Question

question 6 of 10
which example from \a visit of charity\ speeds up the pacing of the story and makes the reader feel as if the action is happening quickly?

a. suddenly marian saw a hand, quick as a bird claw, reach up in the air and pluck the white cap off her head. at the same time, another claw to match drew her all the way into the room...

b. the old woman, still with that terrible, square smile (which was a smile of welcome) stamped on her bony face, was waiting...

c. she wore a red coat, and her straight yellow hair was hanging down loose from the pointed white cap all the little girls were wearing that year.

d. one old woman was pulling the door open in short, gradual jerks, and when she saw the nurse a strange smile forced her old face dangerously awry.

Explanation:

To determine which example speeds up the story's pacing, we analyze the action and language:

• Option A uses words like "suddenly", "quick as a bird claw", and "at the same time" to describe rapid, simultaneous actions, creating a sense of urgency and fast - paced action.
• Option B focuses on describing the old woman's smile and her waiting, which is a more static description with no sense of quick action.
• Option C is a description of Marian's appearance, which is a static detail and does not contribute to pacing the action quickly.
• Option D describes the old woman's slow, jerky door - pulling and a forced smile, which is a slower - paced action.

Answer:

A. Suddenly Marian saw a hand, quick as a bird claw, reach up in the air and pluck the white cap off her head. At the same time, another claw to match drew her all the way into the room...