What kind of worker was McCandless, and how did Westerberg evaluate him?

• A. Hardest worker I have ever seen; did all the dirty work and never quit; extremely ethical and high standards.
• B. He was lazy and unreliable.
• C. He was highly intelligent but occasionally shirked chores.
• D. He was stubborn and unreliable.

Answer: (A)

At its heart, this item tests understanding of how a firsthand observer describes McCandless’s work ethic and character. Westerberg’s praise—calling him the hardest worker he’d ever seen, noting that he did all the dirty work and never quit, and emphasizing his extremely ethical and high standards—highlights two key traits: exceptional diligence and strong integrity. He wasn’t just putting in long hours; he was reliable, took on demanding tasks without complaint, and did so with a principled approach. This portrayal fits a young man who earned respect on the job by showing perseverance and a principled mindset, which is exactly what the prompt is asking you to identify. The other options describe laziness, inconsistency, or unreliability, which contradict Westerberg’s clear positive assessment of his work ethic and ethics.