Okay, I will help you with the reading and writing task.
Task 2
The question asks about the function of the underlined sentence ("He stood in a puddle on the bare oak floor: his strange walking-stick vertically resting at his side.") in the overall structure of the text.
Let's analyze the context:
- The preceding sentences describe the stranger's appearance and demeanor.
- The underlined sentence describes the setting and the stranger's posture.
- The options provided are:
- A: It elaborates on the previous sentence's description of the character.
- B: It introduces the setting that is described in the sentences that follow.
- C: It establishes a contrast with the description in the previous sentence.
- D: It sets up the character description presented in the sentences that follow.
Based on the context, the underlined sentence primarily introduces the setting and provides additional details about the stranger's immediate environment. It doesn't elaborate on the character's description as much as it sets the scene.
Therefore, the best answer is:
B: It introduces the setting that is described in the sentences that follow.
