Question 166·Easy·Words in Context
The following text is adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel “Little Women.” In this scene, Jo and her sisters prepare for a holiday celebration.
The kitchen was a scene of brisk activity, with pots rattling and laughter bubbling over.
As used in the sentence, what does the word “brisk” most nearly mean?
For SAT words-in-context questions, always start by rereading the full sentence and a bit of surrounding text to feel the tone (positive/negative, serious/playful, etc.). Think of a simple word you would naturally use in that spot, then test each answer choice by mentally plugging it into the sentence and asking, “Does this fit both the meaning and the mood here?” Be careful with words like “brisk” that have multiple meanings—choose the one that best matches the specific situation described, not just a definition you recognize.
Hints
Look closely at the description around the word
Reread the entire sentence, especially the details after the comma: what is happening in the kitchen, and what kind of mood does it create?
Decide the tone of the scene
Ask yourself whether the author is describing something fun and lively, or something cold, rude, or serious. Pay attention to words like “holiday celebration” and “laughter bubbling over.”
Think about which meaning of “brisk” fits this situation
“Brisk” can describe weather, how fast someone moves, or how active people are. In a kitchen where pots are rattling and people are laughing, which kind of meaning makes the most sense?
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the full sentence for context
Look at everything around the word “brisk”: “The kitchen was a scene of brisk activity, with pots rattling and laughter bubbling over.” This scene sounds busy, warm, and happy: people are cooking, pots are making noise, and there is laughter during a holiday celebration.
Recall possible meanings of “brisk”
The word “brisk” has several common meanings:
- Weather: cool or chilly (a brisk wind)
- Speed: quick (a brisk walk)
- Behavior or activity: active, lively, or efficient Now decide which kind of meaning makes sense for “a scene of brisk activity” in a kitchen full of rattling pots and laughter.
Test each answer choice in the sentence
Substitute each option into the phrase “a scene of ___ activity” and see what fits the busy, cheerful holiday kitchen:
- Cold: “a scene of cold activity” sounds strange and doesn’t match the warm, happy tone.
- Abrupt: “a scene of abrupt activity” suggests something sudden or rude, which doesn’t fit the fun, ongoing holiday preparations.
- Businesslike: “a scene of businesslike activity” sounds serious and formal, not joyful with “laughter bubbling over.”
- Energetic: “a scene of energetic activity” fits perfectly with rattling pots and bubbling laughter. So the best meaning of “brisk” here is Energetic.