1.09 Unit Test: Narrative Techniques and Structure - Part 1

Which statement best describes how the resolution affects this story?

It provides closure by describing the narrator's confidence in completing the task he has been preparing for.

Which statement best describes how the story's rising action creates tension?

It raises questions about what Great-Aunt Gertrude is sorry for.

What impact does the climax have on this story?

It serves as a turning point as it is revealed that the letters were intended for Abuela, not Bella.

Part A How does the author of this passage create suspense? Part B Which textual evidence supports the response in Part A?

Part A The author describes a situation in which the main character isn't certain that he can accomplish his mission. Part B "Oh, here it comes: the Wave of Doubt. Why can't I just concentrate on the task at hand in these situations?"

Part A How does the author provide readers with important information about Aunt Gertrude in the passage's exposition? Part B Which sentence from the exposition best illustrates the function of this part of the story as identified in Part A?

Part A The author includes a flashback that details the narrator's interactions with and views on his aunt. Part B "I had seen Aunt Gertrude more in the past two years than I had ever before in my life, and she could be terrifying, often wearing a mean scowl on her deeply lined face."

Part A Why does the author use the first-person point of view in this story? Part B Which evidence from the story shows the impact of the first-person narrator as described in Part A?

Part A to limit reader access to the thoughts, feelings, and memories of all characters except Bella Part B Isabella doesn't know that Alejandro used to call her grandmother "Bella" until Abuela reveals it to her.

How does the author make this story comical?

The narrator says that her grandmother loves drama.

How does the author show that Bella is a reliable narrator?

Bella admits she is embarrassed when Mateo finds her following him.

How does the author's use of foreshadowing in describing the aunt's past work as a governess affect the story?

It adds surprise to the story when the aunt's true generosity is revealed.

What is the effect of the author's choice to tell this story in the present tense?

It allows readers to experience events at the same time that the characters experience it.

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of the story. How does O. Henry's use of third-person narration in "After Twenty Years" affect the story?

It allows the reader to get to know each character.

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of the story. Read this excerpt from "After Twenty Years" by O. Henry. "Bless my heart!" exclaimed the new arrival, grasping both the other's hands with his own. "It's Bob, sure as fate. I was certain I'd find you here if you were still in existence. Well, well, well!—twenty years is a long time. The old restaurant's gone, Bob; I wish it had lasted, so we could have had another dinner there. How has the West treated you, old man?" Which statement best describes how the pacing of the passage affects the story?

It creates a sense of surprise by having the newly arrived character speak with short phrases and exclamations.

Which phrase is the definition of the word propensity? Because of her little sister's lifelong propensity for constant chatter, Mazy often retreated to the privacy of her bedroom, seeking silence.

a natural tendency

Which phrase is the best meaning of the word meticulous in this sentence? With meticulous accuracy, Thomas correctly assembled the tiny pieces of his broken watch back together again.

carefully precise

Which phrase from this sentence best reveals the meaning of the word concurrent? Rather than taking them during separate semesters, James decided to take concurrent courses despite what he knew would be a heavy workload.

during separate semesters

Which definition of static is used in this sentence? The air temperature was static throughout the picnic until the wind began to blow.

showing little or no change

Which phrase from the sentence best reveals the meaning of the word belligerent? When her parents refused to buy the toddler the candy she begged for, the belligerent child threw herself, kicking and screaming, to the floor of the grocery store.

threw herself, kicking and screaming