Explanation
Correct answer: D.
Choice D is the best answer because as used in the text, “I couldn’t be stopped” most nearly means the author seemed to talk all the time. The text establishes that the author is discussing her early speaking habits, stating, “When I started to talk on my own, I couldn’t be stopped.” The following sentences provide context that clarifies the significance of this statement: her sister’s friends “could hardly stand to ride to school” with the author because she “was loud and unrelenting.” This suggests that once the author began speaking, she talked all the time—to the point of annoying others.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because although the phrase “I couldn’t be stopped” could potentially refer to physical movement, the context clearly establishes that the author is discussing her talking habits, not her inability to sit still. The text specifically mentions that she “was loud and unrelenting” and that her sister’s friends disliked riding in the car with her, suggesting that the issue was excessive talking, not physical restlessness.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that the author was fickle or frequently changed her mind. In this context, the phrase “I couldn’t be stopped” refers to the author’s persistent talking, as signaled by her characterization as “loud and unrelenting.”
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t indicate that the author was popular or well liked as a child. In fact, it suggests the opposite by stating that her sister’s friends “could hardly stand” to ride in the car with her. Because of her excessive talking, in other words, people found the author annoying as a child.