Jenna looked out into the audience. Everyone sat silently, waiting for the play to begin. The other actors waited for Jenna to say her first line, but she couldn’t. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Question

What technique does the writer use to engage the reader?

A. The writer is hinting at how the story will end.
B. The writer is comparing different characters.
C. The writer is giving background information about the main character.
D. The writer is setting a problem for the main character.

Answer 1

D. The writer is setting a problem for the main character.

By showcasing Jenna's difficulty in starting the play, the writer establishes a clear problem or conflict that the character must face, which engages the reader's interest in how the situation will develop.