The following text is from a memoir by a beekeeper. Now the keepers began to inspect the hives—moving slowly among them, smoke canister in hand, puffing a gentle cloud to see if the bees would calm down. The colonies, like people, have their individual temperaments; some were docile and ignored the intrusion, while others were agitated and aggressive. Now a frame was lifted from each box. From the wax cells—at first drop by drop, then in a heavy flow—the honey was revealed, glimmering in the sun.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
It explains the chemical process of making honey.
It portrays the range of behaviors displayed by the different bee colonies.
It demonstrates how weather affects the bees' mood.
It argues that beekeeping is a dangerous profession.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The sentence states that colonies "have their individual temperaments" and describes some as "docile" and others as "aggressive." This portrays the range of behavior.
Choice A is incorrect. It describes behavior, not chemistry. Choice C is incorrect. It mentions individual personality, not weather. Choice D is incorrect. It mentions aggression but doesn't argue the profession is dangerous overall.