Read the passage below from The Call of the Wild and answer the question. The tent was rolled into an awkward bundle three times as large as it should have been. The tin dishes were packed away unwashed. Based on prior knowledge, what can the reader infer about this description? These people are unintelligent. These people are unskilled. These people are frustrated. These people are learning.

English · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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Answer: From the passage provided, the reader can infer that "These people are unskilled." The description that the tent was rolled into a bundle three times as large as it should have been, and that the tin dishes were packed away unwashed, suggests a lack of expertise or experience with outdoor life and camp management. The individuals are likely not familiar with the most efficient ways to pack and maintain their equipment, which is a sign of inexperience.

Extra: In literature, readers often need to use context clues and their prior knowledge to make inferences about the characters, setting, or plot. An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from available information rather than something explicitly stated. In this case, the words "awkward" and "unwashed" provide us with clues. Typically, someone who is experienced with camping and outdoor activities would be able to roll a tent properly and would understand the importance of cleaning dishes after use to maintain hygiene and order. However, it's important not to jump to negative conclusions like "unintelligent" because lack of skill in a specific area does not equate to a lack of intelligence. It often simply indicates that the individuals have not had the opportunity to learn and practice these skills. Moreover, in the context of "The Call of the Wild," it is crucial to understand that characters might be facing extreme conditions and challenges that could impact their ability to perform tasks as they normally would, which could potentially justify the choices like packing dishes unwashed. However, in this scenario, the clues point more clearly toward a lack of familiarity and skill with the tasks at hand.

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