I Believe in the Also-Rans

What is the author’s purpose for mentioning the children’s race through the house?

• To illustrate that some children value fun above competition

• To emphasize that his child is athletically superior to her friends

• To highlight that children often disregard household rules

• To show that children lack concerns about safety when competing

Based on the information presented in the essay, what is one message the reader can infer?

• Avoiding competition is better than participating when failure is certain.

• Being rewarded simply for participating belittles the efforts of the winners.

• Persistence ensures that a loser will eventually become a winner.

• Satisfaction comes from being dedicated and doing your best.

Which definition best matches the use of the word validated in paragraph 3?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

The author includes quotations in paragraph 8 primarily to —

• highlight that Naomi and Kean rarely agree

• emphasize Cyrus’s noncompetitive nature

• point out the author’s concern for Cyrus

• reveal Naomi’s and Kean’s athletic abilities

Which quotation best expresses the author’s viewpoint about being an “also-ran”?

• At school I was fortunate to win enough to balance all the times I lost, and I began to believe in this idea.

• Our family enjoys a large house with a great running track.

• Naomi and Kean have always been fast runners and very evenly matched, too.

• I believe in celebrating those that finish third in a three-horse race.

What can the reader conclude from paragraph 3?

• The author’s education did not fully prepare him for living in the real world.

• The author was better at sports than at academics while growing up.

• Educational priorities at elite schools differ from those in public schools.

• Students in England are required to attend school through the university level.

What is the main idea of the selection?

• Children usually develop friendships with others who have similar abilities.

• Parents should encourage their children to be active because fitness is important.

• People should celebrate their best efforts even if they don’t always succeed.

• People who consistently win competitions as children have lifelong advantages over those who don’t.