Question

Read the excerpt from paragraph 1.

But suddenly, all was quiet. And the profound
silence testified to one of the greatest demographic
disasters in human prehistory-the demise of the
once-vibrant Maya society.
How do the phrases "all was quiet" and
"profound silence" affect the meaning and tone
of the text?
A. by expressing shock that the flourishing
empire of the Maya could end so abruptly
OB. by conveying sympathy for the population of
the Maya and the tragedy they endured
OC. by attributing the unexpected destruction of
the Maya to some form of treachery or foul
play

Answer 1

The phrases effectuate a tone of shock and signify the abrupt demise of the vibrant Maya society, emphasizing the suddenness of its end without implying treachery or sympathy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrases "all was quiet" and "profound silence" contribute to the tone and meaning of the text by creating a sense of abrupt desolation and a dramatic contrast to the once-vibrant Maya society. The use of these phrases suggests an unexpected end to the civilization. It invokes a tone of shock, emphasizing how the flourishing society could come to a sudden stop. The profound silence evokes a feeling of emptiness and loss, signifying the gravity of the situation. These phrases do not suggest sympathy or treachery but rather the stark and sudden nature of the Maya civilization's end.

Answer 2

A.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer A says "shock" and "abruptly" which correlates with a "profound" or meaningful silence as well as the word "suddenly" in the passage.