"The Flying Tomato" Comprehension Questions

What is the author's main claim in paragraph 3?

• Shaun White is a famous snowboarder.

• Shaun White is an Olympic hero.

• Shaun White needs to work harder when training.

• Shaun White is a good role model.

Read the quotation in paragraph 4:

"You know the best thing about competition? There's this whole strategy game, and when it all works out, it's like solving that hard math equation. You finally get the answer, and you're so happy."

What can be inferred about Shaun White?

• Shaun is happy to compete.

• Shaun is not just talented but strategic.

• Shaun likes to solve hard math problems.

• Shaun does not always know the answer to questions.

This question has 2 parts: First answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A: Which sentence best expresses the controlling idea?

• Shaun White was successful in all his Olympic games.

• Shaun White had a heart defect.

• Shaun White is a snowboarder.

• Shaun White is a hard-working sports figure.

This question has 2 parts: First answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part B: Which details from the article best support the answer to Part A?

Select TWO correct answers.

• Shaun's journey to success was filled with challenges. (paragraph 2)

• He worked incredibly hard, dedicating many years to training. (paragraph 2)

• Shaun competed in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. (paragraph 3)

• Shaun didn't hang his hear but reminded us that just being part of the Olympic Games is an incredible achievement. (Paragraph 3)

Read this incomplete summary of the article.

1. 1. Shaun White is a famous American snowboarder known for his red hair and incredible skills.

2. 2. He won gold medals at the previous two Winter Olympics.

3. 3. FILL IN THE BLANK

4. 4. In 2014, he didn't win a medal in the Olympics, but he taught us that even wen you work hard, you may not always win, and that's okay.

5. 4. FILL IN THE BLANK

Which 2 options below belong in this summary?

• Shaun was determined to follow in his older brother's footsteps and take up skateboarding.

• Shaun now had a lot of pressure on him to win more gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

• Shaun faced early health challenges with two heart surgeries but worked hard to become a snowboarding legend.

• Shaun's story is inspiring, showing us the importance of never giving up on our dreams.

What is the primary message the author conveys in paragraph 3?

• Knowledge is power.

• Enjoy life while you can.

• If you don't succeed, try again.

• Believe those who seek the truth.

What does the word challenges in paragraph 2 suggest about Shaun?

• He has not had an easy life.

• He was always sick as a kid.

• He does not have to work hard.

• He usually has things standing in his way.

In paragraph 2, why does the author include a rhetorical question?

• To indicate that Shaun had a weakness.

• To emphasize that many people face challenges in life.

• To suggest that other people might someday be like Shaun.

• To introduce a new idea that will come later in the article.

What is most likely the reason the author wrote this article?

• To describe Shaun White to the reader

• To tell about Shaun White's accomplishments

• To share popular news about Shaun White

• To persuade the reader to like Shaun White

Read the sentence from paragraph 5.

"He became a snowboarding legend and captured the hearts of fans worldwide, earning the nickname "Flying Tomato" due to his red hair."

In the sentence, the word "-------- "provides a clue to the meaning of legend.