After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you…

Analyze the question: The sentence uses the idiom "widow's mite." We need to know what it means in order to interpret what Ivan did.

Explain the concept: The idiom comes from the Bible (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4). A poor widow put two small coins (mites) into the temple treasury. Jesus said she had given more than the rich donors, because they gave out of their surplus while she gave all she had to live on.

So "a widow's mite" means a small contribution that represents everything the giver can afford, or a sacrificial gift made out of one's own limited means.

Step-by-step solution:

1. "That amount Ivan donated was his widow's mite." The word "his" shows the mite belongs to Ivan. He is not literally a widow, and the phrase is used figuratively.
2. Option A, "gave all that the widow had", is wrong because the widow is only a figure of speech, and no real widow is involved.
3. Option B, "was miserly", is wrong because the widow's gift is praised as generous and sacrificial, not stingy.
4. Option D, "could have given more", is wrong because the idiom means the person gave everything possible, so nothing more was available.
5. Option C, "gave all that he had", matches the meaning of the idiom: Ivan gave all he could, even though the amount was small.

Answer: C. Ivan gave all that he had.

Exam tip: When you see "widow's mite," think "small amount, but all the person has." Biblical idioms are common in WASSCE English, so learn others too, such as "the prodigal son," "a good Samaritan," "a doubting Thomas," and "the writing on the wall."