Part 2

I reach for my mug and choose the tea—will it be a Darjeeling or the special-occasion jasmine? I slowly poured (4) the water over the teabag, set the mug in the microwave, and punch the familiar sequence, wait for the start of the hum, and watch the carousel turn—these are all part of that magic ceremony. Next comes the two minutes of absolute freedom (5), time in which I can do anything I want: listen to a bit of news on the radio,[6] wash the cereal bowl from breakfast, or just lean back against the counter, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths.[7]

4.
F. NO CHANGE
G. would pour
H. had poured
J. pour

5.
Which choice best summarizes the writer’s attitude toward this two-minute period, as described in the rest
of this sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B. of complete inactivity,
C. of decision time,
D. for finishing my chores,

6.
At this point, the writer is considering adding the fol- lowing clause:
which my sister Chitra does not like at all because of the noise,
Should the writer make this addition here?
F. Yes, because it introduces another character into this essay.
G. Yes, because it provides information about the writer’s family.
H. No, because the sudden reference to family is a digression from Paragraph 3’s primary focus.
J. No, because it does not give a complete picture of the writer’s family.

7.
The writer wants to add a sentence here that would emphasize this sense of relaxation. Which of the following would most effectively accomplish this purpose?
A. There is nothing like a few deep breaths.
B. I can feel my tension draining away.
C. Any of these will work for me.
D. It is a slow time.