Question

final review
passage 1: fiction — the bridge between seasons
when the final bell rang, lila stayed seated as everyone else rushed out, their laughter echoing down the hall. outside the window, the trees bent in the cold wind, the branches bare except for one stubborn leaf clinging to the top.
coach ramirez’s voice carried from the doorway. “you coming to practice, lila?”
lila hesitated. her knee still ached from the fall two weeks ago, and the doctor’s words—“you should rest until it heals”—echoed louder than the cheers of her team.
“maybe tomorrow,” she said quietly.
the coach nodded, but his eyes told her he already knew the answer.
on her walk home, she crossed the old footbridge that spanned the dry creek bed. she stopped halfway, running her fingers along the wooden rail. last spring, the creek had overflowed, and she’d stood there after the championship game, medal around her neck, believing that nothing could ever change.
now, with winter pressing in, the bridge seemed smaller, and so did her victories. yet, when the wind lifted that last brown leaf into the air, spinning it toward her, she caught it in her palm and smiled. maybe it wasn’t about the winning. maybe it was about still wanting to cross the bridge—no matter how many times the seasons changed.

1. which sentence best expresses the story’s theme?

a. achievements lose meaning when circumstances shift unexpectedly.
b. true resilience involves adapting one’s identity in changing seasons of life.
c. personal setbacks inevitably erase past accomplishments.
d. confidence depends entirely on physical ability.

1. how does the author develop lila’s character throughout the story?

a. by contrasting her present hesitation with memories of earlier triumph.
b. by describing how the setting influences her athletic decisions.
c. by revealing her thoughts only through external dialogue.
d. by relying mainly on other characters’ perspectives.

Explanation:

Question 1

To find the theme, analyze each option:

• Option A: The story shows Lila still finding purpose despite changes, so achievements don't lose meaning. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Lila adapts to her injury and changing seasons (life changes), showing resilience. This matches the story's message.
• Option C: Her past accomplishments (championship medal) aren't erased; she reflects on them. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Confidence here is about her will to continue, not just physical ability. Eliminate D.

To determine character development:

• Option A: The story contrasts her present hesitation (about practice due to injury) with memories of her past triumph (championship game, medal). This is how her character is developed.
• Option B: The setting (wind, bridge) is more symbolic, not directly influencing athletic decisions. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Her thoughts are revealed through internal reflection (e.g., "believing that nothing could ever change"), not just dialogue. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The story focuses on Lila's perspective, not others'. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. True resilience involves adapting one’s identity in changing seasons of life.

Question 2