What were the passengers doing as this selection begins, and what were they doing at the end of the selection?
A They were complaining loudly about the speed, but stopped when they realized the danger.
B At first all the passengers were eating in the dining car, but most were killed by the fiery explosion.
C At first they were sleeping peacefully, but the explosion threw them from their sleeping berths.
D They were boarding the train in Altoona as the story began, and they all exited the train in Chicago.
The correct answer is C At first they were sleeping peacefully, but the explosion threw them from their sleeping berths.
Explanation: This option indicates a clear transition in the passengers’ experience. It suggests that they started off in a calm state, likely unaware of any impending danger, and were abruptly awakened and thrown from their sleeping berths due to an explosion, highlighting the suddenness and severity of the situation. This contrast effectively illustrates the transformation of their experience from tranquility to chaos.
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