The Sunstone of Whispering Peak - Resolution (Grade 7)

At the very end of the passage, what does Ezra do that shows his conflict is resolved and he will persevere?

• He argues with Nina.

• He sits down to rest again.

• He takes the first step back up the mountain.

• He decides to find a different path.

Answer explanation

The passage concludes with Ezra picking up the stone and taking 'the first step back up the mountain path,' which is the action that resolves his internal conflict about giving up.

According to Nina's dialogue, what is the mountain testing?

• Ezra's intelligence

• Ezra's speed

• Ezra's strength

• Ezra's patience

Answer explanation

This is a direct recall question. Nina explicitly states, 'The mountain tests your strength, but the valley tests your heart.'

How does Ezra's conversation with Nina help resolve his problem?

• Nina gives him a magical tool to defeat the wind.

• Nina reminds him of his reason for climbing, which renews his determination.

• Nina tells him a secret way to the top of the peak.

• Nina agrees to carry the Sunstone for him.

Answer explanation

Nina's dialogue about the people in the valley waiting for the sun makes Ezra remember his purpose. This resolves his feeling of defeat and gives him the motivation to persevere.

What is the purpose of carrying the Sunstone to the peak?

• To bring sunlight back to the valley

• To prove Ezra is the strongest climber

• To get rid of the spirit Nina

• To make the magical winds stop

Answer explanation

The passage states this directly in the first paragraph. This fact is the motivation behind Ezra's perseverance and the ultimate goal of the resolution.

What is the main internal conflict that Ezra resolves by the end of the story?

• His argument with the mountain spirit, Nina.

• His fear of the magical winds.

• His physical exhaustion from climbing.

• His feeling of hopelessness and desire to give up.

Answer explanation

The central problem that gets resolved is Ezra's internal struggle. He starts the story 'ready to give up' but ends it with a 'steady heart,' showing he has overcome his despair.

Categorize the following items from the story based on whether they were an obstacle to Ezra's goal or a factor that helped him persevere.

Groups:

(a) Obstacle to Goal

,

(b) Factor Aiding Perseverance

• Shifting rocks

• The thought of his family

• Magical winds

• The soft light of the Sunstone

• Ezra's feeling of defeat

• Nina's encouraging words

Answer explanation

The magical winds, shifting rocks, and Ezra's own feelings of defeat were all barriers to the resolution. Nina's words, his memory of his people, and the symbolic light of the stone all helped him resolve his conflict and choose to persevere.

Match each line of dialogue or thought to the feeling or motivation it reveals in the story's resolution.

• Reminds Ezra of his responsibility to others

• "One more time... For them."

• Expresses his final, renewed commitment

• "The mountain tests your strength, but the valley tests your heart."

• Provides the key insight that changes his perspective

• "They are waiting for the sun, Ezra."

• Shows feelings of defeat before the resolution

• "It's no use... The mountain won't let me pass."

Answer explanation

Ezra's first line shows his despair. Nina's first line reminds him of his purpose. Her second line reframes the challenge, leading to the resolution. Ezra's final thought shows his conflict is resolved and he is ready to persevere.

In the story, Nina's words helped Ezra find the strength to try again. Think about a time you faced a difficult task, like a hard school project or learning a new skill. How could you apply the lesson from the story's resolution to help yourself or a friend persevere? Explain using details from the passage about why Nina's words were effective.

Answer explanation