Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

In a narrative, which term would refer to a return to an earlier event?

1. Forward projecting

2. Flashback

3. Recapitulation

4. Precursor

The correct answer is: Flashback

In a narrative, the term that refers to a return to an earlier event is known as a flashback. A flashback is a literary device that allows the writer to present events that occurred before the current time in the story, enabling readers to gain insight into characters’ backstories, motivations, or important context that enriches the overall narrative. This technique can enhance the emotional depth and increase the complexity of the storyline, making it clear why characters behave in certain ways or how past events influence present circumstances. The other terms do not specifically denote this return to earlier events. Forward projecting refers to hints or clues about future events, focusing on what is to come. Recapitulation generally means summarizing or restating the main points, which is not the same as revisiting past events. A precursor is something that comes before and serves as a precursor to something else, but it doesn’t imply a direct return to a prior moment in time.