Nonfiction Challenge

Why does the young man tell the author he wants the chance to fail?

• He wants to set himself apart from the other applicants.

• He wants the author to know that he has never failed before.

• He wants the author to know that he wants to try something new, despite the possibility of failure.

• He wants the author to know that he is an independent thinker.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Why doesn’t the author look for perfection in college applications?

• because he doesn't think true perfection is possible

• because it means students are not well balanced

• because he assumes the student cheated in some way

• because perfection doesn’t ensure academic success

Which of the following describes how the author feels about the student he is interviewing?

• He appreciates the students’ honesty in the interview about his failure.

• He finds the student’s self-awareness impressive and a sign of maturity.

• He doesn’t care that the student failed precalculus because he succeeded in everything else.

• He appreciates that the student failed at something and then tried again.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Which of the following describes the type of applications admission officers like best?

• Applications that show a student struggled and overcame an obstacle

• Applications that prove a student understands what it is like to experience hardship

• Applications that show a balance between perfect grades and extracurricular activities

• Applications that show a student is more focused on life experiences than grades

PART A: Which of the following identifies the central idea of the text?

• Students are more likely to appreciate their accomplishments if they had to struggle to achieve them.

• Students who are open about their failures show that they have the ability to grow and be successful in college and beyond.

• While educators want to have perfect students on their college campuses, they understand that not all students can achieve perfection.

• If students cannot fail gracefully, they will not be able to handle the harsh environment of higher education.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• “Even the sacrifice of staying up late to do something unrelated to school, they see as a risk to my academic work and college success.” (Paragraph 2)

• “When I was traveling in China last fall and asked a student what she did for fun, she replied: ‘I thought I wasn’t supposed to tell you that?’” (Paragraph 3)

• “Students try their best to hide factors they perceive to be negative and only tell us things they believe we will find impressive.” (Paragraph 5)

• “The ability to bounce back is a fundamental life skill students have to learn on their own. The lessons of failure can’t be taught in a classroom; they are experienced and reflected upon.” (Paragraph 7)

PART A: How does the example of the student who failed precalculus in paragraphs 7-8 contribute to the development of ideas in the article?

• It gives an example of a student who failed and turned it into a positive experience.

• It emphasizes the point that failing is something that all students experience.

• It shows how strongly students are affected by perceived failures.

• It gives an example of a student who has the perfect college application.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

PART B: Which section from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• “The ability to bounce back is a fundamental life skill students have to learn on their own.” (Paragraph 7)

• “During my weekend of interviews, another student told me, ‘I’m ashamed to admit I failed precalculus’” (Paragraph 7)

• “‘I realized that I can’t let a grade define my success. I also learned that if you want anything bad enough, you can achieve it.’” (Paragraph 7)

• “I smiled as I wrote his words down on the application-review form. This kid will thrive on my campus.” (Paragraph 8)

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2