The Winter Hibiscus

What can the reader infer about the florist based on paragraph 5 of the story “The Winter Hibiscus”?

• The florist is uninterested in assisting customers and lacks enthusiasm for discussing plants.

• The florist is inexperienced and relies on scripted responses to interact with customers.

• The florist is knowledgeable about different types of plants and enjoys sharing information with customers.

• The florist is patient but prefers to quickly guide customers through the store without engaging in conversation.

What is the most likely reason the author includes the interaction between Saeng and the florist in paragraphs 7 and 8?

• To show how Saeng’s uncertainty leads to a helpful discovery about the plant.

• To highlight the florist’s expertise in identifying plants and providing assistance.

• To emphasize Saeng’s reluctance to ask for help and her eventual decision to leave.

• To illustrate the florist’s curiosity about Saeng’s inquiry and her willingness to engage with customers.

Which sentence suggests that Saeng’s main conflict in the excerpt will be resolved?

• The leaves on the shrub were of the same distinct serrated heart shape, but its flower looked-wrong, somehow. (paragraph 6)

• A slow smile deepened the wrinkles in her face. (paragraph 8)

• A hot, moist world exploding with greenery. (paragraph 10)

• Orchids, oleanders, elephant ear begonias, and bougainvillea vines surrounded her. (paragraph 11)

Why is the leaf Saeng carries important in the excerpt?

• It helps Saeng find a plant that causes her to have vivid memories of her childhood.

• It was given to Saeng by someone important to Saeng during her childhood.

• It leads Saeng to discover a new and beautiful plant.

• It is essential in teaching Saeng about her past.

The primary theme of the story centers on the importance of–

• nostalgia and connecting to one's past.

• exploring new places and experiences.

• the process of gardening.

• the healing power of nature.

Which phrase from the text best supports the answer in Part A?

• the familiar fragrance filled her lungs

• drew her back into her childhood world

• huge flat leaves, delicate wisps and tendrils

• plants that she had not even realized she had known