Batting After Sophie Questions

The setting of the softball field is important to the plot because it helps the narrator —

• play her best in the championship game

• realize that every role needs equal respect

• choose to continue challenging the coach

• pretend that she is a better player than others

Read this sentence from paragraph 4.

The mechanical arm kept pitching, and I kept swinging, stuffing my allowance into the machine until I had nothing left.

The metaphor in this sentence highlights the narrator’s —

• determination

• frustration

• condemnation

• opposition

What is the narrator’s primary motivation for staying on the team?

• She wants to prove Sophie is a bad player.

• She likes to make Coach Janssen angry.

• She believes it’s important to support her team.

• She doesn’t want to lose a good reputation.

Paragraphs 35–41 set the scene in the players’ locker room before the game. Which two words tell how this paragraph describes the mood of the players?

• Depressed and Upset

• Anxious and Energetic

• Peaceful and Stoic

• Envious and Irritated

Read this sentence from paragraph 66.

When we took the field, we moved like our feet were stuck in molasses.

What does the simile suggest about the Troy Panthers?

• They were feeling defeated.

• They needed more energy.

• They had to pretend to be sad.

• They acted like they cared.

Which phrase from the selection indicates that the narrator’s perspective is changing?

• changed into my uniform

• stopped listening after that

• looking Coach right in the eye

• felt like the fog had lifted

In the story, the narrator’s relationship with Coach Janssen changes as the plot unfolds. Does this quote reveal conflict or respect in their relationship?

Linda would let me hit in this situation. Any good coach would.

• Conflict

• Respect

In the story, the narrator’s relationship with Coach Janssen changes as the plot unfolds. Does this quote reveal conflict or respect in their relationship?

. . . looking Coach right in the eye.

She met my gaze.

• Conflict

• Respect

In the story, the narrator’s relationship with Coach Janssen changes as the plot unfolds. Does this quote reveal conflict or respect in their relationship?

To her credit, Coach Janssen was in his face in about a second.

• Conflict

• Respect

In the story, the narrator’s relationship with Coach Janssen changes as the plot unfolds. Does this quote reveal conflict or respect in their relationship?

This time I pictured Coach Janssen’s face on the ball.

• Conflict

• Respect