Question

read this excerpt from a short story. the set committee had labored for weeks constructing a background to recreate a 1950s new york city neighborhood. the students in charge of costumes had scoured thrift shops for well - worn denim and leather. the cast had rehearsed lines and performed their songs until each member could recite their part forwards and backwards. but nobody wanted to perform for an empty house. the only remaining hurdle was the promotion of the play. as pine valley high’s first spring production, the student body would need to be convinced that west side story should not be missed. what complication is introduced in the excerpt? ∘ the cast members struggle to memorize lines. ∘ the costumes do not reflect the play’s time period. ∘ the set committee must repair the background. ∘ the students must work to promote the play.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: The excerpt says the cast rehearsed until they could recite parts forwards and backwards, so they don't struggle to memorize lines. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The costume students scoured thrift shops for well - worn denim and leather (fitting 1950s), so costumes do reflect the time period. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The set committee constructed the background, and there's no mention of needing to repair it. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The excerpt states "the only remaining hurdle was the promotion of the play" and "the student body would need to be convinced...", so the complication is that students must work to promote the play.

Answer:

D. The students must work to promote the play.