"Wheelz" on Wings

Paragraph 3 is important to the selection because it shows-

• that Wheelz grew up watching people compete in extreme sports

• how long it took Wheelz to develop enough tricks to perform in competitions

• how Wheelz became interested in extreme sports

• which safety precautions Wheelz took while he practiced

What is the best summary of the selection?

• Wheelz was born with a condition that prevents him from using his legs. By performing stunts in his wheelchair, he has become an extreme sports celebrity who continually works to perfect new tricks. He has used fame to help encourage others.

• Wheelz uses a wheelchair to compete in extreme sports. He has won several of the contests and keeps learning new tricks. He is also learning to build wheelchairs that can be used in extreme sports.

• Wheelz was born with spina bifida, a condition that makes him unable to use his legs. As a child he wanted to keep up with his siblings, so he learned to do tricks in his wheelchair. He can now do many stunts, which he demonstrates during extreme sports contests.

• Wheelz regularly competes in and wins BMX freestyle contests while in a wheelchair. He is an Internet celebrity and has appeared on television. He now develops wheelchairs that can be used for extreme sports.

The main theme of this selection is that -

• trying new activities can result in joyful experiences

• difficulties can be overcome with continued effort

• new inventions can solve problems that have existed for a long time

• fame can offer a unique opportunity to help others

In paragraph 2, the word steadfast means -

• patient

• understanding

• determined

• calm

Based on the photographs in the selection, the reader can conclude that Wheelz

• enjoys winning extreme sports events

• competes in extreme sports events with his brother

• has performed at skate parks around the world

• performs difficult tricks while competing

The author includes the phrase "let our dreams soar" in paragraph 7 to suggest that people

• will always wish for things they cannot have

• should pursue their interests despite obstacles

• can easily become distracted from their goals

• should constantly think of ways to improve their skills

Which sentence from the selection best shows that people recognize Wheelz's accomplishments?

• He has also been interviewed on CNN and earned a spot on the ABC news segment "Person of the Week."

• He likes to show these young people that a wheelchair can be a toy as well as a tool.

• He also performs on extreme sports tours, racing down huge ramps and flying into the air to entertain crowds.

• Today Wheelz competes in extreme sports contests, where he's almost always the only athlete in a wheelchair

The reader can conclude that Wheelz believes it is important for all young people to have the opportunity to

• become famous on the Internet or television

• compete in events that demonstrate their talents

• participate in activities they enjoy

• meet a famous person

Spina bifida is a condition that affects the -

• mind

• spinal cord

• elbows

• ability to see

Wheelz is how old?

• 29

• 18

• 21

• 38