Question

read the paragraph below.

conversation ceased when coach deal entered the room. the din of the locker room was silenced, and all eyes met her gaze. she began her post-game speech, and every phrase was met with nods of assent. and when coach deal finally called the team in for a huddle, every hand reached eagerly together, and every voice proclaimed, \teamwork!\

what is the players attitude toward the coach?

• the players respect the coachs authority.
• the players are afraid of the coachs harsh words.
• the players resent the coachs interruption.
• the players enjoy the coachs sense of humor.

Explanation:

Analyze the textual evidence

The paragraph describes the players' reactions to Coach Deal:

• "Conversation ceased when Coach Deal entered the room."
• "The din of the locker room was silenced, and all eyes met her gaze."
• "...every phrase was met with nods of assent."
• "...every hand reached eagerly together, and every voice proclaimed, 'Teamwork!'"

Evaluate the options

• The players respect the coach's authority: Supported by the immediate silence, meeting her gaze, nodding in agreement (assent), and eagerly joining the huddle.
• The players are afraid of the coach's harsh words: Incorrect. The text mentions "nods of assent" and reaching "eagerly together," which indicates positive alignment and respect, not fear.
• The players resent the coach's interruption: Incorrect. Their actions are cooperative and eager, showing no resentment.
• The players enjoy the coach's sense of humor: Incorrect. There is no mention of humor or jokes in the passage.

Answer:

• The players respect the coach's authority. (Correct answer)
• The players are afraid of the coach's harsh words.
• The players resent the coach's interruption.
• The players enjoy the coach's sense of humor.