Question

plot analysis
read the paragraph below and answer the questions that follow.
jordan’s heart pounded like a drum. the class presentation, once a distant worry, was now minutes away. he clutched his notes, damp with his sweaty palms. his friend, maya, gave him a reassuring nod from her desk. as his name was called, jordan took a shaky breath and walked to the front of the room. his voice started as a whisper, but then he remembered maya’s advice: “speak to me.” he found her face in the crowd, and suddenly, the words flowed. he spoke with newfound confidence, his gestures becoming more animated. when he finished, the class erupted in applause. a wide grin spread across jordan’s face as he returned to his seat, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. he knew, in that moment, he had truly conquered his fear.
identify the plot stages from the story.
climax (the turning point):
_____________________________________________________
resolution (the conclusion):
_____________________________________________________

1. which of the following sentences best describes the climax (the turning point) of this story?

a) jordan’s heart pounded like a drum.
b) he found her face in the crowd, and suddenly, the words flowed.
c) when he finished, the class erupted in applause.
d) he knew... he had truly conquered his fear.

1. explain your reasoning for question #1. use specific evidence from the text to support your answer.

1. which statement best expresses the theme of the story?

a) public speaking is always easy with practice.
b) friendship can provide the strength to overcome fears.
c) it is important to always be prepared for a presentation.
d) getting a good grade is the most important part of school.

Explanation:

Question 1

To identify the climax, we analyze each option:

• Option a describes Jordan's nervousness before the presentation (rising action).
• Option b shows the moment when Jordan starts speaking fluently, which is the turning point as his fear starts to be overcome.
• Option c is the result of his successful speaking (falling action).
• Option d is the resolution (conclusion of overcoming fear).

So the climax is when he finds Maya's face and the words flow.

The climax is the turning point. Before this moment, Jordan was nervous ("heart pounded", "shaky breath"). When he saw Maya's face and the words started flowing, it's the point where his fear begins to be conquered, changing the course of the event. After this, he speaks confidently and gets applause, leading to the resolution of overcoming fear.

• Option a is incorrect as the story shows Jordan was nervous, so public speaking wasn't easy.
• Option b: Maya’s support (friendship) helped Jordan find the confidence to speak, leading him to overcome his fear. This matches the story’s arc.
• Option c: The story focuses on overcoming fear, not preparation.
• Option d: The story is about conquering fear, not grades.

Answer:

b) He found her face in the crowd, and suddenly, the words flowed.

Question 2