Though yes, a is correct (as a fact) it is incorrect in this form. The man that Steinbeck is talking to does not talk very much. Saying that his wife says that too is just pointing you to know that this is the normal man.
We know that he was quiet with this man and he is quiet with his wife, so we know that he just isn't talkative.
<em>Thus, the correct answer is B. The man is not very talkative.</em>
This is because when Steinbeck asks the man a question, he answers with one word. And when the man replies with "That's what my Mrs. says", he's being sarcastic.
A political persuasive speech would serve to convince the public to support an idea. You can tell this by the word <em>persuasive</em>. Persuasive speeches are to convince someone to do something
