Never be ...

Never be ...

• A. Brutal or dishonest
• B. Cruel or cowardly
• C. Helpful or kind
• D. Honest or brave

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is guidance on how to behave toward others by avoiding two negative traits that hurt any community: cruelty and cowardice. Cruelty means treating people harshly or oppressively on purpose, while cowardice is backing away from doing what’s right because of fear. The pairing “never be cruel or cowardly” captures a clear moral directive: act with compassion and courage, even when it’s difficult. This combined message is stronger and more cohesive than other pairings because it links harm (cruelty) with the fear that prevents good action (cowardice). Other options mix in traits that either don’t fit the typical exhortation or are positive traits that wouldn’t logically follow from a directive starting with “Never be.” So the best fit is a form that cautions against two related, harmful dispositions and points toward acting with kindness and bravery instead.

The main idea here is guidance on how to behave toward others by avoiding two negative traits that hurt any community: cruelty and cowardice. Cruelty means treating people harshly or oppressively on purpose, while cowardice is backing away from doing what’s right because of fear. The pairing “never be cruel or cowardly” captures a clear moral directive: act with compassion and courage, even when it’s difficult. This combined message is stronger and more cohesive than other pairings because it links harm (cruelty) with the fear that prevents good action (cowardice).

Other options mix in traits that either don’t fit the typical exhortation or are positive traits that wouldn’t logically follow from a directive starting with “Never be.” So the best fit is a form that cautions against two related, harmful dispositions and points toward acting with kindness and bravery instead.