Valedictorian Speech Quiz

Which of the following statements would the speaker most likely agree with?

• We can achieve greatness without the help of others.

• Although we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control how we choose to respond.

• If you are smart, you will succeed.

• You are the master of your own destiny; you ultimately control every situation in your life.

Answer explanation

Melson agrees that life can be unfair; however, she also urges her audience to “keep striving for success through the pain,” choosing to move forward in spite of our circumstances.

Which sentence best summarizes the following passage (paragraph 9)?

"The future lies within reach of our hands, and if we keep striving and not let anyone knock us off our path, or deter us from our goals, we can do anything we put our mind to. No matter what. Resilience, perseverance, discipline, determination, and dedication is the key to your success. Each step we take is paved with possibilities. Now, go unlock the doors to your future."

• The speaker is telling her audience that they deserve to succeed in life.

• The speaker is inspiring her graduating class to think only of themselves as they strive to achieve their goals.

• The speaker is urging classmates to take responsibility for their dreams and work towards them.

• The speaker is explaining how she came to be valedictorian.

Answer explanation

The speaker reminds her audience that they have the keys to unlock their potential, but they must “keep striving” and fight to achieve their goals.

Which of these inferences about the speaker is best supported by the following passage (paragraph 3)?

"During my journey, I have made wonderful friends, sweated, cried, succeeded on the court and track and in the classroom. I have to shout out my family for always supporting me and being by my side. I have to shout out my school for always being available and helping me when I was in a jam. Also, for pushing me when I felt as if I was about to give up. My amazing track coach, Ms. Perry, was like a mother, sister, and best friend to me at the same time. She has always been someone who I could come to for whatever and whenever - no matter the time of day - and when I needed an ear for my problems and advice as well. I love her so much. She is definitely a life-changer. Mrs. Sugarman, my wonderful counselor who not only told me to follow my heart but helped me to as well. I adore her. Mr. Smith, Anacostia’s excellent D.C. CAP advisor, who helped me get through the tough, frustrating college process without a problem. Without him, I probably would not have even applied and made it through, especially the financial aid portions."

• The speaker loves her teachers more than her family and friends.

• The speaker promised her teachers that she would thank them in her speech.

• The speaker was a teacher’s pet and received preferred treatment.

• The speaker is humbled by the incredible support she has received.

Answer explanation

Melson realizes that a large part of her success came from those who supported her and that she cannot take all of the credit for her accomplishments.

Which sentence from the text best supports the correct answer to Question 3?

• “My amazing track coach, Ms. Perry, was like a mother, sister, and best friend to me at the same time.”

• “Without him, I probably would not have even applied and made it through, especially the financial aid portions.”

• “She is definitely a life-changer.”

• “I have to shout out my school for always being available and helping me when I was in a jam.”

Answer explanation

This sentence gives an example of how Melson’s mentors played an integral role in her success; she admits that she needed help from others and that she would not have succeeded on her own.