Jenna looked out into the audience. Everyone sat silently, waiting for the play to begin. The other actors waited for Jenna to say her first line, but she couldn't. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Question

What technique does the writer use to engage the reader?

a. The writer is giving background information about the main character
b. The writer is setting a problem for the main character
c. The writer is comparing different characters
d. The writer is hinting at how the story will end

Answer 1

The technique the writer uses to engage the reader is:

b. The writer is setting a problem for the main character.

In this excerpt, Jenna's inability to deliver her first line creates tension and intrigue, suggesting that she is facing a challenge that will need to be addressed, thus engaging the reader's interest in how she will resolve this problem.