Selection Test: A Work in Progress

What block are you in?

• 1-2

• 3-4

• 5-6

In “A Work in Progress,” what excuse does the author’s teacher give for not wanting the author back in class after her operation?

• The author is not well enough to come back to school.

• Caring for the author will take up too much class time.

• The author’s casts and wheelchair will be a distraction.

• Other students will hurt the author by making fun of her.

According to “A Work in Progress,” what problem does the author have with her waterproof legs?

• They change color when put in water.

• They come off too easily in the water.

• They float to the surface of the water.

• They are too heavy to kick in the water.

In “A Work in Progress,” what makes the author’s parents stop asking the author to hide her legs?

• They realize they hurt their daughter’s feelings after having a conversation with her.

• They buy their daughter new prosthetic legs that look more lifelike than wooden legs.

• They realize they cannot afford to continue buying long dresses to cover their daughter’s legs.

• They hear relatives saying how nice their daughter looks despite her legs showing.

In “A Work in Progress,” why is the author shocked by what the man who calls and asks her to give a speech says?

• He wants her to present her speech from a wheelchair.

• He does not want her to make any jokes about her legs.

• He would prefer that she not show any signs of vulnerability.

• He does not think that anyone will like her if she seems confident.

What does the author have in common with the six-year-old at the end of “A Work in Progress”? Choose two options.

• They both have legs that are creatively decorated.

• They both learned to be proud of their differences.

• They both chose amputation so they could walk better.

• They both met an adult with a prosthetic leg who was thriving.

• They both searched the Internet to find images of prosthetic legs.

Based on its context, what is the most likely meaning of accomplishments in the following sentence?

Cara was proud of her accomplishments, like getting straight A’s at school.

• abilities

• attempts

• possessions

• achievements

What is the meaning of the word extraordinary in this sentence?

Sheila wanted to be extraordinary, so she practiced her violin every day.

• being sure in movement

• unusually good or impressive

• causing interest or enthusiasm

• completely committed to something

If singers Karl and Paula celebrate each other’s performances, which of the following must be true? Base your answer on the meaning of the word celebrate.

• They ask many questions about each other’s performances.

• They give advice to improve the other’s performances.

• They offer praise for each other’s performances.

• They secretly judge the other’s performances.

What is the main message of “A Work in Progress”?

• People must lower their expectations so that they will not be disappointed.

• Newer prosthetic legs are a great improvement over wooden prosthetic legs.

• Accepting and embracing one’s differences can lead to success in life.

• People who are normal never get the opportunity to be extraordinary.