Sink or Sail

Why does Luka mention Jesse Martin in paragraph 7?

• To imply that Laura should wait until she is a few years older to sail alone

• To add support to his claim that young people are capable of sailing alone

• To show that male sailors and female sailors are equally skilled at sailing

• To suggest that Jesse be one of the sailors who helps Laura plan her trip

Which of Maya’s statements is an example of stereotyping?

• I think sailing around the world would be a fabulous idea, but when you are 18 and legally an adult.

• Even if Laura completes her schoolwork onboard the boat, she would miss the opportunity to work in a group and share her ideas with other students.

• I think parents and judges should make the decision because teenagers often make irrational decisions, especially when trying to obtain attention for a world record.

• Time passes quickly; every minute is one less minute to live.

Both Luka and Maya agree that —

• teenagers should be trained to sail

• the ocean can be a dangerous place

• sailing around the world is not a good idea

• most teenagers can respond well to physical risks

Read the dictionary entry below.

shadow \ısha-(ı)dō\ v

1. to shelter from light and heat

2. to have colors that gradually pass one into another

3. to follow or keep under observation

4. to become dark

Which definition best fits the meaning of shadowing as it is used in paragraph 7?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

In paragraph 10, Maya included examples in her argument most likely

because she—

• believed that the trip was scheduled to begin when the weather was most challenging

• knew that sailors need specialized training in order to respond to dangerous situations on a trip

• thought the pressure to set a world record was not worth the trip

• wanted to stress the potential for danger during the trip

What idea is suggested by the information in each section of the table titled “FACT BOX: Laura Dekker”?

• Laura lacked formal training in sailing solo.

• Laura had made other solo journeys in her boat.

• Laura was well prepared to attempt her voyage.

• J Laura continued her education through online classes.

The table titled “Current Records Chart” has been included in the selection most likely to —

• explain the differences between the trip Laura planned to take and the trips of other teenage sailors

• support the court’s decision to deny Laura’s request for permission to sail around the world

• highlight the length of time Laura had in order to complete the trip and qualify for the world record

• show that other young people had already succeeded in setting sailing records like Laura wanted to do