And it happened. One minute she was on the branch; the next she was on the ground. I don’t even recall seeing her fall. —Gordon Korman, Schooled

Question

INVITATION TO NOTICE (note at least four features of the mentor sentence)

Answer 1

Here are four features of the mentor sentence from Gordon Korman's "Schooled":

1. Imagery: The sentence creates a vivid mental picture of a moment in time, allowing readers to visualize the scene. Phrases like "she was on the branch" and "she was on the ground" provide clear imagery that captures the suddenness of the event.

2. Contrasting Elements: The juxtaposition of two states — being on the branch and then on the ground — highlights the abruptness of the fall. This contrast emphasizes the unexpectedness of the action.

3. Use of First-Person Perspective: The sentence is narrated from a first-person point of view ("I don’t even recall seeing her fall"), which provides a personal connection to the event and invites the reader to experience it through the narrator's perspective.

4. Suspense and Uncertainty: The phrase "I don’t even recall seeing her fall" introduces an element of suspense and confusion. This suggests that the event was shocking or surprising, adding intrigue to the narrative and prompting the reader to question what exactly happened.

These features collectively enhance the impact of the moment being described, creating a sense of immediacy and emotional engagement.