question 16 of 20\nwhich use of pacing creates the most surprised mood?\na. the gray, fluffy cat leapt onto…

question 16 of 20\nwhich use of pacing creates the most surprised mood?\na. the gray, fluffy cat leapt onto the table; it was unexpected but not unwanted.\nb. a ghost burst into the room. boo, it said, floating around aimlessly at first, but then with more direction.\nc. all of a sudden, the majestic mahogany doors swiveled open noiselessly.\nd. a noise! she turned her head. nothing. nothing but the wind.

question 16 of 20\nwhich use of pacing creates the most surprised mood?\na. the gray, fluffy cat leapt onto the table; it was unexpected but not unwanted.\nb. a ghost burst into the room. boo, it said, floating around aimlessly at first, but then with more direction.\nc. all of a sudden, the majestic mahogany doors swiveled open noiselessly.\nd. a noise! she turned her head. nothing. nothing but the wind.

Answer

Answer:

C. All of a sudden, the majestic mahogany doors swiveled open noiselessly.

Brief Explanations:

  • Option A: The cat's action is unexpected but the tone is rather neutral. The description “it was unexpected but not unwanted” softens the surprise.
  • Option B: A ghost bursting in is a bit of a cliché. The description of it floating aimlessly first and then with direction gives a bit of a build - up, but not the most sudden surprise.
  • Option C: The phrase “All of a sudden” creates an immediate sense of surprise. The “majestic mahogany doors swiveled open noiselessly” is an unexpected and somewhat grand (because of “majestic”) action that happens without any prior warning (noiselessly), which is very effective in creating a surprised mood.
  • Option D: There is a build - up (a noise, her turning her head) and then a let - down (nothing but the wind). It creates more of a tense - then - relieved mood rather than a pure surprised mood.

So, option C uses pacing (the suddenness indicated by “All of a sudden”) and description (majestic doors opening noiselessly) most effectively to create a surprised mood.