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?

(1 point)
Responses

The writer is comparing different characters.
The writer is comparing different characters.

The writer is hinting at how the story will end.
The writer is hinting at how the story will end.

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

The writer is giving background information about the main character.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The writer is setting a problem for the main character.

This technique engages the reader by introducing tension and uncertainty regarding Jenna's ability to perform, establishing a conflict that needs to be resolved.