Question

What technique does the author use to increase the suspense in the passage below?
Molly's father handed the counselor the phone.

The counselor looked at it. She read the text message—Can you bring it to the house? And I'll give you the money then?

"Oh," the counselor said. "I see your concern."

Answer 1

The author increases suspense in this passage through the use of ambiguity and crisis. By presenting a text message that hints at a secretive and potentially concerning situation ("Can you bring it to the house? And I'll give you the money then?"), the author creates uncertainty about what is happening and what the stakes are. The counselor's reaction, expressed through her words ("Oh, I see your concern"), further heightens the suspense by implying that there is a significant issue at hand without revealing it fully to the reader. This technique keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the details behind the exchange and its implications for Molly and her father.