assembly beyond my own party.” “True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room. Well, Colonel Fitzwilliam, what do I play next? My fingers wait your orders.” “Perhaps,” said Darcy, “I should have judged better had I sought an introduction, but I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to strangers.”
8. The final line of Elizabeth's speech, "and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room," is best understood as:
A) a regretful admission of her own social ignorance.
B) a statement of fact about social customs.
C) a sarcastic remark meant to challenge Darcy's excuse.
D) a genuine question to Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Passage 9
It is because he will not give himself the trouble.” “I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,” said Darcy, “of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.” “My fingers,” said Elizabeth, “do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women’s do. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault—because I would not take the trouble of practising. It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman’s of superior execution.” Darcy smiled and said, “You are perfectly right. You have employed your time much better.
9. The main purpose of Elizabeth's comparison between her piano-playing and Darcy's social skills is to:
A) express her admiration for his honesty.
B) boast that her own skills are superior to his in their respective areas.
C) suggest that his social awkwardness, like her musical limitation, is a matter of effort, not innate inability.
D) change the subject to one she finds more comfortable.
Passage 10
She has a very good notion of fingering, though her taste is not equal to Anne’s. Anne would have been a delightful performer, had her health allowed her to learn.” Elizabeth looked at Darcy, to see how cordially he assented to his cousin’s praise: but neither at that moment nor at any other could she discern any symptom of love; and from the whole of his behaviour to Miss De Bourgh she derived this comfort for Miss Bingley, that he might have been just as likely to marry her, had she been his relation. Lady Catherine continued her remarks on Elizabeth’s performance, mixing with them many instructions on execution and taste. Elizabeth received them with all the forbearance of civility; and at the request of the gentlemen remained at the instrument till her Ladyship’s carriage was ready to take them all home.
10. This passage depicts Elizabeth as:
A) grateful for the expert instruction she is receiving from Lady Catherine.
B) enjoying the opportunity to display her musical talents for an extended time.
C) patiently and politely enduring unwanted criticism.
D) angered by the constant interruptions and ready to leave immediately.
Answer Key — Test 2: 1-B, 2-B, 3-D, 4-D, 5-C, 6-C, 7-C, 8-C, 9-C, 10-C
Explanations — Test 2
1. Answer B
Correct answer: The passage calls any visit “a welcome relief” at Rosings and adds that Mrs. Collins’s friend had “caught his fancy very much.” Both details explain his pleasure.
A is incorrect because this choice is not established by the passage as the best answer; compare the precise wording with the supporting explanation above.
C is incorrect because this choice is not established by the passage as the best answer; compare the precise wording with the supporting explanation above.
D is incorrect because this choice is not established by the passage as the best answer; compare the precise wording with the supporting explanation above.
2. Answer B
Correct answer: Lady Catherine dominates the conversation with statements about her own abilities and preferences: "my delight," "I must have my share," "enjoyment of music than myself." This focus on herself shows a self-centered personality that demands to be the focus of every interaction. C and A are incorrect as her tone is commanding and assertive, not shy or curious.
A is incorrect because she insists on having "her share," framing the conversation in terms of her own desires, not generosity.
C is incorrect because as her tone is commanding and assertive, not shy or curious.
D is incorrect because as her tone is commanding and assertive, not shy or curious.
3. Answer D
Correct answer: The speaker says Anne “would have been a delightful performer, had her health allowed her to learn.” This is a claim about unrealized potential, not existing accomplishment.
A is incorrect because this choice is not established by the passage as the best answer; compare the precise wording with the supporting explanation above.
B is incorrect because this choice is not established by the passage as the best answer; compare the precise wording with the supporting explanation above.
C is incorrect because this choice is not established by the passage as the best answer; compare the precise wording with the supporting explanation above.
4. Answer D
Correct answer: Elizabeth finds Colonel Fitzwilliam's conversation so "agreeable" and full of "spirit and flow" that she had "never been half so well entertained in that room before." This directly contrasts his lively company with the implied dullness of her previous evenings at Rosings. C is incorrect as the focus is on his conversational skill, not her knowledge. D is incorrect as Lady Catherine's attention is drawn, but there is no mention of annoyance.
A is incorrect because as the focus is on his conversational skill, not her knowledge.
B is incorrect because his manners are described as having "readiness and ease," the opposite of shy.
C is incorrect because as Lady Catherine's attention is drawn, but there is no mention of annoyance.
5. Answer C
Correct answer: Despite Darcy's assurance that his sister "practises very constantly," Lady Catherine insists on giving advice anyway, saying, "I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account." She follows this with a general rule she often tells young ladies, demonstrating a habit of giving instructions even when they are not needed. B is incorrect as her praise is immediately followed by a command. D is incorrect as she steamrolls her nephew's comment and repeats her own point. A is incorrect as she continues to elaborate on the same topic.
A is incorrect because as she steamrolls her nephew's comment and repeats her own point.
B is incorrect because as she continues to elaborate on the same topic.
D is incorrect because as her praise is immediately followed by a command.
6. Answer C
Correct answer: Elizabeth begins by playfully accusing him of trying to "frighten" her. Darcy responds in a similarly playful manner by saying he knows she enjoys "professing opinions which, in fact, are not your own." The exchange is a witty duel where each playfully accuses the other of insincerity or manipulation. A is incorrect as his focus is on her personality, not her music. B is incorrect as her claim to have rising "courage" shows she is not offended but is rising to the challenge.
A is incorrect because darcy denies any "design of alarming" her, and her tone is not genuinely frightened.
B is incorrect because as her claim to have rising "courage" shows she is not offended but is rising to the challenge.
D is incorrect because as his focus is on her personality, not her music.
7. Answer C
Correct answer: Elizabeth states that her playing is not masterly because she "would not take the trouble of practising." She believes her fingers are just as "capable as any other woman’s of superior execution," implying that skill is a result of work and practice, not just innate ability. D is incorrect as she specifically attributes her limitation to a lack of practice, not a lack of talent. B and C are incorrect as she does not mention instruction or the quality of the instrument as factors.
A is incorrect because as she specifically attributes her limitation to a lack of practice, not a lack of talent.
B is incorrect because as she does not mention instruction or the quality of the instrument as factors.
D is incorrect because as she does not mention instruction or the quality of the instrument as factors.
8. Answer C
Correct answer: Darcy's excuse for not dancing is that he didn't know anyone. Elizabeth's reply, "and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room," is sarcastic. It is obviously untrue, as introductions are a primary function of such events. She is using sarcasm to point out the weakness of his excuse. D is incorrect as the statement is factually wrong in the context of the society. A is incorrect as she is making a point to Darcy, not asking a question.
A is incorrect because she is being witty and challenging, not admitting ignorance.
B is incorrect because as the statement is factually wrong in the context of the society.
D is incorrect because as she is making a point to Darcy, not asking a question.
9. Answer C
Correct answer: Darcy claims to lack the "talent" for conversing with strangers. Elizabeth immediately follows by describing her own musical performance as lacking mastery, but she attributes this to her choice not to "take the trouble of practising." By drawing this parallel, she subtly suggests that Darcy's social stiffness is likewise a choice—a refusal to take the trouble—rather than an innate lack of ability. A is incorrect as she is challenging, not admiring, him. B is incorrect as her analogy is directly related to his statement.
A is incorrect because as she is challenging, not admiring, him.
B is incorrect because she is being self-deprecating about her own skill to make a point about his.
D is incorrect because as her analogy is directly related to his statement.
10. Answer C
Correct answer: Lady Catherine gives Elizabeth "many instructions on execution and taste." Elizabeth does not argue or leave; she "received them with all the forbearance of civility." This shows her patiently and politely putting up with criticism that she likely finds unwanted and impertinent. B is incorrect as "forbearance" implies patient endurance, not gratitude. A is incorrect as she is enduring the situation out of politeness, not enjoying it.
A is incorrect because as "forbearance" implies patient endurance, not gratitude.
B is incorrect because as she is enduring the situation out of politeness, not enjoying it.
D is incorrect because she "remained at the instrument" at the gentlemen's request.
WordPairTest Vocabulary and Reading Test: Chapter 32
Test 1: Craft and Structure - Vocabulary in Context
Word List Extraction: apprehension, recollect, ensued, propriety, intrusion, impertinent, bestowed, fancied, conjectures, prudential.
Sentence Match:
1. apprehension: As she had heard no carriage, she thought it not unlikely to be Lady Catherine; and under that (apprehension) was putting away her half-finished letter, that she might escape all impertinent questions, when the door opened, and to her very great surprise Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the room.
2. recollect: It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley to see you all after him so soon; for, if I (recollect) right, he went but the day before.
3. ensued: A short dialogue on the subject of the country (ensued), on either side calm and concise—and soon put an end to by the entrance of Charlotte and her sister, just returned from their walk.
4. propriety: It could not be for society, as he frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his lips; and when he did speak, it seemed the effect of necessity rather than of choice—a sacrifice to (propriety), not a pleasure to himself.
5. intrusion: He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologized for his (intrusion), by letting her know that he had understood all the ladies to be within.
6. impertinent: As she had heard no carriage, she thought it not unlikely to be Lady Catherine; and under that apprehension was putting away her half-finished letter, that she might escape all (impertinent) questions, when the door opened, and to her very great surprise Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the room.
7. bestowed: “I believe she did—and I am sure she could not have (bestowed) her kindness on a more grateful object.”
8. fancied: As he spoke there was a sort of smile, which Elizabeth (fancied) she understood; he must be supposing her to be thinking of Jane and Netherfield, and she blushed as she answered,—
9. conjectures: But when Elizabeth told of his silence, it did not seem very likely, even to Charlotte’s wishes, to be the case; and, after various (conjectures), they could at last only suppose his visit to proceed from the difficulty of finding anything to do, which was the more probable from the time of year.
10. prudential: She seems perfectly happy, however; and, in a (prudential) light, it is certainly a very good match for her.”
Directions: The following questions are based on excerpts from Chapter 32 of Pride and Prejudice. For each question, choose the best answer from the options provided.
1. As she had heard no carriage, she thought it not unlikely to be Lady Catherine; and under that (apprehension) was putting away her half-finished letter, that she might escape all impertinent questions, when the door opened, and to her very great surprise Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the room.
As used in the sentence, "apprehension" most nearly means:
A) celebration
B) capture
C) understanding
D) expectation that someone is arriving
2. It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley to see you all after him so soon; for, if I (recollect) right, he went but the day before.
As used in the sentence, "recollect" most nearly means:
A) remember
B) inventing
C) ignoring
D) gathering
3. A short dialogue on the subject of the country (ensued), on either side calm and concise—and soon put an end to by the entrance of Charlotte and her sister, just returned from their walk.
As used in the sentence, "ensued" most nearly means:
A) followed
B) was recorded
C) preceded
D) was prevented
4. It could not be for society, as he frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his lips; and when he did speak, it seemed the effect of necessity rather than of choice—a sacrifice to (propriety), not a pleasure to himself.
As used in the sentence, "propriety" most nearly means:
A) property
B) correctness
C) emotion
D) curiosity
5. He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologized for his (intrusion), by letting her know that he had understood all the ladies to be within.
As used in the sentence, "intrusion" most nearly means:
A) compliment
B) assistance
C) gift
D) interruption
6. As she had heard no carriage, she thought it not unlikely to be Lady Catherine; and under that apprehension was putting away her half-finished letter, that she might escape all (impertinent) questions, when the door opened, and to her very great surprise Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the room.
As used in the sentence, "impertinent" most nearly means:
A) unimportant and irrelevant
B) rude and meddlesome
C) brief and direct
D) intelligent and insightful
7. “I believe she did—and I am sure she could not have (bestowed) her kindness on a more grateful object.”
As used in the sentence, "bestowed" most nearly means:
A) wasted
B) withdrawn
C) given
D) questioned
8. As he spoke there was a sort of smile, which Elizabeth (fancied) she understood; he must be supposing her to be thinking of Jane and Netherfield, and she blushed as she answered,—
As used in the sentence, "fancied" most nearly means:
A) disliked
B) imagined
C) feared
D) knew for certain
9. But when Elizabeth told of his silence, it did not seem very likely, even to Charlotte’s wishes, to be the case; and, after various (conjectures), they could at last only suppose his visit to proceed from the difficulty of finding anything to do, which was the more probable from the time of year.
As used in the sentence, "conjectures" most nearly means:
A) disclosures
B) certainties
C) guesses
D) commands
10. She seems perfectly happy, however; and, in a (prudential) light, it is certainly a very good match for her.”
As used in the sentence, "prudential" most nearly means:
A) rash
B) carefree
C) impulsive
D) based on practical caution
Answer Key — Test 1: 1-D, 2-A, 3-A, 4-B, 5-D, 6-B, 7-C, 8-B, 9-C, 10-D
Test 2: Information and Ideas - Reading Comprehension and Analysis
Directions: The following questions are based on excerpts from Chapter 32 of Pride and Prejudice. For each question, choose the best answer from the options provided.
Passage 1
ELIZABETH was sitting by herself the next morning, and writing to Jane, while Mrs. Collins and Maria were gone on business into the village, when she was startled by a ring at the door, the certain signal of a visitor.
1. The main purpose of this passage is to:
A) establish a situation in which an unexpected private meeting can occur.
B) show the close bond between Elizabeth and Jane.
C) emphasize the isolation of the Parsonage.
D) describe Elizabeth's daily routine at Hunsford.
Passage 2
“It must be very agreeable to her to be settled within so easy a distance of her own family and friends.” “An easy distance do you call it? It is nearly fifty miles.”
2. The two speakers in this dialogue have a fundamental disagreement about:
A) the quality of the roads to Hertfordshire.
B) the definition of what constitutes a "near" or "easy" distance.
C) Charlotte's level of attachment to her family.
D) whether Charlotte is truly happy in her marriage.
Passage 3
“What can be the meaning of this?” said Charlotte, as soon as he was gone. “My dear Eliza, he must be in love with you, or he would never have called on us in this familiar way.”
3. Charlotte interprets Mr. Darcy's visit as significant because it:
A) was his first visit to the Parsonage.
B) was uncharacteristically informal.
C) included a direct invitation to Rosings.
D) was extremely long.
Passage 4
He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologized for his intrusion, by letting her know that he had understood all the ladies to be within. They then sat down, and when her inquiries after Rosings were made, seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. It was absolutely necessary, therefore, to think of something; andin this emergency recollecting when she had seen him last in Hertfordshire, and feeling curious to know what he would say on the subject of their hasty departure, she observed,— “How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr. Darcy!
4. The atmosphere of the scene described in this passage is best characterized as:
A) hostile and argumentative.
B) lively and cheerful.
C) comfortable and relaxed.
D) awkward and strained.
Passage 5
“Yes, indeed; his friends may well rejoice in his having met with one of the very few sensible women who would have accepted him, or have made him happy if they had. My friend has an excellent understanding—though I am not certain that I consider her marrying Mr. Collins as the wisest thing she ever did. She seems perfectly happy, however; and, in a prudential light, it is certainly a very good match for her.”
5. The speaker's assessment of her friend's marriage is that it is:
A) a romantic success but a practical failure.
B) a complete and undeniable disaster.
C) a triumph in every possible respect.
D) a practical success but questionable in other ways.
Passage 6
“I do not mean to say that a woman may not be settled too near her family. The far and the near must be relative, and depend on many varying circumstances. Where there is fortune to make the expense of travelling unimportant, distance becomes no evil. But that is not the case here. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have a comfortable income, but not such a one as will allow of frequent journeys—and I am persuaded my friend would not call herself near her family under less than half the present distance.”
6. The speaker's main argument is that distance is "no evil" when:
A) there are no other relatives living nearby.
B) family members are emotionally close.
C) the roads are well-maintained.
D) one has the financial means to travel easily.
Passage 7
But why Mr. Darcy came so often to the Parsonage it was more difficult to understand. It could not be for society, as he frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his lips; and when he did speak, it seemed the effect of necessity rather than of choice—a sacrifice to propriety, not a pleasure to himself. He seldom appeared really animated. Mrs. Collins knew not what to make of him.
7. The passage suggests that Mr. Darcy's behavior at the Parsonage is:
A) consistent with his behavior everywhere else.
B) uncharacteristically quiet and reserved.
C) a performance intended to make Elizabeth like him.
D) a result of his disdain for Mrs. Collins.
Passage 8
“How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr. Darcy! It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley to see you all after him so soon; for, if I recollect right, he went but the day before. He and his sisters were well, I hope, when you left London?” “Perfectly so, I thank you.” She found that she was to receive no other answer; and, after a short pause, added,— “I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley has not much idea of ever returning to Netherfield again?” “I have never heard him say so; but it is probable that he may spend very little of his time there in future.
8. The dialogue is characterized by:
A) Elizabeth's attempts to probe a subject and Darcy's brief, evasive replies.
B) a complete breakdown in communication due to anger.
C) a mutual and enthusiastic exchange of news about mutual friends.
D) Elizabeth's direct questions and Darcy's elaborate answers.
Passage 9
But when Elizabeth told of his silence, it did not seem very likely, even to Charlotte’s wishes, to be the case; and, after various conjectures, they could at last only suppose his visit to proceed from the difficulty of finding anything to do, which was the more probable from the time of year. All field sports were over. Within doors there was Lady Catherine, books, and a billiard table, but gentlemen cannot be always within doors; and in the nearness of the Parsonage, or the pleasantness of the walk to it, or of the people who lived in it, the two cousins found a temptation from this period of walking thither almost every day. They called at various times of the morning, sometimes separately, sometimes together, and now and then accompanied by their aunt.
9. The passage attributes the gentlemen's frequent visits to the Parsonage to:
A) a lack of other appealing activities and a genuine enjoyment of the company.
B) a direct command from Lady Catherine.
C) their sense of social obligation to Mr. Collins.
D) their desire to use Mr. Collins's connections to meet more people in the neighborhood.
Passage 10
She had once or twice suggested to Elizabeth the possibility of his being partial to her, but Elizabeth always laughed at the idea; and Mrs. Collins did not think it right to press the subject, from the danger of raising expectations which might only end in disappointment; for in her opinion it admitted not of a doubt, that all her friend’s dislike would vanish, if she could suppose him to be in her power. In her kind schemes for Elizabeth, she sometimes planned her marrying Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was, beyond comparison, the pleasantest man: he certainly admired her, and his situation in life was most eligible; but, to counterbalance these advantages, Mr. Darcy had considerable patronage in the church, and his cousin could have none at all.
10. Which choice provides the best evidence for the conclusion that Charlotte's matchmaking "schemes" for Elizabeth were based on practical advantages?
A) "...but, to counterbalance these advantages, Mr. Darcy had considerable patronage in the church, and his cousin could have none at all."
B) "He was, beyond comparison, the pleasantest man: he certainly admired her..."
C) "...his situation in life was most eligible..."
D) "...all her friend’s dislike would vanish, if she could suppose him to be in her power."
Answer Key — Test 2: 1-A, 2-B, 3-B, 4-D, 5-D, 6-D, 7-B, 8-A, 9-A, 10-A
Explanations — Test 2
1. Answer A
Correct answer: The passage carefully establishes that Elizabeth is "by herself," with her companions "gone on business." The ringing of the doorbell is a "certain signal of a visitor," setting the stage for an unplanned and private encounter. B, C, and A are incorrect as these are secondary details. The primary function of the setup is to isolate Elizabeth for the coming scene.
B is incorrect because as these are secondary details. The primary function of the setup is to isolate Elizabeth for the coming scene.
C is incorrect because as these are secondary details. The primary function of the setup is to isolate Elizabeth for the coming scene.
D is incorrect because as these are secondary details. The primary function of the setup is to isolate Elizabeth for the coming scene.
2. Answer B
Correct answer: Mr. Darcy defines "fifty miles" as an "easy distance," little more than a half day's journey. Elizabeth clearly disagrees, questioning him: "An easy distance do you call it?" Their differing perspectives on the time and effort involved in traveling fifty miles is the core of their disagreement. C, D, and B are incorrect as the text focuses explicitly on the definition of distance, not road quality, Charlotte's feelings, or her happiness.
A is incorrect because as the text focuses explicitly on the definition of distance, not road quality, Charlotte's feelings, or her happiness.
C is incorrect because as the text focuses explicitly on the definition of distance, not road quality, Charlotte's feelings, or her happiness.
D is incorrect because as the text focuses explicitly on the definition of distance, not road quality, Charlotte's feelings, or her happiness.
3. Answer B
Correct answer: Charlotte's surprise stems from the fact that Mr. Darcy would call "in this familiar way." She interprets this deviation from his usually reserved and formal behavior as a sign that he must have a strong personal motive, namely that he "must be in love with you." A, C, and D are incorrect as Charlotte's comment focuses on the manner of the visit ("familiar way"), not its length, purpose, or frequency.
A is incorrect because as Charlotte's comment focuses on the manner of the visit ("familiar way"), not its length, purpose, or frequency.
C is incorrect because as Charlotte's comment focuses on the manner of the visit ("familiar way"), not its length, purpose, or frequency.
D is incorrect because as Charlotte's comment focuses on the manner of the visit ("familiar way"), not its length, purpose, or frequency.
4. Answer D
Correct answer: The conversation is minimal and difficult. The two of them "seemed in danger of sinking into total silence," and Elizabeth feels it is "absolutely necessary... to think of something" to say. This describes a socially awkward and strained, rather than comfortable or hostile, atmosphere.
A is incorrect because as there is no argument.
B is incorrect because the tone is subdued, not lively.
C is incorrect because of the "total silence."
5. Answer D
Correct answer: The speaker (Elizabeth) offers a mixed assessment. She acknowledges the marriage is practically sound ("in a prudential light, it is certainly a very good match for her"). However, she questions the wisdom of it from an emotional or personal perspective ("not certain that I consider her marrying Mr. Collins as the wisest thing she ever did"). A is incorrect as she sees it as a practical success, not a failure.
A is incorrect because as she sees it as a practical success, not a failure.
B is incorrect because she notes that her friend "seems perfectly happy" and the match is "good."
C is incorrect because she explicitly questions the wisdom of the choice.
6. Answer D
Correct answer: Elizabeth's argument is that the perception of distance is relative to wealth. For those with "fortune to make the expense of travelling unimportant, distance becomes no evil." She then states this is "not the case here" because the Collinses' income will not "allow of frequent journeys." C, D, and B are incorrect as she explicitly names financial resources as the single determining factor.
A is incorrect because as she explicitly names financial resources as the single determining factor.
B is incorrect because as she explicitly names financial resources as the single determining factor.
C is incorrect because as she explicitly names financial resources as the single determining factor.
7. Answer B
Correct answer: Mrs. Collins notes that Darcy's behavior at the parsonage is oddly silent and unanimated. The fact that Colonel Fitzwilliam laughs at his "stupidity" (social awkwardness) proves that Darcy "was generally different." This implies his quietness at Hunsford is uncharacteristic of his behavior elsewhere. D is incorrect as the text explicitly states he is "generally different." A is incorrect as his reserved behavior is not likely to win Elizabeth's favor. C is incorrect as there is no reason given for his behavior, only that it is unusual.
A is incorrect because as the text explicitly states he is "generally different."
C is incorrect because as his reserved behavior is not likely to win Elizabeth's favor.
D is incorrect because as there is no reason given for his behavior, only that it is unusual.
8. Answer A
Correct answer: Elizabeth attempts to start a conversation about Netherfield by asking several direct questions. Darcy, however, provides only minimal, factual answers ("Perfectly so, I thank you" and "I have never heard him say so") and does not elaborate, forcing her to find new topics. A is incorrect as their politeness, though strained, does not break down into open anger.
B is incorrect because as their politeness, though strained, does not break down into open anger.
C is incorrect because darcy's responses are reserved and do not show enthusiasm.
D is incorrect because his answers are the opposite of elaborate.
9. Answer A
Correct answer: With outdoor sports finished and few indoor diversions, walking to the nearby Parsonage becomes tempting because of the pleasant route and the people there. Both lack of alternatives and agreeable company help explain the visits.
B is incorrect because as the passage frames the visits as a choice born of pleasure and a lack of alternatives, not duty.
C is incorrect because as the passage frames the visits as a choice born of pleasure and a lack of alternatives, not duty.
D is incorrect because there is no mention of them wanting to meet other people.
10. Answer A
Correct answer: Charlotte considers two potential husbands for Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam is "the pleasantest man" and his "situation in life was most eligible." However, the passage immediately offers a counterpoint: "Mr. Darcy had considerable patronage in the church, and his cousin could have none at all." This weighing of social position against church patronage shows that Charlotte is thinking in terms of the practical, strategic advantages each man could offer. C and D are incorrect as these describe Colonel Fitzwilliam's positive qualities, but the final clause about "patronage" is the key evidence of her pragmatic calculation.
B is incorrect because as these describe Colonel Fitzwilliam's positive qualities, but the final clause about "patronage" is the key evidence of her pragmatic calculation.
C is incorrect because as these describe Colonel Fitzwilliam's positive qualities, but the final clause about "patronage" is the key evidence of her pragmatic calculation.
D is incorrect because this is Charlotte's opinion of Elizabeth's psychology, not the basis of her own scheming.