Question

which example from \a visit of charity\ slows down the pacing of the story?
a. then something was snatched from marians hand - the little potted plant. \flowers!\ screamed the old woman.
b. one old woman was pulling the door open in short, gradual jerks, and when she saw the nurse a strange smile forced her old face dangerously awry.
c. suddenly marian saw a hand, quick as a bird claw, reach up in the air and pluck the white cap off her head.
d. \wait for me!\ she shouted. as though at an imperial command, the bus ground to a stop. she jumped on and took a big bite out of the apple.

Explanation:

• Option A: This is a sudden action (something snatched, old woman screamed) which is more of a quick - paced event.
• Option B: The description of the old woman pulling the door open in "short, gradual jerks" and the detailed description of her face when she saw the nurse slows down the pacing. It focuses on a slow, deliberate action and a detailed visual (the strange smile on her face).
• Option C: The use of "suddenly" and the quick comparison ("quick as a bird claw") indicates a fast - paced action.
• Option D: The bus stopping at an "imperial command" (quickly), her jumping on (a fast movement) are all elements of a fast - paced sequence.

Answer:

B. One old woman was pulling the door open in short, gradual jerks, and when she saw the nurse a strange smile forced her old face dangerously awry.