Question

he waited for me to speak. i cleared my throat nervously and clasped my hands behind my back so he wouldnt see them shaking. “grandpa, i have a big favor to ask you,” i said in spanish, the only language he knew. he still waited silently. i tried again. “grandpa, this year the principal said the scholarship jacket is not going to be free. its going to cost fifteen dollars, and i have to take the money in tomorrow, otherwise itll be given to someone else.” the last words came out in an eager rush. grandpa straightened up tiredly and leaned his chin on the hoe handle. he looked out over the field that was filled with the tiny green bean plants. i waited, desperately hoping hed say i could have the money. he turned to me and asked quietly, “what does a scholarship jacket mean?” i answered quickly; maybe there was a chance. “it means youve earned it by having the highest grades for eight years and thats why theyre giving it to you.” too late i realized the significance of my words. grandpa knew that i understood it was not a matter of money. it wasnt that. he went back to hoeing the weeds that sprang up between the delicate little bean plants. it was a time - consuming job; sometimes the small shoots were right next to each other. finally he spoke again as i turned to leave, crying. “then if you pay for it, marta, its not a scholarship jacket, is it? tell your principal i will not pay the fifteen dollars.” i walked back to the house and locked myself in the bathroom for a long time. i was angry with grandfather even though i knew he was right, and i was angry with the board, whoever they were. why did they have to change the rules just when it was my turn to win the jacket? those were the days of belief and innocence. question 4 4. write: how does marta attempt to solve the problem? does it work?

Explanation:

Marta attempts to solve the problem of getting the scholarship jacket by asking her grandfather for the $15. However, it doesn't work because her grandfather makes her realize that if she pays for it, it's not truly a scholarship jacket.

Answer:

Marta attempts to solve the problem by asking her grandfather for $15. It doesn't work as her grandfather makes her understand the true nature of a scholarship jacket.