Question

Use the paragraph to answer the question.

Sylvia woke up exactly when she should have been walking out the door to the bus stop. She bolted out of bed, threw on her school clothes, and rushed out the door. She could not be late today. Not today of
all days. Just as she rounded the corner to the bus stop, hoping she hadn't missed it, she felt a sharp tug at her back. A strap of her backpack was tangled in a broken fence. Not today! Sylvia thought to
herself.

What effect does the phrase "She could not be late today" have on the story?

(1 point)

O It builds tension because the reader does not know everything the character knows.

O It relieves tension because it explains what Sylvia wants.

It is a flashback that tells readers something new about Sylvia.

It creates surprise because Sylvia did not expect to wake up late.

Answer 1

O It builds tension because the reader does not know everything the character knows.

Explanation: The line creates urgency and raises questions (why she can't be late?), increasing suspense.