Enthusiasm is not one personality
Read for meaning first. Select a highlighted word if you want a closer look.
During the break, an ebullient visitor enthusiastically described the poem's final image. Her gregarious friend moved easily from one conversation to another, clearly enjoying the company. The poet was more reticent about discussing the personal events behind the work. He welcomed thoughtful questions about its language but chose to keep some details private, and the host respected that boundary.
The gregarious friend introduced the poet to a small group without demanding a personal story. The ebullient visitor then asked about a particular phrase, giving him a subject he was happy to discuss. He remained reticent about his private life while speaking freely about revision. The evening showed several different ways to participate without treating the most talkative person as the most engaged.
Before you move on
Look away from the passage. Can you explain each focus word in your own words?
Original fictional passages for vocabulary practice.