Read the short excerpt, and then answer the question. “Did you see Malik’s audition for the school play?” Shonda asked. “He seems really conceited.” Imagine that “conceited” was replaced with “confident.” How would the meaning of the excerpt change? Why?


A.
The reader's impression of Malik would change from weak to strong. “Conceited” implies that Malik is unaware of his strengths. “Confident” shows just how much Malik believes in himself and his abilities.


B.
The reader’s impression of Malik would change from strong to weak. “Conceited” implies that Malik is strongly aware of his assets. “Confident” has a weaker connotation. It portrays Malik as being only somewhat sure that he will succeed.


C.
The reader’s impression of Malik would change from positive to negative. “Conceited” has a positive connotation. Using it to describe Malik makes him look good. “Confident” has a negative connotation. It makes Malik seem egotistical and full of himself.


D.
The reader's impression of Malik would change from negative to positive. “Conceited” has a negative connotation. Using it to describe Malik makes him look bad. “Confident” has a positive connotation. It makes Malik seem strong and independent.