"Airball: My Life in Briefs"

Which sentence best states the main message of this story?

• "Guess it's up to me to lead the team to victory."
• "Can't be a hero if you're afraid to look stupid."
• "To be a starter, you actually have to be on the team."
• "You want to play basketball, get both pages signed."

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

Which event from the story shows that Bragger's attitude about playing basketball is different from Kirby's?

• Bragger picking up the ball after Kirby misses a basket.
• Bragger claiming not to know several basic basketball facts.
• Bragger acting as if he doesn't care that he misses a basket.
• Bragger passing the basketball to Kirby after taking a shot.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.W.6.9A

Read these sentences from the story.
"For somebody like me, growing up in a basketball-loving family in a basketball-crazed town, you'd think I'd be screeching around the gym, too." (paragraph 3)
"Being a basketball fan and a citizen of the Basketball Capital of Kansas, I owed it to my fellow seventh graders to support the team. "(paragraph 39)
Based on these sentences, the reader can infer that Kirby thinks he-

• has natural talent that he has been unable to demonstrate
• is obligated to participate in activities related to basketball
• should make a strong effort to improve his shooting technique
• is a disappointment to his family because of his lack of athletic skill

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

Read this information about the origin of the word pathetic.
"From Greek paschein, meaning 'to suffer' "
This information helps the reader understand that the word "pathetic" in paragraph 41 means...

• pitiful
• reluctant
• practical
• aggressive

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.6.4B

The description of Coach Armstrong emphasizes Kirby's

• disappointment that a new coach has been assigned to his class
• frustration that the coach takes a long time to begin the tryouts
• assurance in his decision not to try out for the team
• excitement about having a chance to perform for a new coach

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

The author's use of questions in paragraph 6 helps the reader understand...

• the Kirby worries about not being able to participate in basketball
• that Kirby thinks he should practice with people his own age
• how Kirby reacts when he does not play basketball well
• that Kirby has a negative attitude about his ability to play 

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.6

What is the best summary of the story?

• Even though Kirby doubts his ability to play basketball, his cousin Bragger wants him to try out for the team. Kirby says he will not try out for the team, even though he loves basketball. As Coach Armstrong hands out permission slips, Kirby tries to convince himself that he will not try out for the team.
• While Kirby shoots the baskets in the gym, he thinks about what it would be like to be a star basketball player. When some other boys ask him to stop standing around, he attempts a shot. Even though the ball misses the basket, Kirby's cousin Bragger tells Kirby he is not as bad as he thinks.
• After Kirby misses a shot, his cousin Bragger offers him some advice about technique. Kirby does not want to take Bragger seriously and insists that he will not try out for the team.
• Kirby os shooting baskets in the gym before basketball tryouts. His cousin Bragger wants him to try out for the team because Kirby loves basketball, but Kirby insists he is not a good enough player. As Coach Armstrong hands out permission slips, Kirby considers contributing tot he team in a way that does not include playing.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

Read these sentences from paragraph 32.
"Because that's when I heard the growl. Deep, low, and gurgling, like a water heater about to blow. I knew that growl."
The figurative language in these sentences emphasizes that Kirby thinks Coach Armstrong is...

• spiteful
• intimidating
• arrogant
• mysterious

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

CCSS.RL.6.4

How does the setting contribute to Kirby's conflict in the story?

• It makes him feel insecure about his basketball skills.
• It allows him to share information about his favorite basketball players. 
• It forces him to have an uncomfortable conversation with the coach.
• It gives him an opportunity to learn from the skilled basketball players.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.5

Read the excerpt from the story.
"I studied that orange sign and tried to imagine what it felt like to be six-foot-nine with a gym full of fans cheering and chanting my name. Kirby. KIR-BY!"
Kirby's thoughts in this excerpt reveal that he ...

• is reliving a moment from a previous basketball game he played
• needs encouragement from others to be successful
• wishes he had the talent to be recognized for his playing
• understands the effort that is required to play professional basketball

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.W.6.9A