Function of Significant Events: Short Fiction Practice Test

In a story narrated by an older woman, Mrs. Han, she has spent decades correcting her grandson’s manners, believing strictness is love. At a restaurant, the grandson accidentally knocks over a glass of water. Mrs. Han begins to scold, then sees his face crumple in anticipation. Something in her softens. She reaches for a napkin and wipes the water herself, saying only, “It happens,” in her first language. Her grandson blinks, surprised by the tenderness and the words. What is the primary function of the bolded event?

wipes the water herself, saying only, “It happens,” in her first language

In a story narrated by an immigrant mother, Leena, she works long hours and insists her son speak only English at school “so he won’t struggle.” Her own first language has become something she uses only in private prayers. One evening, her son brings home a form for “Heritage Day” and asks her to teach him a song in her language. Leena hesitates, then begins singing softly while washing dishes, letting the unfamiliar words fill the kitchen. Her son listens from the doorway. What is the primary function of the bolded event?

begins singing softly while washing dishes, letting the unfamiliar words fill the kitchen