False Start Quiz

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

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

• b.) tell her Teresa will have to adjust to working with a new coach

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

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

1. Read paragraph 3.

“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—

• a.) does not know a lot about long jumping

• b.) thinks that her coach does not give her useful advice

• c.) believes that she is a better long jumper than she actually is

• d.) feels as though she has to prove her abilities to others

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

•  a.) Teresa watches another girl jump a long distance. 

  
  

•  b.) Teresa’s mother suggests that she practice more.  

   

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

   

• d.) Teresa declines to take her second jump.

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

•  a.) believes that Teresa can make the Olympic team if she practices enough

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

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

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

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

• a.) the doubts Teresa’s mother has about Teresa attending the tryout 

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

• c.)  the feelings Teresa has about her performance at the tryout 

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

1. What is the effect of the phrase, “Finally, some real competition,” in paragraph 12 of the selection?

• a.) It emphasizes Teresa’s confidence in her abilities.

• b.) It foreshadows that Teresa will easily win the tryout.

• c.) It highlights Teresa’s nervousness about the upcoming jump.

• d.) It suggests that Teresa Does not respect the other athletes.

1. What is the most likely reason the author includes the rhetorical question, “Am I done yet?” in paragraph 1 of the selection?

• a.) To introduce Teresa’s dislike for track and field

• b.) To hint at Teresa’s impatience and overconfidence

• c.) To show that Teresa is physically exhausted

• d.) To emphasize that Teresa is not a serious athlete

How does the third-person limited point of view impact the reader’s understanding of the story?

• a.) It makes the reader feel disconnected from Teresa’s emotions

• b.) It highlights how different athletes perceive Teresa’s abilities

• c.) It provides insight into the thoughts of both Teresa and Coach Wilson

• d.) It allows the reader to see Teresa’s overconfidence before she realizes it herself

What does the author's use of irony in paragraph 17 reveal about Teresa’s situation?

• a.) Teresa believed she was being invited based on her talent, but she was actually given a chance as a favor

• b.) Teresa thought she would compete at an elite level, but the other athletes were worse than her

• c.) Coach Jennings was impressed with Teresa’s skills but she did not want to admit it

• d.) Teresa believed she had no competition, but she was the best athlete there