Question 8 • 2026-2027_MDCPS_1001375_English 3 B-CR
The repeated short phrases “Step, breathe” create a deliberate sentence pattern that emphasizes the speaker’s effort to keep moving upward. This is using syntax for emphasis. The words describe literal actions, so the passage is not mainly expressing a nonliteral meaning or using formal language.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.