The Artist's Seed - Third person narrative (he, she, they) (Grade 7)

According to the narrator, what did Jericho do with his first drawing attempts?

• He erased them.

• He crumpled them and put them in the recycling bin.

• He showed them to his friend, Finley.

• He hid them in his backpack.

Answer explanation

The passage directly states, 'In the recycling bin next to his desk sat three crumpled balls of paper, his failed first attempts.' This shows the narrator describing Jericho's actions.

Which specific detail in Jericho's drawing does Ms. Elise point to in her dialogue to encourage him?

• The bird's eye

• The shape of the beak

• The curve of the wing

• The texture of the feathers

Answer explanation

The text says, 'But look here, Jericho. Look at the curve of this wing. You’ve captured the way it would catch the wind perfectly.' This is a direct recall of the dialogue used to develop Ms. Elise's encouraging point of view.

What does Jericho’s dialogue, 'I’m just not good at this,' primarily reveal about his point of view at the beginning of the story?

• He is bored with the art project.

• He feels competitive with his friend Finley.

• He lacks confidence in his own artistic skills.

• He dislikes his teacher, Ms. Elise.

Answer explanation

This statement is a direct expression of his feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The narrator presents this dialogue to show Jericho's internal state of mind and his negative point of view about his abilities.

How does the third-person narrator show the change in Jericho's point of view at the end of the passage?

• By stating that Jericho decided he was the best artist.

• By describing Jericho asking Finley for help.

• By having Jericho apologize to Ms. Elise.

• By describing the action of his hand being steady as he draws.

Answer explanation

The narrator contrasts Jericho's initial defeated posture with his final action: 'His hand was steady this time.' This physical description shows his newfound confidence and change in perspective, without directly stating his thoughts.

In her dialogue, what does Ms. Elise compare building a skill to?

• Planting a seed that grows into a tree.

• Climbing a tall mountain.

• Building a house brick by brick.

• Learning to ride a bicycle.

Answer explanation

The passage states, '“Building a skill is like planting a seed,” Ms. Elise continued... “A seed doesn’t become a tall tree overnight.”' This is a direct recall of the analogy she uses.

Categorize the following details from the passage based on the character's point of view they represent.

Groups:

(a) Represents Jericho's Initial Doubt

,

(b) Represents Ms. Elise's Encouragement

• Saying, 'It all looks wrong.'

• Slumping in a chair

• Staring at an empty white space

• Pointing out a specific strength in a drawing

• Smoothing out a crumpled paper to find something good

• Saying, 'A seed doesn’t become a tall tree overnight.'

Answer explanation

The items are sorted based on which character's perspective they reveal. Jericho's actions (slumping, staring) and words ('It all looks wrong') show his lack of confidence. Ms. Elise's actions (smoothing paper, pointing) and words (the analogy) show her supportive and encouraging viewpoint.

Match the narrator's description of a character's action with the feeling or idea it conveys.

• Shows a gentle and thoughtful approach.

• Jericho leaned forward.

• Shows a new spark of interest and curiosity.

• His hand was steady this time.

• Shows newfound confidence and determination.

• Jericho slumped in his chair.

• Shows feelings of defeat and frustration.

• Ms. Elise carefully picked one of the crumpled drawings.

Answer explanation

Each action described by the narrator is chosen to reveal a character's state of mind. Slumping shows defeat, picking the paper 'carefully' shows her gentle intent, leaning forward shows his interest is piqued, and a 'steady hand' shows his new confidence.

The narrator shows how Ms. Elise helped Jericho by focusing on one small success. Think about a time you or a friend felt discouraged while learning a new skill (like a sport, a video game, or a school subject). Based on Ms. Elise's actions as described by the narrator, what is one specific thing you could say or do to help build confidence in that situation? Explain your answer using details from the passage.

Answer explanation