Smiles to Go

What is the narrator's primary motivation for continuing to visit Jim?

• He wants Jim to ask him to help with the experiments.

• He enjoys watching Jim manage several tasks at once.

• He thinks spending time with Jim will make him smarter.

• He likes witnessing the moments when Jim is surprised.

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Why is Jim's demonstration with the jawbreaker important to the plot?

• It shows the narrator that many scientific concepts are not complicated.

• It allows the narrator to experience a moment of understanding.

• It encourages the narrator to develop his own scientific theory about protons.

• It gives the narrator an opportunity to help Jim with one of his projects.

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Based on the definition of the word "digest," which definition closely matches the way to word is used in paragraph 28?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

Answer explanation

Definition 3: "to take into the mind or memory"

In other words, to think about and absorb the information.

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Read this sentence from paragraph 4.

The sensory language in this sentence highlights the narrator's -

• optimism

• confusion

• excitement

• discomfort

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What does the simile in paragraph 3 suggest about Jim?

• He wishes he knew someone who shared his passion.

• He approaches his work with intense focus.

• He is interested in both science and sports.

• He usually makes up experiments as they occur to him.

Answer explanation

Remember: a simile compares two things while using the words "like" or "as."

"AS if" is another way to create a simile. Based on the sentence it is in and the words after "as if," it creates a comparison between Jim and the sports announcer.

The simile compares Jim's work ethic to a "play-by-play announcer describing a game."

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The setting is important to the plot because it is where the narrator -

• realizes he is good at scientific investigation

• can study with minimal interruptions

• has interesting discussions with Jim

• works with Jim to solve problems

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Which of these is an important idea expressed in the excerpt?

• People must start working toward their goals at a young age to achieve their dreams.

• Honesty and openness allow deep friendships to develop.

• True understanding can take place only through quiet reflection.

• Some people influence the lives of others by introducing them to new ideas.

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