Digital SAT® Practice Test 1: Reading and Writing Module 2 (Easy): Question 12 Explanation

Digital SAT Reading and Writing Test 3 Question 12

Which quotation from Pygmalion most effectively illustrates the regret in Eliza’s character?

"If you can preach, I can teach. I’ll go and be a teacher."
"When you feel lonely without me, you can turn the machine on. It’s got no feelings to hurt."
"Now I know how to deal with you. What a fool I was not to think of it before!”
"If I’d known what I was letting myself in for, I wouldn’t have come here.”

Answer:

Explanation

Pygmalion is a 1913 play by George Bernard Shaw. As a poor working-class girl, Eliza Doolittle seeks to learn to speak properly. However, when she is informed of the demanding lesson plans, she expresses her regret, as is evident in her dialogue: "If I’d known what I was letting myself in for, I wouldn’t have come here."

Choice D is the best answer. This quote illustrates Eliza's regret, as she initially wanted to learn to speak properly, but now wishes she had not come because she did not know about the arduous lesson plans involved.

Choice A: The quotation in this answer choice does not hint at any regret on her part; rather, it shows her decision to become a teacher.

Choice B: This quotation does not touch on Eliza’s regret for seeking lessons.

Choice C: This quotation shows her realization about a way to deal with another character.

✨ Expert's Tip ✨

Examine the text for clues to the meaning of the quotation.