OpenSAT

Question #N946

This excerpt from a novel describes a scene where a young boy is trying to understand his mother's feelings. She has been acting strangely, and the boy is trying to make sense of her behavior. "She doesn't talk much. Her voice is not the voice I know. She has never spoken to me in that tone before. I know that she's hurting, but I don't know how to help her. "The excerpt uses a variety of techniques to show the boy's confusion and concern. What is the main effect of the author's use of short sentences in this excerpt?

The use of short sentences in this excerpt mainly serves to

A. emphasize the boy's confusion and helplessness.

B. illustrate the boy's sense of isolation.

C. create a sense of suspense and anticipation.

D. highlight the boy's growing maturity.

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Correct Answer is: A

The short sentences, particularly the first two sentences, create a sense of choppiness and disjointedness, which is characteristic of confusion and helplessness. The boy is struggling to understand what is happening and is unsure how to respond.