A Quick Note on Getting Better at Difficult Things

According to paragraphs 1-3, Coates' feelings about speaking French change over time in which of the following ways?

• He becomes more confident and comfortable.

• He becomes more anxious and fearful.

• He remains indifferent and unchanged.

• He becomes frustrated and disinterested.

What is the pronunciation of 'Advantage'?

• ad-van-tij

• dih-spahyt

• ih-fek-tiv-lee

Paragraphs 4-6: What does Coates mean when he says 'Hopelessness feeds the fatigue'?

• Coates believes that hopelessness is a source of energy.

• Coates suggests that hopelessness increases tiredness.

• Coates argues that hopelessness is unrelated to fatigue.

• Coates thinks hopelessness reduces fatigue.

Find Evidence: Highlight at least 2 pieces of evidence that demonstrate how Coates overcomes feelings of 'hopelessness' and 'fatigue.'

• Coates finds solace in community support and personal reflection.

• Coates ignores his feelings and continues with his routine.

• Coates overcomes his feelings by focusing on his work and family.

• Coates seeks professional help to manage his emotions.

What central idea is developed by the comparison of studying French to “setting in a canoe from California to China” in paragraph 6? [RI.3]

• You need to travel to learn new languages.

• Working too hard can cause a person to give up.

• Difficult tasks can feel rewarding and discouraging.

• People often worry too much about tasks that are far ahead.

Which statement best describes Coates’ relationship with learning French?

• Coates is giving up on French because he doesn’t use it much.

• Coates views learning French as a good struggle.

• Coates finds French to be a beautiful language.

• Coates is learning French to honor his mother.

Which piece of evidence best captures the central idea of the text? [RI.2]

• A. “I did not always ‘feel’ I could effectively study a foreign language.” (Paragraph 1)

• B. “I didn’t feel it this summer at Middlebury, despite the difference in my entrance and exit scores.” (Paragraph 3)

• C. “That is why I ignore all the research about children and their language advantage.” (Paragraph 4)

• D. “The lows are the norm. The Struggle is the norm. May it ever be thus.” (Paragraph 6)

How does this sentence develop one of Coates central claims? [RI.5]

• It reveals how much he dislikes learning the French language.

• It emphasizes how little guidance he has in learning French.

• It illustrates that he is making progress through struggle.

• It demonstrates how often he has to study to improve.

What does it take to achieve success?

• Hard work and dedication

• Luck and opportunity

• Networking and connections

• Education and skills

Coates suggests that “every ten years or so” people should try failing at something and improving upon it. Do you agree with this suggestion?

• Yes, I agree with Coates' suggestion.

• No, I do not agree with Coates' suggestion.

• I am not sure about Coates' suggestion.