Question

Today, the day just did not go as I had planned. I had an interview and was running late for it. I pushed aside people in the crowded subway station and sprinted to platform number one, only to see the train leave as soon as I reached the platform. Since the trains were running late, I had to quickly run back, take the stairs, and cross the road to reach the bus stop. The train delay meant that many people would have the same idea as I did. Consequently, the bus stop was crowded with people, and I could barely find any space to plant myself and wait for the bus. I had to decide whether to wait for the bus, crowded with people, or pay through the nose for a cab ride. Every moment counted, and I didn’t really have any to spare. Looking around, the roads appeared empty, and I decided to treat myself to a cab ride. Being able to finally rest my feet, I relaxed as the cab zoomed past a couple of blocks. Suddenly, the cab stopped. I looked to see why, and to my horror, I traced a line of traffic ahead of me that didn’t seem to end. The cab would start, crawl half a foot, and then stop. My mind could hardly deal with this blow to my efforts toward arriving for the interview on time. I was seven blocks away from the office building and decided to walk. I quickly jogged my way through packed streets and when I reached the office, I was too late. The somewhat dismissive receptionist at the office informed me that they had completed the first round of interviews and politely told me that I was not required anymore.

How does the author control the pacing in the passage?
A.
by creating a sense of despair
B.
by describing the setting in detail
C.
by building tension
D.
by providing an ending

Answer 1

The author controls the pacing in the passage primarily **C. by building tension**. Throughout the narrative, the author gradually increases the sense of urgency and urgency of the situation, from missing the train to encountering delays in the cab, leading to the ultimate disappointment of arriving late to the interview. This build-up of tension keeps the reader engaged and emphasizes the protagonist's stress and frustration over time constraints.