The following text is adapted from a memoir. The author discusses her childhood home. In winter, we kept the lamps lit in the front window from dusk until dawn. We lit them even when we were all asleep. The light said we were here, we were awake to the world, we were a beacon in the dark.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
It illustrates that the light represented a sense of presence and welcome beyond mere illumination.
It explains that the house did not have electricity.
It suggests that the author was afraid of the dark.
It proves that the family wasted a lot of oil.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text says the light "said we were here... we were a beacon." This gives the light a symbolic meaning of presence/welcome.
Choice B is incorrect. Lighting lamps doesn't mean no electricity (could be tradition/aesthetic). Choice C is incorrect. It focuses on signaling presence, not fear. Choice D is incorrect. No mention of waste.