Question

grandpa; it was my only chance. he saw my shadow and looked up.
he waited for me to speak. i cleared my throat nervously and clasped my hands behind
my back so he wouldn’t see them shaking. “grandpa, i have a big favor to ask you,” i said
in spanish, the only language he knew. he still waited silently. i tried again. “grandpa, this
year the principal said the scholarship jacket is not going to be free. it’s going to cost
fifteen dollars, and i have to take the money in tomorrow, otherwise it’ll be given to
someone else.” the last words came out in an eager rush. grandpa straightened up
tiredly and leaned his chin on the hoe handle. he looked out over the field that was filled
with the tiny green bean plants. i waited, desperately hoping he’d say i could have the
money.
he turned to me and asked quietly, “what does a scholarship jacket mean?”
i answered quickly; maybe there was a chance. “it means you’ve earned it by having the
highest grades for eight years and that’s why they’re giving it to you.” too late i realized
the significance of my words. grandpa knew that i understood it was not a matter of
money. it wasn’t that. he went back to hoeing the weeds that sprang up between the
delicate little bean plants. it was a time - consuming job; sometimes the small shoots were
right next to each other. finally he spoke again as i turned to leave, crying.
“then if you pay for it, marta, it’s not a scholarship jacket, is it? tell your principal i will not
pay the fifteen dollars.”
20 i walked back to the house and locked myself in the bathroom for a long time. i was angry

1. how does the narrators conversation with

er grandpa affect the story?
(paragraphs 16 - 19)
a. it reveals why the board is changing the
rules.

b. it causes marta to not want the jacket
anymore.

c. it makes marta realize the true value of
the jacket.

d. it reminds marta of all the things she
has not been able to have.

Explanation:

• Option A: The conversation doesn't reveal why the Board changes rules. The Board's rule change is stated earlier, and the conversation is about the jacket's meaning and payment, not the Board's motives.
• Option B: The text shows Marta is desperate to get the jacket and is upset when Grandpa refuses to pay, not that she stops wanting it.
• Option C: Grandpa's question and statement make Marta realize the scholarship jacket's true value is in being earned (not bought), as she initially thought of it in terms of needing money but learns it's about achievement.
• Option D: The conversation focuses on the jacket's meaning, not on things Marta can't have.

Answer:

C. It makes Marta realize the true value of the jacket.