Read the passage carefully and answer the following question: “What aspect of the coat did the narrator want to hide from others?”

Introduction / Context:
This reading comprehension question is based on a passage where the narrator describes a coat bought cheaply from a flea market. The coat has a label with a misspelt designer name, and the narrator quickly removes this label. The question asks precisely what aspect of the coat the narrator wanted to hide. To answer correctly, one must focus on the narrator's attitude towards the label and what it represents, rather than on the warmth or price of the coat alone.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The passage explains that the coat cost a low price at a flea market and had a label reading “CHRISTIN BIOR”, clearly intended to resemble the famous designer label “Christian Dior”. The narrator says that this label was cut out at home because it would not be acceptable at the workplace, where people value genuine labels or stylish, authentic clothing. We assume the narrator is self conscious about appearances and brand authenticity in that environment.

Concept / Approach:
The key idea is that the narrator is not ashamed of the coat being inexpensive or second hand; in fact, the narrator mentions that it is warm and affordable. However, the fake luxury label “CHRISTIN BIOR” is embarrassing because it tries to imitate a famous brand without actually being genuine. The narrator wants to hide this attempt at imitation, not the warmth or the low price. Therefore, we need the option that directly refers to the coat being a cheap copy or a fake brand item.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the narrator says the coat cost 9.99 pounds and came from a flea market, but this fact is not described as shameful; only the label is cut out. Step 2: Note that the label is “CHRISTIN BIOR”, which is a clear imitation of “Christian Dior” but spelt incorrectly. Step 3: The narrator states that one cannot work where they work and have “CHRISTIN BIOR” in the coat, but could have genuine Christian Dior, Japanese brands, or handmade clothes. Step 4: This shows that the problem is with the fake designer label, not with low cost or second hand origin. Step 5: Among the options, “That it was a cheap copy” directly captures the idea that the label is a counterfeit or imitation brand.

Verification / Alternative check:
Option (a) suggests embarrassment about the coat being too warm. The passage actually presents warmth as a positive feature, so this cannot be correct. Option (c) suggests the narrator wanted to hide that the coat was expensive, which is incorrect, as the coat is clearly cheap. Option (d) suggests the coat came from a luxury market, which contradicts the passage because it came from a flea market. Only option (b) matches the idea that the label “CHRISTIN BIOR” is a poor imitation, which the narrator wants to remove and hide.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“That it was too warm” misreads the passage; warmth is mentioned approvingly.
“That it was expensive” is the opposite of the truth, since the low price is emphasised.
“That it was from a luxury market” is wrong because the coat is specifically said to come from a flea market, not a luxury store.
Only “That it was a cheap copy” focuses on the fake designer label and the narrator's embarrassment about it.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error in reading comprehension is focusing on isolated details (like price or warmth) without tracking the narrator's feelings. Another pitfall is ignoring the contrast the narrator draws between acceptable authentic labels and the unacceptable fake one. To avoid such mistakes, always connect factual details with the emotional or evaluative comments made by the narrator. Ask what exactly causes shame or discomfort in the passage.

Final Answer:
The narrator wanted to hide that it was a cheap copy with a fake designer label.