Variant – 1 Choose the best answer

24. What does the word “they” in the passage refer to?

A) letters B) books C) typesetters D) printers

Read the text. Then choose the correct answer for each

question below (25-28).

Hawthorne did not get formal schooling, while at home, he

began reading Shakespeare and other authors. Hawthorne

was later sent to a preparatory school , but he still was not a

particularly good student. After graduating, he returned

home where he rarely exited. Critics say that he actually

went out from time to time and even travelled to various

cities. But he did read and write in the room, improving his

writing ability considerably, and created a great collection of

short stories. During that time, he published a book at his

own expense, but it was a failure. Later he destroyed all the

books.

Hawthorne continued to write but was unable to find a

publisher, and he was often frustrated . One of his

well-known work. “Twice-Told-Tales” was published as well.

He did not make enough money from these publications to

support a family. Finally, he wrote his most famous work

“The Scarlet Letter” . Although “The Scarlet Letter” sold

well, it was pirated by some publishers, so Hawthorne did

not make much money from it.

25. According to the text , which of the following is TRU E about Hawthorne?

A) Although he was not well-educated he did enjoy learning

on his own.

B) He enjoyed school but did not enjoy reading.

C) Although he did not attend school, he was a successful

student.

D) He did not like school because he had some problems.
26. What was Hawthorne’s reaction to his first self-published

work?

A) He was proud of it because it had brought him a brilliant

fame.

B) He destroyed copies because it was unsuccessful.

C) He was disappointed that it was his last publication.

D) He earned a lot of money.
27. What happened to his later work?

A) It was sold so well that made Hawthorne financially

successful.

B) It brought a failure and bankrupted Hawthorne.

C) It made Hawthorne actually popular poet.

D) Some dishonest publishers printed it without Hawthorne’s

permission.
28. What does the word “frustrated” in bold mean?

A) disproved B) refused C) disappeared D) disappointed