Question 124·Easy·Central Ideas and Details
Sofia stood at the community garden early Saturday morning. She had promised to water the seedlings before the sun grew too strong. As she uncoiled the hose, dew glistened on the lettuce leaves like tiny glass beads. Two sparrows fluttered in the birdbath, scattering droplets into the air. Sofia smiled, breathing in the scent of damp earth and basil, and decided that waking up early had been worth the effort.
Which choice best describes what is happening in the passage?
For questions asking which choice “best describes what is happening,” first quickly restate the passage in your own words: who is there, what they’re doing, when/where it happens, and how they feel. Then eliminate any choice that (1) contradicts the tone or emotions shown in the text, (2) adds people, actions, or motives that are not mentioned, or (3) ignores key details like time of day or main activity. The remaining option that accurately matches both the actions and the mood of the passage is your answer.
Hints
Focus on Sofia’s actions
Reread the passage and underline what Sofia is actually doing in the garden and what time of day it is.
Check Sofia’s feelings and the mood
Look at words that describe how Sofia reacts (for example, her facial expression or thoughts) and the descriptions of the garden—do they feel positive, negative, or something else?
Watch out for extra details not in the text
Ask yourself for each answer: Does the passage directly mention these people, actions, or plans, or is the choice adding something that isn’t there?
Match both action and attitude
The best answer should match both what Sofia is doing and how she feels; eliminate any choice that gets either part wrong.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the question is asking
The question asks, "Which choice best describes what is happening in the passage?" This means you need to summarize the main situation: what Sofia is doing and how she feels while she does it.
Identify key actions and setting
Look for what Sofia is actually doing and when:
- "stood at the community garden early Saturday morning" → early morning garden setting.
- "She had promised to water the seedlings" → her main task is watering young plants.
- "As she uncoiled the hose" → she is actively preparing to water the garden.
Notice descriptive details and tone
Now focus on details that show her feelings and the mood:
- "dew glistened on the lettuce leaves like tiny glass beads" → beautiful, peaceful imagery.
- "Two sparrows fluttered in the birdbath" → gentle nature scene.
- "Sofia smiled, breathing in the scent of damp earth and basil" → she is enjoying the experience.
- "decided that waking up early had been worth the effort" → she feels positive about being there early.
Compare each answer to the passage
Check each choice against the details:
- Any answer that says she is unhappy or frustrated conflicts with her smile and thinking it was "worth the effort."
- Any answer that mentions other people (like children) or changing the garden must be supported by the text—if it’s not in the passage, you should eliminate it.
- The best answer will mention both what she’s doing (watering / tending the garden in the early morning) and her appreciation of the calm, pleasant atmosphere.
The only option that correctly matches both the actions and the positive, peaceful mood is: Sofia is tending to the garden in the early morning and appreciating its peaceful atmosphere.
Confirm your choice with specific lines
Double-check the text against your chosen answer:
- "stood at the community garden early Saturday morning" and "promised to water the seedlings" supports that she is tending the garden in the early morning.
- The imagery of dew, sparrows, and scents, plus "Sofia smiled" and "worth the effort," supports that she is appreciating its peaceful atmosphere.
So the correct answer is: Sofia is tending to the garden in the early morning and appreciating its peaceful atmosphere.