HSA 2006 English Item 11

Read these sentences related to the story “Breakfast”, the first chapter from the novel Jim the Boy.

Occasionally the uncles grew cross with each other, and, for a few days, Uncle Al and Uncle Coran would retire to their houses immediately after supper. There they sat by their own fires, or on their own porches, and kept their own counsel until their anger passed.

These details are included to show that the uncles want to

1. determine blame
2. avoid arguments
3. protect their privacy
4. seek outside assistance