Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push

The reader can tell that this selection is realistic fiction because —

• it is based on the lives of real people and actual events

• it is written to teach readers a lesson about hardship

• it is about characters and events that could exist in real life

• it is written to tell readers about the life of an important person

Choose the phrase that correctly uses a colon to introduce a list to replace the underlined section in the sentence below.

Wheelchair basketball has a lot in common with traditional basketball five: players per side, a 10-foot rim, a 15-foot free-throw line, and other similarities.

• 10-foot rim, a 15-foot free-throw line, and other similarities.

• basketball: five players per side: a 10-foot rim

• basketball: five players per side, a 10-foot rim,

• basketball—five players per side: a 10-foot rim,

• correct as us

Read paragraph 22.

“I don’t know,” I said with a shrug. My heart sank. I went into my room and started on my homework, trying not to think of why Dad would call Mr. Evans.

Which sentence explains the conflict that Chris faces in this paragraph?

• He believes that he is not good enough to play basketball.

• He thinks that his father will try to coach the basketball team.

• He fears that his father will not let him play on the basketball team.

• He worries about doing schoolwork while playing on the basketball team.

Read the dictionary entry below.

baseline \bās′līn′\ n 1. a line serving as a basis for measurement 2. a starting point 3. the boundary line at either end of a court 4. the base path

Which definition most closely matches the way the word baseline is used in paragraph 46?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

In paragraphs 12–17, Chris and Sarah have a conversation. Based on this conversation, which two inferences can the reader make about the characters?

Chris is patient with people and their faults.

Chris finds Nicky impressive and intimidating.

Chris believes he has not been chosen for the team.

Sarah wants Chris to understand that she is not nosy.

  The whole school knows that Chris wants to play basketball.

• Chris is patient with people and their faults.

• Chris finds Nicky impressive and intimidating.

• Chris believes he has not been chosen for the team.

• Sarah wants Chris to understand that she is not nosy.

• The whole school knows that Chris wants to play basketball.