The statement that is the best inference the reader can make about the use of the phrase "vacation exercises" is that the phrase makes the work sound like less work than it was. That is option D.
What is inference?
Inference is the conclusion that can be made from an observation.
From the excerpt, we noticed that the soldiers where given a particular time to finish the construction of the trail from near the Volcano House to the summit of Mauna Loa.
The time given was just three to four weeks and this would make them work every other day to meet up.
Therefore, the phrase vacation exercises makes the work sound like less work than it was.
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