Let’s Solve an Example

Here’s another example of a “technique” type question for the SAT reading section, along with a sample passage and a step-by-step explanation of the correct and incorrect answers.

As the night grew darker, Sarah found herself walking alone through the eerie forest. The author skillfully employed various literary techniques to create a sense of suspense and anticipation. One technique used was the strategic use of foreshadowing. Throughout the passage, the author dropped subtle hints about an impending danger lurking in the shadows. The rustling of leaves and the hushed whispers of wind added to the growing unease Sarah felt. The passage read, “Sarah’s heart raced as she heard the faint sound of footsteps behind her. She quickened her pace, the forest seemingly closing in around her.” This combination of sensory details and Sarah’s escalating fear builds a palpable sense of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Another technique employed was the use of short, fragmented sentences, mimicking Sarah’s racing thoughts and heightening the tension. The passage further stated, “She turned a corner. Silence. Then, a blood-curdling scream pierced the night. Darkness enveloped her.”

Which literary technique does the author primarily use in the passage to create suspense?

A) Dialogue
B) Flashbacks
C) Foreshadowing
D) Imagery

Step 1: Analyze the Passage
In this step, we need to understand the main idea and purpose of the passage. The passage describes a character named Sarah walking alone in an eerie forest, and the author uses various literary techniques to create a sense of suspense. The two techniques mentioned are foreshadowing and the use of short, fragmented sentences.

Step 2: Eliminate Incorrect Answers
Let’s evaluate each answer choice and eliminate the ones that do not match the techniques used in the passage.

A) Dialogue: This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not mention any direct conversations or exchanges between characters. The focus is on the protagonist’s experience and the author’s techniques to create suspense.

B) Flashbacks: This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not mention any use of flashbacks to create suspense. The focus is on the present situation and the techniques employed to build anticipation.

C) Foreshadowing: This answer choice is correct because the passage explicitly mentions the author’s use of foreshadowing to create suspense. The passage describes subtle hints about an impending danger and the growing unease felt by the protagonist.

D) Imagery: This answer choice is incorrect because although the passage contains sensory details to enhance the suspense, it primarily emphasizes the use of foreshadowing and short, fragmented sentences rather than vivid imagery.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Answer
Based on the analysis and elimination process, the correct answer is C) Foreshadowing. The passage clearly states that the author strategically uses foreshadowing to create suspense. The hints about impending danger, coupled with the protagonist’s growing unease, build a sense of anticipation and keep readers engaged. The use of foreshadowing in this context helps to heighten the feeling of suspense throughout the passage.