The Blank Canvas - Making Inferences in Literary Text (Grade 7)

Based on the dialogue, why is Kash staring at the blank canvas?

• He is waiting for the teacher to give instructions.

• He is afraid his next painting will also be criticized.

• He has run out of ideas for what to paint.

• He is trying to decide which color to use first.

Answer explanation

Kash's dialogue ("It's no use") and his memory of Rachel's comment imply he has lost his confidence. He is not painting because he fears negative judgment again, not because he lacks ideas or is waiting for instructions.

What did Rachel say that made Kash feel bad about his painting?

• "It looks like a mess."

• "You should try a different color."

• "That doesn't look like a city."

• "My painting is better than yours."

Answer explanation

The passage explicitly states, 'She had pointed at his vibrant, abstract painting of a city at night. "It looks like a mess," she had said, laughing with her friends.' This is a direct quote from the text.

What two art forms does Harley use as examples to encourage Kash?

• Singing and dancing

• Sculpture and poetry

• Music and writing

• Photography and acting

Answer explanation

The text says, '...every song I write starts with a few wrong notes. And my sister, who loves writing, says her first drafts are always terrible.' These are direct examples of music and writing.

According to the passage, what happened right before Harley walked into the art studio?

• Kash dipped his brush in blue paint.

• Rachel laughed at Kash's painting.

• Kash tossed his sketchbook onto the floor.

• Harley set his guitar case down.

Answer explanation

The first paragraph states, 'His sketchbook, once full of ideas, lay closed on the floor where he had tossed it.' The next paragraph begins with Harley walking in. This shows the sequence of events.

What is Harley's main intention when he talks about writing 'wrong notes' and 'terrible' first drafts?

• To show that he is better at music than Kash is at painting.

• To complain about how difficult his own hobbies are.

• To suggest that Kash should try writing music instead.

• To show Kash that making mistakes is a normal part of the creative process.

Answer explanation

Harley uses examples from music and writing to normalize the idea of imperfection in art. His goal is to make Kash feel better by showing him that all creative fields involve a messy start, which is a way of encouraging him to not be afraid of making mistakes.

Match the character's dialogue or action to the feeling or intention it most clearly reveals.

• A feeling of hopelessness

• "You can paint over it. You can change it."

• A small step toward overcoming fear

• Kash dipping his brush in blue paint

• An attempt to empower a friend

• Rachel's comment, "It looks like a mess."

• A hurtful and dismissive judgment

• "It's no use, Harley."

Answer explanation

Kash's statement 'It's no use' shows his hopelessness. Harley's words 'You can paint over it' are meant to empower Kash by giving him a sense of control. Rachel's comment is a clear example of a hurtful judgment. Kash's final action of dipping the brush signifies he is taking a small step to try again.

Categorize the following phrases and actions from the story based on the feeling or motivation they reveal.

Groups:

(a) Shows Discouragement or Hurt

,

(b) Shows Encouragement or Hope

• "It looks like a mess."

• "Just start with one color."

• "It's no use, Harley."

• Dipping the brush in paint

• Comparing painting to writing songs

• Staring at the blank canvas

Answer explanation

The items in 'Shows Discouragement or Hurt' all relate to Kash's loss of confidence or the comment that caused it. The items in 'Shows Encouragement or Hope' are all actions or words from Harley meant to help, or Kash's final action showing he is willing to try again.

Harley uses examples from music and literature to help Kash. Think about a time a friend was struggling with a hobby or school subject. Based on Harley's strategy in the passage, what is one thing you could say to encourage your friend? Explain why this strategy might work, using evidence from the text about how Harley tried to help Kash.

Answer explanation