Embarrassed? Blame Your Brain

In “Embarrassed?” the section “Embarrassment Has an Unfair Advantage” is organized in a way that shows —

• the ways people can overcome negative thoughts

• the positive and negative impacts of social pain

• the types of negative feelings teens may experience

• the way understanding of social pain has changed over time

In “Embarrassed?” what is most likely the author’s purpose for including information about the game Cyberball?

• To explain how feelings change over time

• To explain why some teens do not like games

• To explain how feeling rejected affects the brain

• To explain why some people feel pain more than others

The word amplify comes from the Latin word amplificare, which means “to enlarge.” What does amplify mean in paragraph 9 of “Embarrassed?”

• Embarrass

• Strengthen

• Identify

• Soothe

Read this sentence from the sidebar in “Embarrassed?”

If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, find something more reasonable to say to yourself.

What role does the subordinating conjunction play in this sentence?

• It establishes the reason for the action in the independent clause.

• It establishes a condition for the action in the independent clause.

• It establishes a comparative relationship between the two clauses.

• It establishes the time relationship between the two clauses.

Which sentence shows the correct use of commas?

• Because, their brains are not fully developed teens often experience more embarrassment than adults.

• Because their brains, are not fully developed, teens often experience more embarrassment than adults.

• Because their brains are not fully developed, teens often experience more embarrassment than adults.

• Because their brains are not fully developed teens, often experience more embarrassment than adults.

Which two words best explain how Vinny feels at the end of “The Ravine”? F Boastful G Calm H Curious J Embarrassed K Relieved

• Boastful

• Calm

• Curious

• Embarrassed

• Relieved

In “The Ravine,” what indicates that Vinny’s friends did not agree with the choice he made?

• They knew he was scared.

• They did not speak to him.

• They shouted encouragement.

• They laughed and joked with each other.

In “The Ravine,” which word or phrase from paragraph 31 helps the reader understand the meaning of the word murky?

• large boulder

• edge of the pond

• brown water

• waterfall

In “The Ravine,” how does Vinny’s conversation with his mother contribute to the plot?

• After the death of the boy, Vinny’s mother reminds him of the legend by saying that the pond is haunted and makes him promise not to return to the pond, which contributes to Vinny’s fear of the pond

• Vinny's mother tells Vinny that he needs to face his fears

• After Vinny begs his mom, she finally agrees to let him go to the pond

• Vinny agrees with his mother and decides not to go with his friends to the pond

Which detail from “Embarrassed?” best explains the main conflict in “The Ravine”?

• Spending time with other kids becomes a top priority.

• Fitting in becomes essential.

• Teens don’t even have to tackle a challenge to feel stressed.

• Social pain hurts, but it also makes us nicer.