A single-panel cartoon shows a small rowing boat holding a man in a suit, who is bailing water with a teacup. The boat is visibly sinking; a large hole in the hull shows in the bottom. Beside him, pinned to the mast, is a gold certificate that reads 'Most Efficient Bailer, Fifth Year Running'. The man is smiling and looking at the certificate. Nobody else is in the boat, and the shore is visible in the distance.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. That the effort is tiny compared with the problem

  1. Step 1: A teacup is a very small bailer. Step 2. It underlines how inadequate the response is. Answer: inadequate effort. Why not the others: tea, ownership and shallow water do not fit the sinking boat.

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