One Word Substitution

Directions: Look at the underlined part of the sentence. Below the sentence, three possible substitutions for the underlined part are given. If one of them, i.e. (1), (2) or (3), is better than the underlined part, indicate that as your answer. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (4), i.e. "No improvement" as your answer.

Our flat is at the second floor.

What does the author suggest by the word 'placid'?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

While I stood drinking in the beauty of this placid scene, I became conscious of an alteration. In a moment, a sole porter emerged from his midday nap, operated a signal that clanked noisily into position, and then ambled slowly towards me for my return-half-ticket, whilst I remarked that his red amiable face and easygoing gait were in perfect harmony with the tranquil surroundings. A wisp of smoke on the horizon with a dark snake crawling beneath it announced the approach of the train. As it drew nearer, the deep silence of the place was gradually displaced by a creaking of brakes and a hissing of steam. Save for myself, no one entered the train and no one alighted. The porter with leisurely expertness, trundled a couple of milk churns on board, the door was slammed, the guard signalled to the driver, and we moved off, leaving the small station once more to its drowsy silence.