Correct Option: D. be hard to please Explanation of the Correct Answer The sentence states that "The young teacher was surprised that his promotion was approved by the old inspector who is generally known to ...." The key part of this sentence is the word "surprised." This indicates that the teacher expected a different outcome based on the inspector's reputation.

1. Understanding the Context: The phrase "generally known to" suggests that the inspector has a well-established reputation. If the inspector is known to be "hard to please," it implies that he is strict or difficult to satisfy. Therefore, the young teacher's surprise at receiving a promotion from someone with such a reputation makes sense.
2. Analyzing the Implication of Surprise: The use of "surprised" indicates that the teacher did not expect the inspector to approve his promotion. If the inspector is known to be hard to please, it would be unexpected for him to approve a promotion, thus reinforcing the teacher's surprise.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

• Option A: be generous
• While being generous could imply that the inspector might approve promotions, it does not align with the context of surprise. If the inspector were known for being generous, the teacher would not be surprised by the approval. This option does not create a contrast that explains the teacher's feelings.
• Option B: be friendly to young people
• Similar to option A, if the inspector were known for being friendly to young people, the teacher would likely expect a positive outcome regarding his promotion. This option fails to create a sense of unexpectedness, which is crucial to understanding the teacher's surprise.
• Option C: like young people
• This option suggests a positive disposition towards young people, which again does not align with the teacher's surprise. If the inspector liked young people, the teacher would not find it surprising that he received a promotion. This option lacks the necessary contrast to explain the teacher's feelings.

Summary of Key Points

• The correct answer is D because it aligns with the teacher's surprise at receiving a promotion from someone known to be hard to please.
• The other options (A, B, C) suggest positive traits that would not lead to surprise, as they imply a likelihood of approval rather than the opposite.
• Understanding the emotional context of words like "surprised" is crucial in determining the correct answer.
• Always consider how the reputation of a character influences the expectations of others in similar situations.

Revision Summary

• The correct answer is D: be hard to please.
• The teacher's surprise indicates an expectation of disapproval based on the inspector's reputation.
• Options A, B, and C suggest positive traits that do not explain the surprise.
• Context and emotional implications are key to understanding the meaning of sentences.