The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the provided image, the correct answer is B. to show that the blanket is a pleasant indulgence.
Here is a detailed explanation:
The question asks for the writer’s reason for using the specific word “coddles.” To answer this, we must analyze the definition and connotations of this verb. The word “coddle” means to treat someone with excessive care or in an indulgent way. It implies a level of pampering, gentle comfort, and special attention that goes far beyond a purely functional purpose. The writer chose this word deliberately to evoke a particular feeling about the blanket.
Option B, “to show that the blanket is a pleasant indulgence,” perfectly captures this meaning. An indulgence is a luxury or a special treat, something that provides pleasure and comfort beyond basic necessity. By saying the blanket “coddles” its user, the writer suggests that it offers a luxurious, soothing experience. It is not just a piece of bedding but a source of pampering and exceptional comfort, making it a pleasant indulgence.
Let’s examine why the other options are less accurate. Option A, “to show that the blanket keeps its user warm,” is too simplistic. While a blanket that coddles might provide warmth, the word implies a much richer experience than just temperature regulation. Many blankets provide warmth, but not all of them “coddle.”
Option C, “to show that the blanket keeps its user cool,” is unlikely. The word “coddles” is typically associated with warmth, snuggling, and gentle protection, not with cooling. Even if the product name is “CoolForter,” the specific word choice of “coddles” does not support the idea of cooling.
Finally, option D, “to show that the user can wrap herself up in the blanket,” describes a physical action possible with any blanket. “Coddles,” however, describes the quality and feeling of that experience, not the action itself. It conveys the emotional and sensory effect of being wrapped in the blanket. Therefore, the writer’s choice of “coddles” is intended to portray the blanket as a luxurious item that pampers the user, making it a pleasant indulgence.
