Playing Second Fiddle

What is Alyssa excited about at the beginning of scene 1?

• The first day of school

• Playing in the orchestra

• Winning competitions

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Alyssa is excited about the first day of school, playing in the orchestra, and winning competitions. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above' as it encompasses all her sources of excitement.

In the first scene, why is Samantha looking down when Alyssa talks to her?

• She is avoiding Alyssa's gaze

• She is reading sheet music

• She is tired

• She is looking for something

Answer explanation

Samantha is looking down to avoid Alyssa's gaze, indicating discomfort or disinterest in the conversation. This behavior suggests she is not engaging with Alyssa, making 'avoiding Alyssa's gaze' the correct choice.

What does Alyssa mean by "You're first violin—you're the king of the hill"?

• Samantha is the best violin player

• Samantha is the leader of the orchestra

• Samantha is the tallest in the group

• Samantha is the oldest student

Answer explanation

Alyssa's phrase "You're first violin—you're the king of the hill" indicates that Samantha is the top player in the group, highlighting her skill and superiority in playing the violin, making her the best violin player.

What does Samantha suggest to Alyssa?

• To try a new instrument

• To be first violin

• To quit the orchestra

• To join a different club

Answer explanation

Samantha suggests to Alyssa to be first violin, indicating that she believes Alyssa has the talent and potential to take on this leadership role in the orchestra.

What does the word ultimately mean in line 17?

• All of a sudden

• With care

• For the most part

• In the end

Answer explanation

The word 'ultimately' means 'in the end,' indicating a final outcome or conclusion. This aligns with the correct answer choice, as it signifies the final point in a discussion or process.

ALYSSA: Yes, I'm first violin in orchestra, but I'm not first violin to you. I'm still playing Second Fiddle, while you're busy working on the newspaper.

The playwright uses figurative language in these sentences to show that Alyssa--

• wants Samantha to realize that Samantha is abandoning orchestra

• believes that Samantha has chosen the newspaper over their friendship

• worries that Samantha is writing for the newspaper because she doubts her musical talents

• thinks Samantha will miss playing the violin while writing for the newspaper

Answer explanation

Alyssa's statement about playing 'Second Fiddle' suggests she feels sidelined as Samantha prioritizes the newspaper over their friendship, indicating Alyssa believes Samantha has chosen the newspaper over their bond.

Scene 2 is important to the play because it foreshadows that Samantha--

• has never truly enjoyed being in the orchestra with Alyssa

• wants to write a newspaper article about Alyssa

• wants to have friends other than Alyssa

• is determined to be honest with Alyssa

Answer explanation

Scene 2 reveals Samantha's desire for honesty with Alyssa, indicating her determination to communicate openly about her feelings, which is crucial for their relationship.

What is the best summary of scene 2?

• Samantha's mom is in the living room when Samantha enters, and she immediately asks if Samantha has told Alyssa about her decision.

• Samantha comes home from school and tells her mom about her choice to quit orchestra, and her mom says she must live with the results

• Samantha and her mom talk about Samantha's conversation with Alyssa, and then Samantha decides to take a break from orchestra.

• Samantha's mom waits for her after seeing Alyssa, and Samantha says she wants to explore new options in middle school.

Answer explanation

The correct choice summarizes scene 2 accurately, highlighting Samantha's decision to quit orchestra and her mom's response about living with the consequences of that choice.

The playwright shows that Alyssa has matured by revealing Alyssa's--

• excitement about continuing with orchestra

• acceptance that Samantha is a talented violinist

• reluctance to talk to Samantha in the hallway

• decision to try robotics

Answer explanation

Alyssa's decision to try robotics shows her willingness to explore new interests and step outside her comfort zone, indicating her growth and maturity compared to her previous attitudes.

What inference can the reader make based on the events that take place in scene 4?

• Both girls will try to participate in each other's new interests.

• Alyssa will eventually quit the orchestra to pursue her interest in robotics.

• Samantha will ask to participate in the orchestra's upcoming competitions.

• Both girls will enjoy their own activities while still remaining friends.

Answer explanation

In scene 4, both girls express excitement about their individual interests, indicating they can pursue their passions while maintaining their friendship. This supports the inference that they will enjoy their own activities and remain friends.