False Start

Coach Wilson calls Teresa's mother before the tryout most likely to —

• inform her that Teresa's tryout is probably going to be unsuccessful

• tell her that Teresa will have to adjust to working with a new coach

• persuade Teresa's mother to talk Teresa out of attending the tryout

• give Teresa's mother directions to the training facility in Grand Prairie

Read paragraph 3.

"But I was born to do the long jump. My instinct is to jump," Teresa said as she sat on the bench. "When I'm on the Olympic team, you'll see what I mean."

Teresa's comments in the provided excerpt from paragraph 3 influence the theme of the story because they show that she —

• does not know a lot about long jumping

• thinks that her coach does not give her useful advice

• believes that she is a better long jumper than she actually is

• feels as though she has to prove her abilities to others

Which event in the story causes Teresa to reevaluate her talent as a long jumper?

• Teresa watches another girl jump a long distance.

• Teresa's mother suggests that she practice more.

• Teresa's first jump does not impress Coach Jennings.

• Teresa declines to take her second jump.

The dialogue between Teresa and her mother after the tryout indicates that her mother —

• believes that Teresa can make the Olympic team if she practices enough

• knows that taking Teresa to the tryouts was a waste of time

• thinks it was necessary to trick Teresa into taking long-jump practice seriously

• wants Teresa to be honest with herself about her skill as a long jumper

The story's third-person limited point of view gives the reader insight into —

• the doubts Teresa's mother has about Teresa attending the tryout

• Coach Jennings's thoughts about Teresa's jump at the tryout

• the feelings Teresa has about her performance at the tryout

• Coach Wilson's hesitation about sending Teresa to the tryout

What motivates Teresa to continue practicing long jump despite her initial setbacks?

• Her desire to prove her coach wrong.

• The support and encouragement from her mother.

• Seeing her rival succeed in the same event.

• A personal goal to break a school record.

How does Teresa's attitude towards her own abilities change throughout the story?

• She becomes more confident in her skills.

• She starts doubting her talent as a long jumper.

• She remains indifferent about her performance.

• She decides to switch to a different sport.

What theme does the author develop by the end of the story?

• Practice and perseverance are key to success.

• It's important to listen to constructive criticism.

• Winning isn't as important as having fun.

• One should always trust their initial instincts.