Question

Part A

In the excerpt from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, why does Tom tell Ben that he does not consider whitewashing the fence to be work?


He wants Ben to keep talking to him.

He is trying to trick Ben.

He wants to go swimming with Ben.

He wants to keep Ben from taking his job.
Question 2
Part B

Which text evidence best supports the answer to Part A?


"'Only just a little—I’d let you, if you was me, Tom.'"

"Ben ranged up alongside of him. Tom’s mouth watered for the apple, but he stuck to his work."

"Tom considered, was about to consent; but he altered his mind:"

"Tom gave up the brush with reluctance in his face, but alacrity in his heart. "

Answer 1

Part A he is try to trick Ben and the last answer on par B

Answer 2

Part A: Option B) He is trying to trick Ben

The Evidence is shown and explained in part B of the question.

Part B: Option D)  "Tom gave up the brush with reluctance in his face, but alacrity in his heart. "

Reluctance means 'unwillingness or disinclination to do something', which means that Tom is making it look like he doesn't want to give the brush to him, but with alacrity in his heart which means cheerfulness.