Question

In a short story, Plotline A follows Ava, a high school journalist uncovering the mystery behind a missing trophy from the school’s archives. Plotline B follows Marcus, a quiet student who begins leaving cryptic notes around campus that challenge students to solve riddles.

Which revision best combines both plotlines to create a more cohesive and engaging story?

(1 point)
Responses

Ava eventually finds the trophy hidden in an old locker and wins an award for her reporting. Meanwhile, Marcus drops out of school and is never heard from again.

Ava eventually finds the trophy hidden in an old locker and wins an award for her reporting. Meanwhile, Marcus drops out of school and is never heard from again.

Ava learns that Marcus is behind the riddles, which are actually clues leading to the missing trophy, and the two work together to solve the mystery.
Ava learns that Marcus is behind the riddles, which are actually clues leading to the missing trophy, and the two work together to solve the mystery.

Ava continues her investigation while Marcus writes poems unrelated to the missing trophy, confusing other students.
Ava continues her investigation while Marcus writes poems unrelated to the missing trophy, confusing other students.

Marcus reveals that he wrote the riddles to protest unfair school rules, and Ava publishes a story about the protest in the school paper.

Marcus reveals that he wrote the riddles to protest unfair school rules, and Ava publishes a story about the protest in the school paper.

Answer 1

Ava learns that Marcus is behind the riddles, which are actually clues leading to the missing trophy, and the two work together to solve the mystery.

This ties both plotlines together, raises stakes, and creates character-driven collaboration.