Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What type of story arc reinforces the theme of the work while maintaining a suspenseful climax?

1. Rising action

2. Falling action

3. Cyclical

4. Unresolved

The correct answer is: Rising action

A rising action story arc is a type of story structure that builds tension and momentum towards the climax of the story. This type of arc is typically used to reinforce the theme of a work by slowly revealing key elements of the plot and developing the characters in a way that supports the overall message of the story. The rising action is crucial in creating a suspenseful climax because it builds anticipation and keeps readers engaged until the very end. The other options, falling action, cyclical, and unresolved, do not fit with the criteria of reinforcing the theme while maintaining a suspenseful climax. Falling action is the part of the story after the climax, where the tension and conflict decrease. Cyclical stories have a repeating pattern or structure, and while they may reinforce a theme, they do not necessarily maintain a suspenseful climax. Unresolved endings may leave readers with a sense of uncertainty, but they do not necessarily