Mary watched in earnest as they announced the winners of the school election. She had been campaigning for the office of student body president for over a month, making all kinds of banners, posters, buttons, and flyers. She spoke at two assemblies, which to be honest had scared her to death, and had even participated in a debate with her opponents, which also sent her heart racing. Now, the big night had finally arrived, and the results were about to be announced. As she sat at the edge of her seat in the auditorium, she heard the words “Mary Gold is your new student body president” spoken into the microphone by the school principal. She felt like hopping up, doing backflips, and a few of her cheerleading cheers, but she held her composure. Later, one of her classmates asked how she felt, and she replied, “Oh, I’m a little excited.”QuestionUse the paragraph to answer the question.Which statement best analyzes this paragraph?(1 point)ResponsesThe author used third-person point of view to highlight the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.The author used third-person point of view to highlight the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.The author used satire to show that political events are less important than how they are presented.The author used satire to show that political events are less important than how they are presented.The author used sarcasm to hint at the type of leader Mary would become in her new role.The author used sarcasm to hint at the type of leader Mary would become in her new role.The author used understatement to downplay Mary’s true feelings.
1 answer
The best statement that analyzes the paragraph is: The author used understatement to downplay Mary’s true feelings.
This analysis is appropriate because while Mary just describes her feelings as "a little excited," the context shows that she had a significant emotional investment in the campaign and the victory, suggesting that her true feelings could be much more intense than she expresses.
