Question

4.4.3 test (cst): the novella: franz kafkas the metamorphosis
question 19 of 20
read the passage.
she heard something. maybe the back door. there was a creak on the stairs, then another sound like a quiet motor. she froze. her heart beat in her chest. she had to stay quiet. she shut her eyes. her door creaked open. she held her breath.
which statement best describes how the pacing of the passage affects the tone?
a. the quick pace helps give the passage a suspenseful tone.
b. the slow pace helps give the passage a bored tone.
c. the slow pace helps give the passage an excited tone.
d. the quick pace helps give the passage a relaxed tone.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the passage's pacing and tone. The passage uses short, sequential actions (hearing sounds, freezing, heart beating, shutting eyes, door creaking, holding breath) which create a quick pace. This quick pace builds tension and suspense, as the character is reacting to a potentially threatening or unknown situation.

• Option A: A quick pace with actions like "froze," "heart beat," "shut her eyes," "held her breath" creates suspense, matching the passage's tone.
• Option B: A slow pace and bored tone don't fit, as the character is tense, not bored.
• Option C: A slow pace and excited tone are inconsistent; the actions suggest tension, not excitement.
• Option D: A quick pace and relaxed tone contradict each other, as the situation is tense, not relaxed.

Answer:

A. The quick pace helps give the passage a suspenseful tone.