False Start

Coach Wilson calls Teresa’s mother before the tryout most likely to —

• inform her that Teresa’s tryout is probably going to be unsuccessful

• tell her that Teresa will have to adjust to working with a new coach

• persuade Teresa’s mother to talk Teresa out of attending the tryout

• give Teresa’s mother directions to the training facility in Grand Prairie

Paragraph 3 says:

“But I was born to do the long jump. My instinct is to jump,” Teresa said as she sat on a bench. “When I’m on the Olympic team, you’ll see what I mean.”

Teresa’s comments influence the theme of the story because they show that she —

• does not know a lot about long jumping

• thinks that her coach does not give her useful advice

• believes that she is a better long jumper than she actually is

• feels as though she has to prove her abilities to others

Which event in the story causes Teresa to reevaluate her talent as a long jumper?

• Teresa watches another girl jump a long distance.

• Teresa’s mother suggests that she practice more.

• Teresa’s first jump does not impress Coach Jennings.

• Teresa declines to take her second jump.

The dialogue between Teresa and her mother after the tryout indicates that her mother —

• B C believes that Teresa can make the Olympic team if she practices enough

• knows that taking Teresa to the tryouts was a waste of time

• thinks it was necessary to trick Teresa into taking long-jump practice seriously

• wants Teresa to be honest with herself about her skill as a long jumper

The story’s third-person limited point of view gives the reader insight into —

• the doubts Teresa’s mother has about Teresa attending the tryout

• Coach Jennings’s thoughts about Teresa’s jump at the tryout

• the feelings Teresa has about her performance at the tryout

• Coach Wilson’s hesitation about sending Teresa to the tryout

Why does Teresa insist on meeting the Olympic coach at the Grand Prairie training facility?

• She wants to watch an Olympic race in person.

• She believes she is ready for advanced training.

• She hopes to get an autograph from the coach.

• She was invited to attend by a friend.

What central theme is conveyed through Teresa's interactions with Coach Wilson?

• Hard work and perseverance are necessary for success.

• Talent alone is enough to achieve greatness.

• Friendship is more important than competition.

• Winning is the only measure of success.

What can be inferred about Coach Wilson's concerns regarding Teresa's readiness for the training facility?

• He is worried that she lacks natural talent.

• He believes she is not mentally prepared for the challenge.

• He does not have time to train new athletes.

• He wants to discourage young runners from pursuing track.

How does Teresa's attitude toward training evolve throughout the passage?

• She remains confident and believes she is already the best.

• She becomes discouraged and quits after her first mistake.

• She realizes the importance of discipline and hard work.

• She refuses to listen to the coach’s advice.

What role do the sprint exercises play in advancing the story's plot?

• They serve as a test of Teresa’s abilities and determination.

• They allow Teresa to immediately prove she is the fastest.

• They show that Teresa dislikes following instructions.

• They are used to slow down the pacing of the story.