Question

read the passage.

at the sound of the gun, the runners legs began to cross the starting line in a blur, and their bodies surged forward as if propelled by unseen engines. the lanes were runways, and the runners could take flight at any moment. but they stayed on earth, their feet drumming the ground in an uneven staccato that reverberated in the chests of the cheering crowd that choked the fence along the track.

which statement best describes the use of diction in this passage?

• the author uses several words with negative connotations.
• the author uses a variety of specific and interesting verbs.
• the author uses a number of words that are informal.
• the author uses a variety of specific and unusual adjectives.

Explanation:

1. First, analyze the passage's word choice: key action words include "cross", "surged", "propelled", "drumming", "reverberated", "choked" – these are specific, vivid verbs that create dynamic imagery.
2. Eliminate other options:

• No negative connotations dominate the passage; words are neutral/energetic.
• The language is formal, descriptive prose, not informal.
• The passage relies more on active verbs than unusual adjectives; most adjectives (e.g., "uneven", "cheering") are common.

Answer:

The author uses a variety of specific and interesting verbs.