What atmosphere is reflected in this excerpt from Yei Theodora Ozaki’s “The Story of the Old Man Who Made Withered Trees to Flower”?
A strange thing happened! His wife put the rice into the mortar, and no sooner had he begun to pound it to make the cakes, than it began to increase in quantity gradually till it was about five times the original amount, and the cakes were turned out of the mortar as if an invisible hand were at work.
When the old man and his wife saw this, they understood that it was a reward to them from Shiro for their faithful love to him. They tasted the cakes and found them nicer than any other food. So from this time they never troubled about food, for they lived upon the cakes with which the mortar never ceased to supply them.

A.
peace and happiness
B.
wonder and excitement
C.
horror and unease
D.
dullness and boredom

How does the author create a surprise ending? cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

Buckminster boy. she glared at him. "lizzie, i swear to you, as sure as i'm standing right here—that's a lie. every bit of it. every single bit." "my granddaddy said it was a lie, too." she leaned her head to one side and looked at him steadily. "so why haven't you been down to the island? " "so only you get to ask questions now? " "yes." she waited. "i haven't been down to the island because my father believes that you were using me to you stay on malaga island." "well," she said slowly. "well." "i didn't believe it, either." the sea breeze lay at their feet panting, hoping they would play with it again. based on what turner and lizzie say, which is the best conclusion that can be drawn? they are angered by the lies the adults have been spreading. neither of them is able to fully trust what the other is claiming. each trusts the other and cares a great deal about their friendship. both are worried about the troubles their friendship may bring.

Which is the best statement of what the speaker wants? a) to become a political leader b) to no longer have to plant crops c) to be treated fairly and equally d) to move to a country that respects women