Question #N834
The following passage is from a short story: "The moon was a pearl in the sky, a perfect circle, and the air was thick with the scent of honeysuckle. The only sound was the gentle chirping of crickets, a sound that seemed to lull the world into a state of peaceful slumber. But the silence was deceptive, for under its tranquil surface, a tension simmered." What is the primary function of the third sentence in the passage?
The third sentence of the passage serves primarily to
A. introduce a contrast between the tranquility of the scene and the underlying tension.
B. describe the speaker's emotional state as they observe the night.
C. provide a vivid sensory image of the setting.
D. explain the cause of the tension that exists beneath the surface.
Correct Answer is: A
The third sentence establishes a contrast between the serene atmosphere described in the previous sentences and the simmering tension that is introduced in the sentence itself. This contrast is key to understanding the underlying tone of the passage and the potential conflict that might arise.