Question

read this student draft about the land, part 2

in part 2 of the land by mildred d. taylor, paul covers for mitchell by taking the blame for mitchells mistake. this brings the two together. paul explains, \mitchell nodded, and that was as close as mitchell thomas came to thanking me and as close as i came to accepting his thanks. but after that, things began to change between mitchell and me.\

which statement is the best concluding sentence for this draft?

mitchell does not express his emotions openly.
mitchells gratitude helps his and pauls friendship grow.
mitchells nod shows that he respects paul.
mitchell realizes that he should improve his behavior toward paul.

Explanation:

Analyze the student draft

Using the Draft Revision knowledge point, we examine the main ideas presented in the paragraph. The draft describes how Paul takes the blame for Mitchell's mistake, which "brings the two together." It quotes Paul observing that Mitchell's nod was the closest he came to thanking him, and concludes with: "But after that, things began to change between Mitchell and me."

Evaluate the options for a concluding sentence

Using the Concluding Sentences knowledge point

• The draft focuses on how a shared event brings Paul and Mitchell closer and starts to change their relationship.
• A strong concluding sentence must synthesize these ideas and transition from the change to its broader impact.
• "Mitchell's gratitude helps his and Paul's friendship grow" directly connects the "thanks" (gratitude) and the "change" (friendship growing) mentioned in the draft.

Answer:

• Mitchell does not express his emotions openly.
• Mitchell's gratitude helps his and Paul's friendship grow. (Correct answer)
• Mitchell's nod shows that he respects Paul.
• Mitchell realizes that he should improve his behavior toward Paul.