Question 12

Margaret and others at Naxos generally regard Helga as somewhat intimidating.

Helga is perceived as somewhat intimidating by Margaret and her colleagues at Naxos, as indicated by Margaret's feelings of uncertainty when offering help and her admission that "nearly everyone was" a little afraid of Helga.

A) highly reliable

This option is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that Helga is regarded as reliable. Instead, it highlights her tendency to isolate herself and not share personal information, which contradicts the notion of reliability.

B) unusually friendly

This choice is inaccurate as the context does not portray Helga as friendly. Although Margaret feels a congeniality towards her, Helga’s demeanor and interactions indicate a detachment rather than warmth or friendliness.

C) relatively practical

While Helga has made a decision regarding her future, the passage does not provide enough evidence to label her as practical. Her feelings of disgust and frustration with Naxos suggest a lack of practicality in her approach to the situation.

D) somewhat intimidating

This option is correct as the text explicitly states that "she was a little afraid of Helga" and "nearly everyone was" fearful of her. This fear and intimidation come from Helga's aloofness and refusal to engage with others, marking her as a figure of intimidation in the faculty.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, aligns with the evidence in the passage concerning Helga's demeanor and the reactions of those around her. Options A, B, and C fail to capture the essence of Helga's character as perceived by her peers, who regard her with a sense of fear and intimidation rather than reliability, friendliness, or practicality.