Question

the late afternoon sun stretched long shadows across the empty field. maria stood at the edge, her backpack slipping from her shoulder. the soccer tryouts were over, and the list had already been posted. she could see her friends gathered around it, their cheers drifting toward her. maria hesitated. last year, she had missed the cut by one name. she took a deep breath, reminding herself of every morning shed practiced alone. with slow, steady steps, she crossed the field—determined to see whether this year would be different.
what does the authors description of the setting help reveal about marias emotions?
a. the quiet field mirrors her nervous anticipation.
b. the bright sunlight suggests her growing confidence.
c. the cheers of her friends distract her from her goal.
d. the long shadows show that she feels lonely and unnoticed.
standard: rl 9.4 dok: 2 difficulty: medium
which detail from the passage best supports the idea that maria has matured since last year?
a. the soccer tryouts were over, and the list had already been posted.
b. she could see her friends gathered around it, their cheers drifting toward her.
c. she took a deep breath, reminding herself of every morning shed practiced alone.
d. maria stood at the edge, her backpack slipping from her shoulder.
standard: rl 9.1 dok: 3 difficulty: medium

Explanation:

For the first question:

• The setting of the "empty field" with Maria "hesitating" and taking a "deep breath" before approaching the list (after last - year's miss) shows a nervous anticipation. The quiet field (as opposed to a bustling, noisy place) mirrors her internal nervousness as she waits to see the tryout results.
• Option B: The "bright sunlight" is not the main focus in terms of her emotions. The text emphasizes her hesitation and past experience more than the sunlight indicating confidence.
• Option C: The cheers of friends do not distract her. She is going towards the list (her goal) despite the hesitation.
• Option D: The long shadows are more about the time of day (late - afternoon) and do not specifically show loneliness and being unnoticed as her main emotion is about the tryout results.

For the second question:

• When she "took a deep breath, reminding herself of every morning she'd practiced alone", it shows self - reflection and a more mature approach. Last year she might have just reacted impulsively (since she was cut by one name). This year, she is using her past practice (a more thought - out, mature way of dealing with the situation) to steel herself for the result.
• Option A: Just stating the tryouts are over and the list is posted is a neutral statement about the event, not about her maturity.
• Option B: Mentioning friends gathered around the list is more about the scene, not her personal growth.
• Option D: Her physical position (standing at the edge with a slipping backpack) is a description of her appearance, not her maturity.

Answer:

First question: A. The quiet field mirrors her nervous anticipation.
Second question: C. 'She took a deep breath, reminding herself of every morning she’d practiced alone.'