The author uses a plot device to increase tension. The prior argument between the two characters and the arrival of the red car, coupled with the unresolved feelings as they eye each other, heightens the emotional stakes and creates a charged atmosphere. This tension keeps the reader engaged and invested in how the characters will navigate their conflict.
A story begins with two characters working together to change a tire. The characters are trying to avoid speaking to each other, and it becomes clear that they had an argument before they ended up in this situation. A red car pulls up behind them. A scene shows one of the two characters riding in the red car, having a lighthearted conversation with its driver.
Another scene shows the two characters who were working to change the tire arguing about the driver of the red car. As the driver of the red car approaches the two characters, their eyes meet. It is clear their argument has not been resolved.
How does the author use a plot device to create an effect?
(1 point )
• A plot device increases the conflict.
• A plot device creates a sense of surprise.
• A plot device creates a sense of mystery.
• A plot device increases tension.
11 answers
A story begins with a character trying to make a major life decision. The character goes to sleep, and the next day the storyline splits in two. One thread of scenes follows the character showing their life if they had decided the big choice one way. The other follows the character showing their life if they had decided the big choice another way. Both paths involve unexpected downsides and upsides. Near the end of the story, the character hits their head in both storylines. For a moment, the character fully understands both realities and must choose which reality to return to.
How does the author's choice of structure create a specific effect?
(1 point)
• The use of parallel plot adds a sense of surprise.
• The use of parallel plots increases tension.
• The use of a subplot adds a sense of surprise.
• The use of a subplot increases tension.
How does the author's choice of structure create a specific effect?
(1 point)
• The use of parallel plot adds a sense of surprise.
• The use of parallel plots increases tension.
• The use of a subplot adds a sense of surprise.
• The use of a subplot increases tension.
The use of parallel plots increases tension. By exploring two different outcomes based on the character's major life decision, the author creates a scenario where the character must confront the implications and consequences of each choice. As both storylines unfold with their respective upsides and downsides, the reader is kept in suspense about which path the character will ultimately choose, heightening the overall tension of the narrative.
The Summer of El Pintor
by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman
Lucia was a narrow street lined with small houses fronted by dry patches of lawn. Old pepper trees, whose branches hung limply over the scattered red berries below them, grew alongside the curbs. On a dusty driveway two teenage boys in grease-spotted T-shirts were working on a torn-down car. They shot glances in their direction. Monica shrank into the black leather of the bucket seat.
She wanted to hide. But why? She took a deep breath, sat up, and forced herself to look around again. The morning mist was completely gone. The sun was strong and bright, intensifying the color of a row of potted marigolds on the front porch of one of the houses.
Excerpt from "Summer of El Pintor" by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman is being reprinted with permission from the publisher (©Arte Público
Press - University of Houston)
Use the excerpt from "The Summer of El Pintor" by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman to answer the question.
Use the excerpt from "The Summer of El Pintor" by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman to answer the question.
Which sentence or sentences from the passage help readers determine the story's setting?
(1 point)
Monica shrank into the black leather of the bucket seat.
The morning mist was completely gone. The sun was strong and bright, intensifying the color of a row of potted marigolds on the front porch of one of the houses.
She wanted to hide. But why? She took a deep breath, sat up, and forced herself to look around again.
• They shot glances in their direction.
by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman
Lucia was a narrow street lined with small houses fronted by dry patches of lawn. Old pepper trees, whose branches hung limply over the scattered red berries below them, grew alongside the curbs. On a dusty driveway two teenage boys in grease-spotted T-shirts were working on a torn-down car. They shot glances in their direction. Monica shrank into the black leather of the bucket seat.
She wanted to hide. But why? She took a deep breath, sat up, and forced herself to look around again. The morning mist was completely gone. The sun was strong and bright, intensifying the color of a row of potted marigolds on the front porch of one of the houses.
Excerpt from "Summer of El Pintor" by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman is being reprinted with permission from the publisher (©Arte Público
Press - University of Houston)
Use the excerpt from "The Summer of El Pintor" by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman to answer the question.
Use the excerpt from "The Summer of El Pintor" by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman to answer the question.
Which sentence or sentences from the passage help readers determine the story's setting?
(1 point)
Monica shrank into the black leather of the bucket seat.
The morning mist was completely gone. The sun was strong and bright, intensifying the color of a row of potted marigolds on the front porch of one of the houses.
She wanted to hide. But why? She took a deep breath, sat up, and forced herself to look around again.
• They shot glances in their direction.
The sentence that helps readers determine the story's setting is: "The morning mist was completely gone. The sun was strong and bright, intensifying the color of a row of potted marigolds on the front porch of one of the houses."
This sentence provides details about the time of day (morning) and the weather (clear and sunny), which contribute to establishing the overall setting of the story.
Which story setting would best support a happy, joyful mood? (1 point)
a grocery store on a cold winter morning
• the woods during a thunderstorm at night
• the finish line of a big race on a spring afternoon
a crowded park on a humid summer day
a grocery store on a cold winter morning
• the woods during a thunderstorm at night
• the finish line of a big race on a spring afternoon
a crowded park on a humid summer day
The setting that would best support a happy, joyful mood is the finish line of a big race on a spring afternoon. This setting suggests a celebratory atmosphere, as races typically involve achievement and excitement, complemented by the pleasantness of spring weather.
As Amani stood at the gate, she considered her options. She could run far away, leaving this whole mess behind her. She would never have to think about any of it again. The idea was tempting. It would certainly be safer. And yet... there was a lingering voice in her mind. What if? What if? Amani had to know. She realized she wanted to know. She took a deep breath and pushed the gate open.
Which character would best serve as a foil to Amani?
(1 point)
an inventive character who always finds a way to do things
• an indifferent character who prefers the safe and known
a character who questions everything and seeks to learn
• a cautious character who thinks before acting
Which character would best serve as a foil to Amani?
(1 point)
an inventive character who always finds a way to do things
• an indifferent character who prefers the safe and known
a character who questions everything and seeks to learn
• a cautious character who thinks before acting
An indifferent character who prefers the safe and known would best serve as a foil to Amani. Amani grapples with the desire to explore and face the uncertainties of her situation, while an indifferent character would embody a reluctance to engage in any risk or change. This contrast would highlight Amani's internal struggle and her curiosity about what lies ahead, emphasizing her bravery in choosing to push the gate open despite the mess she faces.
The Crow-Child
by Mary Mapes Dodge
Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner "The Rookery."
The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.
But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake.
One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister's when she felt angry or ill-tempered.
They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora-or "Cor," as Ruky called her — was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one.
Use the story to answer the question.
How can readers tell Cora is a complex character?
(1 point)
She has the most to lose if the story problem is not solved.
She has more dialogue than any other character in the story.
Her actions drive the plot forward by causing the main story problem.
Her family is the focus of the plot.
by Mary Mapes Dodge
Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner "The Rookery."
The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.
But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake.
One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister's when she felt angry or ill-tempered.
They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora-or "Cor," as Ruky called her — was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one.
Use the story to answer the question.
How can readers tell Cora is a complex character?
(1 point)
She has the most to lose if the story problem is not solved.
She has more dialogue than any other character in the story.
Her actions drive the plot forward by causing the main story problem.
Her family is the focus of the plot.
Readers can tell Cora is a complex character because she has the most to lose if the story problem is not solved. This suggests that her emotions, responsibilities, and relationships are intertwined with the story's outcome, indicating deeper layers to her character beyond just her role in the plot. This complexity in her motivations and stakes adds depth to her character.