Test Prep 3: The Gift of Rhyme Characters

Test Prep 3

By Marcy Gasperson

Multiple Choice

The Gift of Rhyme Characters

BELLA: A nine-year-old girl

SCOTT: Bella’s best friend

AMY: Bella’s classmate

MOM: Bella’s mother

SAMANTHA: Bella’s six-year-old sister

SCENE 1

1 [The scene opens in the school cafeteria. Bella, Scott, and Amy are eating lunch with their classmates.]

2 BELLA: I’m nervous about the spelling test this afternoon.

3 SCOTT: Don’t be, Bella. Remember what I told you? When you hear a word that ends with the “shun” sound, you just have to write t-i-o-n at the end of it.

4 BELLA: [Glumly.] You make it sound so easy. [Bella is silent for a moment, and then she begins rapping.] I studied for this test like I had a fascination No hesitation Like my life wouldn’t go on without this “shun” sensation! But now I’m getting nervous... about my limitation. I try to pay attention! But then it feels like my brain just loses its retention. Oh yeah, and did I mention That an every-Friday spelling test was NOT a great invention?

5 [Laughter is heard. As Bella, Scott, and Amy stand up and gather their belongings, Amy stops Bella.]

6 AMY: Can I ask you something? [Bella nods.] Why do you always rap in front of everybody? I sing in the shower sometimes, but I don’t think I would sing while everyone is eating their lunch.

7 BELLA: What do you mean?

8 AMY: Well, I would be embarrassed if everyone were laughing at me.

9 BELLA: Really?

10 AMY: Look, if you had a piece of food stuck in your teeth, I would let you know. So I’m going to tell you that you sound pretty silly when you rap.

11 [Amy pats Bella on the shoulder and walks away. Bella sits and slumps into her chair.]

SCENE 2

12 [School hallway, one week later. Bella stands at her locker. Scott arrives and looks at the paper she is holding.]

13 SCOTT: From what I can see, “shun” words aren’t easy for you. If you like, I can help you study to retake the test on Wednesday.

14 BELLA: I don’t think it’ll help. I already studied for this test.

15 SCOTT: It’s O.K. You’ll get it. Besides, you’re really good at lots of other stuff. Seriously, how many people can put together rhymes on the spot like you?

16 BELLA: Well, I never meant to look foolish. Why didn’t you tell me that everyone’s been laughing at me?

17 SCOTT: Aren’t you trying to make us laugh?

18 BELLA: Yeah, but I want people to laugh because I’m funny. Not because I’m embarrassing myself.

19 SCOTT: You are funny.

20 BELLA: Amy thinks I sound silly.

21 SCOTT: Amy just wishes she could make everybody laugh. Listen, you have the gift of rhyme. You should just keep on rapping.

22 BELLA: [Shrugs.] We’ll see.

SCENE 3

23 [Late afternoon, the same day. Bella sits in her living room. Mom enters and picks up a paper.]

24 MOM: I guess we should’ve spent more time studying the “shun” words.

25 BELLA: I’m going to try again on Wednesday. 26 MOM: Are you worrying about these spelling tests?

27 BELLA: They’re really hard. And I’m used to making good grades.

28 MOM: I understand, Bella. But you can’t excel at everything.

29 [Samantha enters, holding a car she built with building blocks.]

30 SAMANTHA: [With beat and attitude.] I built a cool car! I’ve got snails in a jar! And beside my bed Is a book I have read!

31 BELLA: [Stunned.] Did she just rap?

32 MOM: Yes. She raps all the time. She wants to be like her big sister.

33 BELLA: [Looks at Samantha.] Well, I’m probably not ever going to be a renowned rapper.

34 MOM: Bella, your sister is not hoping you’ll be famous. She just thinks it’s cool when you rhyme, and she wants to do it, too. It’s good for her to see how quickly you create a rap. [Mom turns to Samantha.] Let’s clean up before dinner.

35 [Mom and Samantha pick up toys. Bella watches them, deep in thought. After a few minutes she stands in front of Mom and Samantha.]

36 BELLA: So my little sister Sammy seems to have a gift like me. She can put the words together like a bumble and a bee. I have always liked rapping. I really don’t know why. There is nothing I like more than making rhymes on the fly. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, to go out on a limb And share secret thoughts with your family and friends. But I’m realizing now, if I let folks bring me down, I’ll be teaching little Sammy to let her passions drown. That wouldn’t be cool, and I must not forget that Life’s hard enough, sister, so let’s have some fun with it! We can use our rapping skills almost all the time Spelling words with cool rhythms and a rhyme in every line!

How does Mom help Bella solve her problem?

• She shows Bella different ways to improve as a speller

• She reminds Bella that she needs to play with her sister.

• She convinces Bella that her rapping is a special talent

• She persuades Bella to forgive her classmate Amy.

Multiple Choice

The Gift of Rhyme Characters

BELLA: A nine-year-old girl

SCOTT: Bella’s best friend

AMY: Bella’s classmate

MOM: Bella’s mother

SAMANTHA: Bella’s six-year-old sister

SCENE 1

1 [The scene opens in the school cafeteria. Bella, Scott, and Amy are eating lunch with their classmates.]

2 BELLA: I’m nervous about the spelling test this afternoon.

3 SCOTT: Don’t be, Bella. Remember what I told you? When you hear a word that ends with the “shun” sound, you just have to write t-i-o-n at the end of it.

4 BELLA: [Glumly.] You make it sound so easy. [Bella is silent for a moment, and then she begins rapping.] I studied for this test like I had a fascination No hesitation Like my life wouldn’t go on without this “shun” sensation! But now I’m getting nervous... about my limitation. I try to pay attention! But then it feels like my brain just loses its retention. Oh yeah, and did I mention That an every-Friday spelling test was NOT a great invention?

5 [Laughter is heard. As Bella, Scott, and Amy stand up and gather their belongings, Amy stops Bella.]

6 AMY: Can I ask you something? [Bella nods.] Why do you always rap in front of everybody? I sing in the shower sometimes, but I don’t think I would sing while everyone is eating their lunch.

7 BELLA: What do you mean?

8 AMY: Well, I would be embarrassed if everyone were laughing at me.

9 BELLA: Really?

10 AMY: Look, if you had a piece of food stuck in your teeth, I would let you know. So I’m going to tell you that you sound pretty silly when you rap.

11 [Amy pats Bella on the shoulder and walks away. Bella sits and slumps into her chair.]

SCENE 2

12 [School hallway, one week later. Bella stands at her locker. Scott arrives and looks at the paper she is holding.]

13 SCOTT: From what I can see, “shun” words aren’t easy for you. If you like, I can help you study to retake the test on Wednesday.

14 BELLA: I don’t think it’ll help. I already studied for this test.

15 SCOTT: It’s O.K. You’ll get it. Besides, you’re really good at lots of other stuff. Seriously, how many people can put together rhymes on the spot like you?

16 BELLA: Well, I never meant to look foolish. Why didn’t you tell me that everyone’s been laughing at me?

17 SCOTT: Aren’t you trying to make us laugh?

18 BELLA: Yeah, but I want people to laugh because I’m funny. Not because I’m embarrassing myself.

19 SCOTT: You are funny.

20 BELLA: Amy thinks I sound silly.

21 SCOTT: Amy just wishes she could make everybody laugh. Listen, you have the gift of rhyme. You should just keep on rapping.

22 BELLA: [Shrugs.] We’ll see.

SCENE 3

23 [Late afternoon, the same day. Bella sits in her living room. Mom enters and picks up a paper.]

24 MOM: I guess we should’ve spent more time studying the “shun” words.

25 BELLA: I’m going to try again on Wednesday. 26 MOM: Are you worrying about these spelling tests?

27 BELLA: They’re really hard. And I’m used to making good grades.

28 MOM: I understand, Bella. But you can’t excel at everything.

29 [Samantha enters, holding a car she built with building blocks.]

30 SAMANTHA: [With beat and attitude.] I built a cool car! I’ve got snails in a jar! And beside my bed Is a book I have read!

31 BELLA: [Stunned.] Did she just rap?

32 MOM: Yes. She raps all the time. She wants to be like her big sister.

33 BELLA: [Looks at Samantha.] Well, I’m probably not ever going to be a renowned rapper.

34 MOM: Bella, your sister is not hoping you’ll be famous. She just thinks it’s cool when you rhyme, and she wants to do it, too. It’s good for her to see how quickly you create a rap. [Mom turns to Samantha.] Let’s clean up before dinner.

35 [Mom and Samantha pick up toys. Bella watches them, deep in thought. After a few minutes she stands in front of Mom and Samantha.]

36 BELLA: So my little sister Sammy seems to have a gift like me. She can put the words together like a bumble and a bee. I have always liked rapping. I really don’t know why. There is nothing I like more than making rhymes on the fly. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, to go out on a limb And share secret thoughts with your family and friends. But I’m realizing now, if I let folks bring me down, I’ll be teaching little Sammy to let her passions drown. That wouldn’t be cool, and I must not forget that Life’s hard enough, sister, so let’s have some fun with it! We can use our rapping skills almost all the time Spelling words with cool rhythms and a rhyme in every line!

Which line from the play suggests that Scott disagrees with Amy’s opinion of Bella?

• SCOTT: Remember what I told you?

• SCOTT: From what I can see, “shun” words aren’t easy for you.

• SCOTT: Besides, you’re really good at lots of other stuff.

• SCOTT: You should just keep on rapping.

Multiple Choice

The Gift of Rhyme Characters

BELLA: A nine-year-old girl

SCOTT: Bella’s best friend

AMY: Bella’s classmate

MOM: Bella’s mother

SAMANTHA: Bella’s six-year-old sister

SCENE 1

1 [The scene opens in the school cafeteria. Bella, Scott, and Amy are eating lunch with their classmates.]

2 BELLA: I’m nervous about the spelling test this afternoon.

3 SCOTT: Don’t be, Bella. Remember what I told you? When you hear a word that ends with the “shun” sound, you just have to write t-i-o-n at the end of it.

4 BELLA: [Glumly.] You make it sound so easy. [Bella is silent for a moment, and then she begins rapping.] I studied for this test like I had a fascination No hesitation Like my life wouldn’t go on without this “shun” sensation! But now I’m getting nervous... about my limitation. I try to pay attention! But then it feels like my brain just loses its retention. Oh yeah, and did I mention That an every-Friday spelling test was NOT a great invention?

5 [Laughter is heard. As Bella, Scott, and Amy stand up and gather their belongings, Amy stops Bella.]

6 AMY: Can I ask you something? [Bella nods.] Why do you always rap in front of everybody? I sing in the shower sometimes, but I don’t think I would sing while everyone is eating their lunch.

7 BELLA: What do you mean?

8 AMY: Well, I would be embarrassed if everyone were laughing at me.

9 BELLA: Really?

10 AMY: Look, if you had a piece of food stuck in your teeth, I would let you know. So I’m going to tell you that you sound pretty silly when you rap.

11 [Amy pats Bella on the shoulder and walks away. Bella sits and slumps into her chair.]

SCENE 2

12 [School hallway, one week later. Bella stands at her locker. Scott arrives and looks at the paper she is holding.]

13 SCOTT: From what I can see, “shun” words aren’t easy for you. If you like, I can help you study to retake the test on Wednesday.

14 BELLA: I don’t think it’ll help. I already studied for this test.

15 SCOTT: It’s O.K. You’ll get it. Besides, you’re really good at lots of other stuff. Seriously, how many people can put together rhymes on the spot like you?

16 BELLA: Well, I never meant to look foolish. Why didn’t you tell me that everyone’s been laughing at me?

17 SCOTT: Aren’t you trying to make us laugh?

18 BELLA: Yeah, but I want people to laugh because I’m funny. Not because I’m embarrassing myself.

19 SCOTT: You are funny.

20 BELLA: Amy thinks I sound silly.

21 SCOTT: Amy just wishes she could make everybody laugh. Listen, you have the gift of rhyme. You should just keep on rapping.

22 BELLA: [Shrugs.] We’ll see.

SCENE 3

23 [Late afternoon, the same day. Bella sits in her living room. Mom enters and picks up a paper.]

24 MOM: I guess we should’ve spent more time studying the “shun” words.

25 BELLA: I’m going to try again on Wednesday. 26 MOM: Are you worrying about these spelling tests?

27 BELLA: They’re really hard. And I’m used to making good grades.

28 MOM: I understand, Bella. But you can’t excel at everything.

29 [Samantha enters, holding a car she built with building blocks.]

30 SAMANTHA: [With beat and attitude.] I built a cool car! I’ve got snails in a jar! And beside my bed Is a book I have read!

31 BELLA: [Stunned.] Did she just rap?

32 MOM: Yes. She raps all the time. She wants to be like her big sister.

33 BELLA: [Looks at Samantha.] Well, I’m probably not ever going to be a renowned rapper.

34 MOM: Bella, your sister is not hoping you’ll be famous. She just thinks it’s cool when you rhyme, and she wants to do it, too. It’s good for her to see how quickly you create a rap. [Mom turns to Samantha.] Let’s clean up before dinner.

35 [Mom and Samantha pick up toys. Bella watches them, deep in thought. After a few minutes she stands in front of Mom and Samantha.]

36 BELLA: So my little sister Sammy seems to have a gift like me. She can put the words together like a bumble and a bee. I have always liked rapping. I really don’t know why. There is nothing I like more than making rhymes on the fly. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, to go out on a limb And share secret thoughts with your family and friends. But I’m realizing now, if I let folks bring me down, I’ll be teaching little Sammy to let her passions drown. That wouldn’t be cool, and I must not forget that Life’s hard enough, sister, so let’s have some fun with it! We can use our rapping skills almost all the time Spelling words with cool rhythms and a rhyme in every line!

As it is used in line 28, the word excel means to —

• do many tasks at once

• do better than others

• pretend to know everything

• be afraid of trying new activities

Multiple Choice

The Gift of Rhyme Characters

BELLA: A nine-year-old girl

SCOTT: Bella’s best friend

AMY: Bella’s classmate

MOM: Bella’s mother

SAMANTHA: Bella’s six-year-old sister

SCENE 1

1 [The scene opens in the school cafeteria. Bella, Scott, and Amy are eating lunch with their classmates.]

2 BELLA: I’m nervous about the spelling test this afternoon.

3 SCOTT: Don’t be, Bella. Remember what I told you? When you hear a word that ends with the “shun” sound, you just have to write t-i-o-n at the end of it.

4 BELLA: [Glumly.] You make it sound so easy. [Bella is silent for a moment, and then she begins rapping.] I studied for this test like I had a fascination No hesitation Like my life wouldn’t go on without this “shun” sensation! But now I’m getting nervous... about my limitation. I try to pay attention! But then it feels like my brain just loses its retention. Oh yeah, and did I mention That an every-Friday spelling test was NOT a great invention?

5 [Laughter is heard. As Bella, Scott, and Amy stand up and gather their belongings, Amy stops Bella.]

6 AMY: Can I ask you something? [Bella nods.] Why do you always rap in front of everybody? I sing in the shower sometimes, but I don’t think I would sing while everyone is eating their lunch.

7 BELLA: What do you mean?

8 AMY: Well, I would be embarrassed if everyone were laughing at me.

9 BELLA: Really?

10 AMY: Look, if you had a piece of food stuck in your teeth, I would let you know. So I’m going to tell you that you sound pretty silly when you rap.

11 [Amy pats Bella on the shoulder and walks away. Bella sits and slumps into her chair.]

SCENE 2

12 [School hallway, one week later. Bella stands at her locker. Scott arrives and looks at the paper she is holding.]

13 SCOTT: From what I can see, “shun” words aren’t easy for you. If you like, I can help you study to retake the test on Wednesday.

14 BELLA: I don’t think it’ll help. I already studied for this test.

15 SCOTT: It’s O.K. You’ll get it. Besides, you’re really good at lots of other stuff. Seriously, how many people can put together rhymes on the spot like you?

16 BELLA: Well, I never meant to look foolish. Why didn’t you tell me that everyone’s been laughing at me?

17 SCOTT: Aren’t you trying to make us laugh?

18 BELLA: Yeah, but I want people to laugh because I’m funny. Not because I’m embarrassing myself.

19 SCOTT: You are funny.

20 BELLA: Amy thinks I sound silly.

21 SCOTT: Amy just wishes she could make everybody laugh. Listen, you have the gift of rhyme. You should just keep on rapping.

22 BELLA: [Shrugs.] We’ll see.

SCENE 3

23 [Late afternoon, the same day. Bella sits in her living room. Mom enters and picks up a paper.]

24 MOM: I guess we should’ve spent more time studying the “shun” words.

25 BELLA: I’m going to try again on Wednesday. 26 MOM: Are you worrying about these spelling tests?

27 BELLA: They’re really hard. And I’m used to making good grades.

28 MOM: I understand, Bella. But you can’t excel at everything.

29 [Samantha enters, holding a car she built with building blocks.]

30 SAMANTHA: [With beat and attitude.] I built a cool car! I’ve got snails in a jar! And beside my bed Is a book I have read!

31 BELLA: [Stunned.] Did she just rap?

32 MOM: Yes. She raps all the time. She wants to be like her big sister.

33 BELLA: [Looks at Samantha.] Well, I’m probably not ever going to be a renowned rapper.

34 MOM: Bella, your sister is not hoping you’ll be famous. She just thinks it’s cool when you rhyme, and she wants to do it, too. It’s good for her to see how quickly you create a rap. [Mom turns to Samantha.] Let’s clean up before dinner.

35 [Mom and Samantha pick up toys. Bella watches them, deep in thought. After a few minutes she stands in front of Mom and Samantha.]

36 BELLA: So my little sister Sammy seems to have a gift like me. She can put the words together like a bumble and a bee. I have always liked rapping. I really don’t know why. There is nothing I like more than making rhymes on the fly. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, to go out on a limb And share secret thoughts with your family and friends. But I’m realizing now, if I let folks bring me down, I’ll be teaching little Sammy to let her passions drown. That wouldn’t be cool, and I must not forget that Life’s hard enough, sister, so let’s have some fun with it! We can use our rapping skills almost all the time Spelling words with cool rhythms and a rhyme in every line!

The reader can tell that “The Gift of Rhyme” is a play because it has a —

• common theme

• list of characters

• rhyming pattern

• problem that is resolved

Multiple Choice

The Gift of Rhyme Characters

BELLA: A nine-year-old girl

SCOTT: Bella’s best friend

AMY: Bella’s classmate

MOM: Bella’s mother

SAMANTHA: Bella’s six-year-old sister

SCENE 1

1 [The scene opens in the school cafeteria. Bella, Scott, and Amy are eating lunch with their classmates.]

2 BELLA: I’m nervous about the spelling test this afternoon.

3 SCOTT: Don’t be, Bella. Remember what I told you? When you hear a word that ends with the “shun” sound, you just have to write t-i-o-n at the end of it.

4 BELLA: [Glumly.] You make it sound so easy. [Bella is silent for a moment, and then she begins rapping.] I studied for this test like I had a fascination No hesitation Like my life wouldn’t go on without this “shun” sensation! But now I’m getting nervous... about my limitation. I try to pay attention! But then it feels like my brain just loses its retention. Oh yeah, and did I mention That an every-Friday spelling test was NOT a great invention?

5 [Laughter is heard. As Bella, Scott, and Amy stand up and gather their belongings, Amy stops Bella.]

6 AMY: Can I ask you something? [Bella nods.] Why do you always rap in front of everybody? I sing in the shower sometimes, but I don’t think I would sing while everyone is eating their lunch.

7 BELLA: What do you mean?

8 AMY: Well, I would be embarrassed if everyone were laughing at me.

9 BELLA: Really?

10 AMY: Look, if you had a piece of food stuck in your teeth, I would let you know. So I’m going to tell you that you sound pretty silly when you rap.

11 [Amy pats Bella on the shoulder and walks away. Bella sits and slumps into her chair.]

SCENE 2

12 [School hallway, one week later. Bella stands at her locker. Scott arrives and looks at the paper she is holding.]

13 SCOTT: From what I can see, “shun” words aren’t easy for you. If you like, I can help you study to retake the test on Wednesday.

14 BELLA: I don’t think it’ll help. I already studied for this test.

15 SCOTT: It’s O.K. You’ll get it. Besides, you’re really good at lots of other stuff. Seriously, how many people can put together rhymes on the spot like you?

16 BELLA: Well, I never meant to look foolish. Why didn’t you tell me that everyone’s been laughing at me?

17 SCOTT: Aren’t you trying to make us laugh?

18 BELLA: Yeah, but I want people to laugh because I’m funny. Not because I’m embarrassing myself.

19 SCOTT: You are funny.

20 BELLA: Amy thinks I sound silly.

21 SCOTT: Amy just wishes she could make everybody laugh. Listen, you have the gift of rhyme. You should just keep on rapping.

22 BELLA: [Shrugs.] We’ll see.

SCENE 3

23 [Late afternoon, the same day. Bella sits in her living room. Mom enters and picks up a paper.]

24 MOM: I guess we should’ve spent more time studying the “shun” words.

25 BELLA: I’m going to try again on Wednesday. 26 MOM: Are you worrying about these spelling tests?

27 BELLA: They’re really hard. And I’m used to making good grades.

28 MOM: I understand, Bella. But you can’t excel at everything.

29 [Samantha enters, holding a car she built with building blocks.]

30 SAMANTHA: [With beat and attitude.] I built a cool car! I’ve got snails in a jar! And beside my bed Is a book I have read!

31 BELLA: [Stunned.] Did she just rap?

32 MOM: Yes. She raps all the time. She wants to be like her big sister.

33 BELLA: [Looks at Samantha.] Well, I’m probably not ever going to be a renowned rapper.

34 MOM: Bella, your sister is not hoping you’ll be famous. She just thinks it’s cool when you rhyme, and she wants to do it, too. It’s good for her to see how quickly you create a rap. [Mom turns to Samantha.] Let’s clean up before dinner.

35 [Mom and Samantha pick up toys. Bella watches them, deep in thought. After a few minutes she stands in front of Mom and Samantha.]

36 BELLA: So my little sister Sammy seems to have a gift like me. She can put the words together like a bumble and a bee. I have always liked rapping. I really don’t know why. There is nothing I like more than making rhymes on the fly. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, to go out on a limb And share secret thoughts with your family and friends. But I’m realizing now, if I let folks bring me down, I’ll be teaching little Sammy to let her passions drown. That wouldn’t be cool, and I must not forget that Life’s hard enough, sister, so let’s have some fun with it! We can use our rapping skills almost all the time Spelling words with cool rhythms and a rhyme in every line!

Samantha’s rap in Scene 3 is important to the play because it helps Bella —

• realize that her sister admires her raps

• discuss her concerns with her mother

• understand why studying is so important

• determine what has been wrong with her raps

Multiple Choice

The Gift of Rhyme Characters

BELLA: A nine-year-old girl

SCOTT: Bella’s best friend

AMY: Bella’s classmate

MOM: Bella’s mother

SAMANTHA: Bella’s six-year-old sister

SCENE 1

1 [The scene opens in the school cafeteria. Bella, Scott, and Amy are eating lunch with their classmates.]

2 BELLA: I’m nervous about the spelling test this afternoon.

3 SCOTT: Don’t be, Bella. Remember what I told you? When you hear a word that ends with the “shun” sound, you just have to write t-i-o-n at the end of it.

4 BELLA: [Glumly.] You make it sound so easy. [Bella is silent for a moment, and then she begins rapping.] I studied for this test like I had a fascination No hesitation Like my life wouldn’t go on without this “shun” sensation! But now I’m getting nervous... about my limitation. I try to pay attention! But then it feels like my brain just loses its retention. Oh yeah, and did I mention That an every-Friday spelling test was NOT a great invention?

5 [Laughter is heard. As Bella, Scott, and Amy stand up and gather their belongings, Amy stops Bella.]

6 AMY: Can I ask you something? [Bella nods.] Why do you always rap in front of everybody? I sing in the shower sometimes, but I don’t think I would sing while everyone is eating their lunch.

7 BELLA: What do you mean?

8 AMY: Well, I would be embarrassed if everyone were laughing at me.

9 BELLA: Really?

10 AMY: Look, if you had a piece of food stuck in your teeth, I would let you know. So I’m going to tell you that you sound pretty silly when you rap.

11 [Amy pats Bella on the shoulder and walks away. Bella sits and slumps into her chair.]

SCENE 2

12 [School hallway, one week later. Bella stands at her locker. Scott arrives and looks at the paper she is holding.]

13 SCOTT: From what I can see, “shun” words aren’t easy for you. If you like, I can help you study to retake the test on Wednesday.

14 BELLA: I don’t think it’ll help. I already studied for this test.

15 SCOTT: It’s O.K. You’ll get it. Besides, you’re really good at lots of other stuff. Seriously, how many people can put together rhymes on the spot like you?

16 BELLA: Well, I never meant to look foolish. Why didn’t you tell me that everyone’s been laughing at me?

17 SCOTT: Aren’t you trying to make us laugh?

18 BELLA: Yeah, but I want people to laugh because I’m funny. Not because I’m embarrassing myself.

19 SCOTT: You are funny.

20 BELLA: Amy thinks I sound silly.

21 SCOTT: Amy just wishes she could make everybody laugh. Listen, you have the gift of rhyme. You should just keep on rapping.

22 BELLA: [Shrugs.] We’ll see.

SCENE 3

23 [Late afternoon, the same day. Bella sits in her living room. Mom enters and picks up a paper.]

24 MOM: I guess we should’ve spent more time studying the “shun” words.

25 BELLA: I’m going to try again on Wednesday. 26 MOM: Are you worrying about these spelling tests?

27 BELLA: They’re really hard. And I’m used to making good grades.

28 MOM: I understand, Bella. But you can’t excel at everything.

29 [Samantha enters, holding a car she built with building blocks.]

30 SAMANTHA: [With beat and attitude.] I built a cool car! I’ve got snails in a jar! And beside my bed Is a book I have read!

31 BELLA: [Stunned.] Did she just rap?

32 MOM: Yes. She raps all the time. She wants to be like her big sister.

33 BELLA: [Looks at Samantha.] Well, I’m probably not ever going to be a renowned rapper.

34 MOM: Bella, your sister is not hoping you’ll be famous. She just thinks it’s cool when you rhyme, and she wants to do it, too. It’s good for her to see how quickly you create a rap. [Mom turns to Samantha.] Let’s clean up before dinner.

35 [Mom and Samantha pick up toys. Bella watches them, deep in thought. After a few minutes she stands in front of Mom and Samantha.]

36 BELLA: So my little sister Sammy seems to have a gift like me. She can put the words together like a bumble and a bee. I have always liked rapping. I really don’t know why. There is nothing I like more than making rhymes on the fly. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, to go out on a limb And share secret thoughts with your family and friends. But I’m realizing now, if I let folks bring me down, I’ll be teaching little Sammy to let her passions drown. That wouldn’t be cool, and I must not forget that Life’s hard enough, sister, so let’s have some fun with it! We can use our rapping skills almost all the time Spelling words with cool rhythms and a rhyme in every line!

Read this sentence from line 10. AMY: Look, if you had a piece of food stuck in your teeth, I would let you know. This line is meant to show that Amy —

• does not like to be told that she’s wrong

• wishes that Bella wasn’t such a messy eater

• thinks she’s being a good friend to Bella

• notices things that other people don’t see

Multiple Choice

The Gift of Rhyme Characters

BELLA: A nine-year-old girl

SCOTT: Bella’s best friend

AMY: Bella’s classmate

MOM: Bella’s mother

SAMANTHA: Bella’s six-year-old sister

SCENE 1

1 [The scene opens in the school cafeteria. Bella, Scott, and Amy are eating lunch with their classmates.]

2 BELLA: I’m nervous about the spelling test this afternoon.

3 SCOTT: Don’t be, Bella. Remember what I told you? When you hear a word that ends with the “shun” sound, you just have to write t-i-o-n at the end of it.

4 BELLA: [Glumly.] You make it sound so easy. [Bella is silent for a moment, and then she begins rapping.] I studied for this test like I had a fascination No hesitation Like my life wouldn’t go on without this “shun” sensation! But now I’m getting nervous... about my limitation. I try to pay attention! But then it feels like my brain just loses its retention. Oh yeah, and did I mention That an every-Friday spelling test was NOT a great invention?

5 [Laughter is heard. As Bella, Scott, and Amy stand up and gather their belongings, Amy stops Bella.]

6 AMY: Can I ask you something? [Bella nods.] Why do you always rap in front of everybody? I sing in the shower sometimes, but I don’t think I would sing while everyone is eating their lunch.

7 BELLA: What do you mean?

8 AMY: Well, I would be embarrassed if everyone were laughing at me.

9 BELLA: Really?

10 AMY: Look, if you had a piece of food stuck in your teeth, I would let you know. So I’m going to tell you that you sound pretty silly when you rap.

11 [Amy pats Bella on the shoulder and walks away. Bella sits and slumps into her chair.]

SCENE 2

12 [School hallway, one week later. Bella stands at her locker. Scott arrives and looks at the paper she is holding.]

13 SCOTT: From what I can see, “shun” words aren’t easy for you. If you like, I can help you study to retake the test on Wednesday.

14 BELLA: I don’t think it’ll help. I already studied for this test.

15 SCOTT: It’s O.K. You’ll get it. Besides, you’re really good at lots of other stuff. Seriously, how many people can put together rhymes on the spot like you?

16 BELLA: Well, I never meant to look foolish. Why didn’t you tell me that everyone’s been laughing at me?

17 SCOTT: Aren’t you trying to make us laugh?

18 BELLA: Yeah, but I want people to laugh because I’m funny. Not because I’m embarrassing myself.

19 SCOTT: You are funny.

20 BELLA: Amy thinks I sound silly.

21 SCOTT: Amy just wishes she could make everybody laugh. Listen, you have the gift of rhyme. You should just keep on rapping.

22 BELLA: [Shrugs.] We’ll see.

SCENE 3

23 [Late afternoon, the same day. Bella sits in her living room. Mom enters and picks up a paper.]

24 MOM: I guess we should’ve spent more time studying the “shun” words.

25 BELLA: I’m going to try again on Wednesday. 26 MOM: Are you worrying about these spelling tests?

27 BELLA: They’re really hard. And I’m used to making good grades.

28 MOM: I understand, Bella. But you can’t excel at everything.

29 [Samantha enters, holding a car she built with building blocks.]

30 SAMANTHA: [With beat and attitude.] I built a cool car! I’ve got snails in a jar! And beside my bed Is a book I have read!

31 BELLA: [Stunned.] Did she just rap?

32 MOM: Yes. She raps all the time. She wants to be like her big sister.

33 BELLA: [Looks at Samantha.] Well, I’m probably not ever going to be a renowned rapper.

34 MOM: Bella, your sister is not hoping you’ll be famous. She just thinks it’s cool when you rhyme, and she wants to do it, too. It’s good for her to see how quickly you create a rap. [Mom turns to Samantha.] Let’s clean up before dinner.

35 [Mom and Samantha pick up toys. Bella watches them, deep in thought. After a few minutes she stands in front of Mom and Samantha.]

36 BELLA: So my little sister Sammy seems to have a gift like me. She can put the words together like a bumble and a bee. I have always liked rapping. I really don’t know why. There is nothing I like more than making rhymes on the fly. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, to go out on a limb And share secret thoughts with your family and friends. But I’m realizing now, if I let folks bring me down, I’ll be teaching little Sammy to let her passions drown. That wouldn’t be cool, and I must not forget that Life’s hard enough, sister, so let’s have some fun with it! We can use our rapping skills almost all the time Spelling words with cool rhythms and a rhyme in every line!

The playwright includes the stage directions at the beginning of each scene mainly to —

• identify the time and place

• hint at how a problem will be solved

• describe the main character’s problem

• explain the characters’ feelings and actions