Question

making inferences based on a characters actions

only once during all those trips did we have any trouble. some demon boys were out in the street. they stooped as if to pick up things to throw, and father whispered to me to sit up straight and not show i was afraid. the demon boys called out some things, but we ignored them until we had passed them by. a rock whizzed by my ear and hit red rabbit in the side. he snorted, but plodded on as steadily as before.
-dragonwings, laurence yep

based on his actions in the passage, which is the best inference about father? use the drop-down menu to complete the sentence.
fathers response to the children throwing rocks shows that he is
strong and calm / afraid and weak / unaware of conflict / unhappy and resentful

Explanation:

Analyze the character's actions

Using the Making Inferences and Textual Evidence Analysis knowledge points

• Father whispers to the narrator to "sit up straight and not show I was afraid."
• He chooses to ignore the hostile "demon boys" until they pass them by safely.
• This deliberate composure in a threatening situation demonstrates self-control and resilience.

Evaluate the options

Using the Making Inferences and Textual Evidence Analysis knowledge points

• strong and calm: Matches his instruction to stay upright and hide fear, showing emotional strength and composure.
• afraid and weak: Incorrect; his actions show deliberate courage and control rather than weakness.
• unaware of conflict: Incorrect; he actively notices the boys and whispers instructions regarding them.
• unhappy and resentful: Incorrect; the text does not show him expressing bitterness or resentment.

Answer:

Based on his actions in the passage, which is the best inference about Father? Use the drop-down menu to complete the sentence.

Father's response to the children throwing rocks shows that he is * strong and calm (Correct answer)

• afraid and weak
• unaware of conflict
• unhappy and resentful