Question

read this passage from dragonwings by laurence yep.

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.

based on the actions in this passage, what inference can be made about the narrators father?

he is too afraid to stand up to the \demon\ boys.
he is strong and confident even in times of trouble.
he is unaware of the trouble caused by the boys.
he is more concerned about looking brave than being safe.

Explanation:

Analyze the father's actions

Using the Making Inferences and Textual Evidence Analysis knowledge points

• The passage states that when "demon boys" threatened them, the father whispered to the narrator to "sit up straight and not show I was afraid."
• They calmly ignored the boys and kept moving forward, even when a rock was thrown.
• These actions show composure, strength, and confidence under pressure rather than fear, ignorance, or recklessness.

Evaluate the options

Using the Textual Evidence Analysis knowledge point

• Option 1: Incorrect. He does not show fear; he actively manages the situation calmly.
• Option 2: Correct. His instruction to sit straight and ignore the threat demonstrates confidence and strength.
• Option 3: Incorrect. He is fully aware, which is why he whispers instructions to the narrator.
• Option 4: Incorrect. His actions are focused on de-escalating tension to pass safely, not vain pride.

Answer:

• He is too afraid to stand up to the "demon" boys.
• He is strong and confident even in times of trouble. (Correct answer)
• He is unaware of the trouble caused by the boys.
• He is more concerned about looking brave than being safe.