Question

They both advised me to run away to the north; that I should find friends there, and that I should be free. I pretended not to be interested in what they said, and treated them as if I did not understand them; for I feared they might be treacherous. White men have been known to encourage slaves to escape, and then, to get the reward, catch them and return them to their masters. … I nevertheless remembered their advice, and from that time I resolved to run away. In the above excerpt, which words best establish immediacy?

Answer 1

This question is missing the options. I've found them online. They are the following:

Question: In the above excerpt, which words best establish immediacy?

A) "White men have been known to encourage slaves to escape."

B) "… that I should be free."

C) "I pretended not to be interested in what they said."

D) There is no immediacy.

Answer:

The words that best establish immediacy are:

B) "… that I should be free."

Explanation:

By definition, immediacy is the quality of creating excitement and a sense of urgency by involving someone instantly. Now, imagine being a slave and wishing nothing more than freedom. If someone told you to run away "...that [you] should be free," can you imagine how you would feel? The excitement this would bring? The urgency to escape and finally get rid of the cruelties done to you? For that reason, letter B is the best option. "...that I should be free" are the words that create a sense of immediacy.