Question

The following is a student draft. It may contain errors. Mystery in the Attic (1) It was pitch dark and cold, and I could hear the creaking of my footsteps as I crept up the stairs. (2) Despite my fear, I continued to keep pace until I reached the top of the staircase. (3) There it was, the door that opened to what I imagined to be a dimly lit cave, home of ancient bats and the unknown. (4) I knew I needed to open the door. (5) Finally, holding my breath, I grabbed the key from my pocket and unlocked the door. (6) To my surprise, it was a room full of treasure! (7) That summer, I went through every box I could and scoured through old photos, letters, keepsakes, and clothes. (8) There was one photo, however, that really caught my attention. (9) The photo was of a woman who I did not recognize. (10) Her hair was long, curly, and full. (11) Her eyes were piercing as she smiled into the camera, and she appeared to be singing to a large audience. (12) In the same box that I found the picture, I found a pearl necklace, red feather boa, and a beautiful black dress. (13) I wondered, Who is this mystery woman in the attic? (14) I brought the photo to my mother and asked, "Mom, who is this woman?" (15) My mom's eyes immediately lit up and she explained, "That, my dear, is my grandmother Lori. (16) She was a singer. (17) The whole concert hall used to be full of people on the nights she performed. (18) Even in her old age, her voice was as sweet and beautiful as the birds' chirps in the morning." (19) I looked at the photo again, and I wanted to know more about her. (20) From that day on, I went up to the attic every day to practice singing. (21) I put on my great-grandmother's pearl necklace, feather boa, and black dress, and stood in the center of the attic room as if it was a concert call. (22) I danced and sang to tunes so that I could perform one day too. (23) When school started again, I mustered up enough courage to perform at my school's talent show. (24) Before it was my turn to take the stage, my palms began to feel sweaty and I thought to myself, Don't be nervous. Great-Grandma Lori would be so proud of you. (25) As the curtains rose, I put on a big smile and began to sing. Which details should the writer add before sentence 6 to best help readers imagine how the author physically feels when she opens the attic door? A. When I tiptoed into the room, I imagined all the interesting things I would find when I uncovered what was in the old boxes that filled every corner and wall of the attic room—there was so much to look through and so little time! B. As I stepped into the room, a cold breeze brought me chills and a cloud of dust burst into the air as I coughed and gasped for fresh air; I was convinced no one had been in this room for ages and I was the first explorer. C. As I walked into the room, I realized most people would be scared of going up to the attic alone, but I proved to myself how brave I was to venture up here all by myself—I felt a sense of accomplishment I never felt before! D. When I peered into the dark room, I noticed that there were shelves upon shelves full of old boxes sealed with tape that has not been tampered with; it was evident that no one had opened any of the boxes for a very long time.

Answer 1

From the author's descriptions of the attic door, I get the sense that the writer is extremely anxious about what may be behind the door; thus, I would say that sentences B. or D. would best convey that.

Step-by-step explanation:

The answer you will give, as someone who is more informed on the question than I, wholly depends on the feeling you'd want to evoke.

Sentence A.

This kindles irrepressible curiosity in the reader as to what's in the boxes, not so much anxiety, in my opinion.

Sentence B.

This shows that the room is very old, musty, and has a rather unsettling atmosphere, unperturbed for a very long time. It gives the reader a sense of suspense with the cloud of dust and coughing and gasping for fresh air.

Sentence C.

I feel like this sentence makes the writer feel a little more self-important and may suggest that they are vain, although it is a completely valid point, in my opinion. This supports the eerie ideas surrounding the attic, and what all other people, the author included (before having opened the door), thought was within the room, while also conveying a sense of accomplishment and pride at what they have done.

Sentence D.

This sentence here, I feel, evokes less of a sentiment of anxiety, but more one of curiosity. There are all these boxes around, taped shut, none having been disturbed in the longest time. This makes the reader wonder what can be in those boxes that have been closed and untouched for so long.

Personally, I would choose sentence B. to insert before the sixth sentence. This would make it "Finally, holding my breath, I grabbed the key from my pocket and unlocked the door. As I stepped into the room, a cold breeze brought me chills and a cloud of dust burst into the air as I coughed and gasped for fresh air; I was convinced no one had been in this room for ages, and I was the first explorer. (6) To my surprise, it was a room full of treasure!" (you could mention that, after some looking around, it was concluded that it was a room of treasure, perhaps for some more context).

Awesome tale! I found no errors :)

Answer 2

b

Step-by-step explanation:

it is not a because you can't physically fell it only your thoughts. not c because you can't physically feel people are scared can you? it is not d because that would be after. so we are left with b the correct answer.

hope this helps you