Question 39
NECO
•
2017
•
LITERATURE_IN_ENGLISH
•
objective
Read the unseen prose excerpt below (approximately 150 words):
"The market square thrummed with the clamor of vendors, each stall a kaleidoscope of colors. Amid the chaos, Mara moved like a shadow, her eyes scanning the crowd for a face she had not seen in years. The scent of spices mingled with the distant toll of the cathedral bells, pulling memories of childhood festivals. Suddenly, a hand brushed her sleeve - a gentle reminder that time, though relentless, could still offer moments of unexpected reunion. She turned, heart pounding, to find an old friend, eyes bright with stories untold. In that instant, the bustling square faded, leaving only the quiet echo of a shared past."
Answer the following:
(a) Identify the central theme of the passage.
(b) Describe the tone conveyed by the author, citing two textual clues.
(c) Evaluate the effectiveness of the opening sentence as a hook, considering its imagery and sensory details.
Provide concise but complete answers.
Answer Options
Correct Answer
A.
a) The central theme is the power of memory and unexpected reunion. b) The tone is nostalgic and hopeful; evidence includes the phrases "pulling memories of childhood festivals" (nostalgia) and "gentle reminder that time... could still offer moments of unexpected reunion" (hope). c) The opening sentence is an effective hook because it combines vivid auditory ("thrummed", "clamor") and visual ("kaleidoscope of colors") imagery, immediately drawing the reader into the lively market scene and setting up the emotional context.
B.
a) The central theme is the clash between old traditions and new technology. b) The tone is somber and reflective; evidence includes "quiet echo of a shared past" (somber) and "pulling memories" (reflective). c) The opening sentence fails as a hook since it lacks vivid imagery, relying only on generic market description.
C.
a) The central theme is the excitement of market commerce. b) The tone is frantic and chaotic; evidence includes "thrummed with the clamor" (frantic) and "hand brushed her sleeve" (chaotic). c) The opening sentence is a weak hook because it merely lists sounds without evoking emotion.
D.
a) The central theme is the danger of strangers in crowded places. b) The tone is suspenseful and ominous; evidence includes "hand brushed her sleeve" (suspense) and "heart pounding" (ominous). c) The opening sentence is moderately effective, but its sensory details are limited to sound, missing visual impact.
Correct Answer
A
Correct Option:
a) The central theme is the power of memory and unexpected reunion. b) The tone is nostalgic and hopeful; evidence includes the phrases "pulling memories of childhood festivals" (nostalgia) and "gentle reminder that time... could still offer moments of unexpected reunion" (hope). c) The opening sentence is an effective hook because it combines vivid auditory ("thrummed", "clamor") and visual ("kaleidoscope of colors") imagery, immediately drawing the reader into the lively market scene and setting up the emotional context.
About This Question
This is
Neco
2017
Literature In English
Question 39.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2017
Neco
Literature In English
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.