Question

weathering the storm
1 artika carried the barometer outside to place in the students backyard weather station. she had constructed the barometer using a tall jar, a balloon, some straws, and other bits scavenged from the recycling bin. she had even added a pallet - wood base to make it more stable. she had tested the barometer all weekend, and the device registered the air pressure correctly every time.
2 \dont put that here,\ shonda snapped, stepping between artika and shondas anemometer. the fancy gold - patterned paper cups on the anemometer were already turning gently, measuring wind speed, as the breeze ramped up. \couldnt you have printed your pressure gauge? it looks so sloppy.\
3 \its a tool, not decor,\ artika said. \and its accurate.\
4 \lets not argue,\ jamal suggested. \we need to start taking readings so we dont fail this project.\ artika didnt think jamal was in any danger of failing. his alcohol - and - water air temperature thermometer looked nearly as professional as shondas anemometer.
5 shonda huffed, \fine!\ but when they turned their attention to the meters, she whispered \why
2 which theme is developed in the text?
○ a. challenges are overcome when people work together
○ b. quality equipment helps people feel prepared for anything
○ c. nature is dangerous, especially during storms
○ d. friends should always be kind to one another

Explanation:

To determine the theme, analyze each option:

• Option A: The text shows Artika, Shonda, and Jamal working on a weather station project. Despite initial arguments, Jamal suggests working together to avoid failing the project, implying challenges are overcome through collaboration.
• Option B: Artika’s barometer is made from recycled materials (not “quality equipment” in the traditional sense), so this is incorrect.
• Option C: The text focuses on the group’s project, not the danger of nature during storms.
• Option D: Shonda is initially unkind, so the text doesn’t emphasize friends always being kind.

Answer:

A. Challenges are overcome when people work together