The Smashed Blue Jay - Conflict (Grade 7)

Based on her dialogue, why does Sloan accuse Teresa of breaking the sculpture?

• She saw Teresa accidentally knock it over.

• She thinks Teresa wanted an excuse to not finish a hard project.

• Ryan told her that Teresa was planning to quit the art fair.

• She was jealous of Teresa's artistic skill.

Answer explanation

Sloan's dialogue directly states her reasoning: 'It was probably getting too difficult. This is an easy way out.' This shows she believes Teresa broke it to avoid finishing it.

What is the first thing Sloan says to Teresa after she discovers her broken sculpture?

• "Finally decided to give up?"

• "What did you do?"

• "That's not fair."

• "I just found it like this."

Answer explanation

This is the first line of dialogue from Sloan, showing her immediate assumption that Teresa broke the project on purpose. The text says, '"Finally decided to give up?" a sharp voice cut through the quiet room.'

What is the first piece of physical evidence Teresa uses to challenge Sloan's accusation?

• A footprint near the table.

• A messy water jar.

• A trail of blue paint spots.

• A note from Dennis.

Answer explanation

The passage states, 'She knelt, pointing to the floor. "Look. There's a trail of blue paint spots leading from my table toward the door."' This is the first evidence she presents.

According to Ryan, who was using the ultramarine blue paint?

• Dennis

• Sloan

• Teresa

• Ryan himself

Answer explanation

Ryan explicitly states, '"But that's the specific ultramarine blue Dennis was using," Ryan added...'. This directly answers the question.

What does Teresa mean when she says, "That's the real injustice here"?

• That her sculpture was broken and couldn't be fixed.

• That Dennis would not get in trouble for being careless.

• That the art fair rules were unfair.

• That Sloan judged her and believed the worst without any proof.

Answer explanation

Teresa says this right after realizing the sculpture was broken by accident, but Sloan's accusation was intentional. The 'injustice' she refers to is being unfairly accused, not the broken project itself.

Categorize the following actions and statements from the passage based on whether they escalate the conflict or help to resolve it.

Groups:

(a) Escalates Conflict

,

(b) Helps Resolve Conflict

• Ryan explaining that Dennis was rushing.

• Ryan saying, "That’s not fair, Sloan."

• Teresa pointing to the trail of blue paint.

• Sloan admitting she jumped to conclusions.

• Sloan retorting, "It's pretty obvious."

• Sloan saying, "Oh, sure," with a disbelieving laugh.

Answer explanation

Statements that increase tension and accusation, like Sloan's disbelieving and dismissive comments, escalate the conflict. Actions that introduce evidence, call for fairness, or show acceptance of facts, like those from Teresa, Ryan, and finally Sloan, help to resolve the conflict.

Match each character's dialogue to the main motivation or feeling it reveals.

• Accusation based on assumption

• "I... I guess I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

• Reluctant admission of being wrong

• "This is an easy way out."

• An attempt to mediate and be objective

• "That’s not fair, Sloan."

• Hurt and disbelief at being accused

• "Why would you say that?"

Answer explanation

Sloan's line, 'This is an easy way out,' shows her accusatory assumption. Teresa's question, 'Why would you say that?', reveals her hurt and confusion. Ryan's statement, 'That's not fair,' is his attempt to mediate. Sloan's final line shows her reluctant admission that her accusation was wrong.

The conflict in the story starts because of a false accusation. Based on how Ryan and Teresa handled the situation, what are two strategies someone could use to resolve a similar conflict if they were unfairly blamed for something at school? Explain how the passage supports your chosen strategies.

Answer explanation