The Creek's Promise - Making Inferences in Literary Text (Grade 7)

What is Gerald's first reason for not wanting to clean the creek?

• He is too busy with his phone.

• He thinks it's too gross.

• He says it is not their trash.

• He doesn't have any garbage bags.

Answer explanation

This is stated directly in the text when Gerald says, 'It's not our trash. Why should we be the ones to clean up some other person's mess? It’s not our responsibility.'

When Gerald first says, "Yeah, it's gross. But what can you do?" what does his tone suggest?

• He is angry about the pollution.

• He feels it's not his problem to solve.

• He is asking for suggestions.

• He is worried about the animals in the creek.

Answer explanation

His question, 'But what can you do?' combined with his shrug, implies that he sees the problem but feels powerless or unwilling to act, suggesting he doesn't see it as his responsibility.

What specific object does Haven find in the creek?

• A plastic bag

• An empty bottle

• An old, faded toy boat

• A shiny pebble

Answer explanation

The text explicitly states, 'It was an old, faded toy boat, the kind she and her brother used to sail here years ago.'

At the end of the story, what is the first thing Gerald does that shows his attitude is changing?

• He puts his phone in his pocket.

• He apologizes to Haven.

• He starts picking up trash.

• He calls his friends for help.

Answer explanation

The passage states, 'He put his phone in his pocket.' This is the first physical action he takes to show he is no longer distracted and is now paying attention to Haven and the problem.

What does Haven's dialogue, "But it's our creek," reveal about her motivation?

• She legally owns the creek.

• She is worried about getting in trouble.

• She only wants to clean up her own mess.

• She feels a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.

Answer explanation

By saying 'our creek,' Haven shows that she believes everyone in the community, including herself and Gerald, has a collective responsibility for the area, even if they didn't cause the mess directly.

Match each line of dialogue to the feeling or intention it most clearly reveals.

• Acceptance and readiness to act

• "I can't believe how bad it's gotten."

• Personal connection and nostalgia

• "I remember sailing a boat just like that here."

• Defensiveness and refusal

• "Why should we be the ones to clean up...?"

• Disappointment and sadness

• "Okay... so, where would we start?"

Answer explanation

Haven's first line shows her sadness about the state of the creek. Gerald's question is defensive, refusing responsibility. Haven's memory about the boat shows her personal connection. Gerald's final question shows he has accepted responsibility and is ready to plan.

Categorize the following phrases and actions from the story based on whether they show 'Taking Responsibility' or 'Avoiding Responsibility'.

Groups:

(a) Taking Responsibility

,

(b) Avoiding Responsibility

• Suggesting a cleanup.

• "Okay... so, where would we start?"

• Shrugging and looking at a phone.

• "It's not our trash."

• "But it's our creek."

• "This used to be our spot."

Answer explanation

The items in 'Taking Responsibility' show a character engaging with the problem and accepting a role in the solution. The items in 'Avoiding Responsibility' show a character dismissing the problem or refusing to get involved.

In the story, Haven helps Gerald feel responsible by reminding him of a personal connection to the creek (the toy boat). Think about a shared space at your school, like the cafeteria or library, that could be cleaner. How could you use Haven's strategy to convince a friend to help you take care of it? Use specific details from the passage to support your answer.

Answer explanation