Which statement best evaluates the author’s use of pacing?
A) the author’s use of pacing is not effective, because the imagery and figurative language don’t adequately describe either the cheetah or the gazelle.
B) the author’s use of pacing is effective, because the long, complex sentences help the reader fully understand the power and beauty of nature.
C) the author’s use of pacing is not effective, because the long complex sentences distract from the sense of stress and anxiety the passage should convey.
D) the author’s use of pacing is effective, because the imagery and figurative language help speed us the action, making the scene come alive for the reader.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To evaluate the author’s use of pacing effectively, option C is the best choice: “the author’s use of pacing is not effective, because the long complex sentences distract from the sense of stress and anxiety the passage should convey.”
Explanation
Pacing in writing refers to the speed at which a narrative unfolds and how the structure and rhythm of the sentences contribute to that speed. In the context of a passage that likely depicts a tense moment in nature, such as a predator-prey interaction, the pacing should ideally reflect the urgency and tension of the scene.
Long, complex sentences can be beautifully descriptive and provide rich imagery, but they can also slow down the narrative pace. If the author employs these lengthy constructions during a critical moment—such as a cheetah chasing a gazelle—this can undermine the sense of immediacy that is crucial to engaging the reader’s emotions. Instead of heightening the tension, the complex sentences may create a disconnect, making it harder for readers to feel the pulse of the chase or the anxiety experienced by both the predator and the prey.
Effective pacing often involves a variety of sentence lengths. Short, punchy sentences can convey urgency and action, whereas longer sentences can be used for reflection or description. In scenes that are meant to convey high stakes and adrenaline, shorter sentences can create a staccato rhythm that mirrors the quick movements and heightened emotions of the characters involved.
Thus, in this scenario, the claim that the author’s pacing is ineffective due to distracting long sentences resonates more clearly with the purpose of the passage—conveying stress and anxiety during a critical moment in nature. By reevaluating sentence structure to include more variation, the author could better enhance the scene’s intensity and emotional impact.