The hiker could see the mountain ridge ahead as he traversed the treacherous hillside. Against the backdrop of gathering white clouds, it looked like a razor cutting into the
pale sky. As he walked out onto the ridgeline, he was rendered breathless by the majesty of the view. However, the sheer cliffs on either side of the narrow pathway demanded his attention. He decided to focus exclusively on his footing to avoid the danger of a misstep. The splendor of the view could wait until he finished this perilous last stretch.
What effect does the underlined wording have on the meaning of the paragraph?
1 It illustrates the need to make haste because bad weather is coming.
2 It explains the man's fear of being cut on sharp rocks along the path.
3 It heightens the drama by suggesting that the ridgeline is dangerous.
1 answer
3 It heightens the drama by suggesting that the ridgeline is dangerous.