Kamau's Finish

Why is winning the race important to Kamau?

• Winning show he is successful in life.
• Winning will prove he is superior to Kip.
• Winning will help him overcome his fears.
• Winning will gain him his family’s respect. 

What is the theme of the story?

• Always finish what you start.
• Cheaters never win, and winners never cheat.
• Effort and ability can be as impressive as victory.
• A father’s admiration is as important as his love

Part A: What is Baba’s response to Kamau being shoved?

• He walks away. 
• He punches Kip for shoving Kamau. 
• He shouts for Kamau to get up and run.
• He yells at Kamau for being a failure.

Part B: What does this action reveal about his personality?

• He is angry and revengeful.
• He is proud of Kamau’s efforts and encouraging. 
• He believes in winning by any means necessary. 
• He is ashamed of his son because he only cares about winning.

Part A: How does Kamau feel after crossing the finish line?

• He feels loved.
• He feels confused.
• He feels disgraced. 
• He feels like a failure.

Part B: Which sentence from the story best shows how Kamau feels?

• “All I'm good for is dreaming." 
• “But I only have ears for Baba.” 
• “Uncertain, I scramble up and gape at Baba.” 
• “So I wipe my nose with my wrist and laugh through the tears.” 

Which sentence in the passage helps reveal the theme?

• They're chanting my name. 
• No. Kip has stolen my race. 
• So much noise, so many people crowding the finish area. 
• He is running alongside the track, gesturing wildly—up, up, up—pointing to the finish line. 

What causes Kamau to fall?

• A. a twisted ankle
• B. an unexpected push
• C. the ringing in his ears
• D. a kick of dust in his face

The author's main purpose in telling Kamau's story is to

• A. describe to readers the best way to run a race
• B. persuade readers that people like Kip should not be allowed in the race
• C. show readers how daydreaming can be dangerous
• D. express ideas about the importance of family

The author uses figurative language in lines 18-20 to describe Kip and Daudi by

• A. comparing how they dress
• B. comparing them to cheetahs
• C. comparing their personalities
• D. comparing them to train cars