Question

Question was provided via image upload.

Explanation:

Analyze the sentence stem and context

The sentence stem reads: "In 'Seventh Grade' because the story is set in middle school, Victor and Michael act..."

Evaluate the options based on the story

In Gary Soto's short story "Seventh Grade," the main characters Victor and Michael are seventh-graders navigating the social challenges of middle school. Throughout the story, they try to impress girls (such as Michael scowling to look cool and Victor pretending to speak French to impress Teresa), which makes them behave awkwardly around girls.

Select the correct option

The option "awkwardly around girls" directly aligns with their behavior, motivations, and the central theme of adolescent self-consciousness in the story.

Answer:

• (A) awkwardly around girls. (Correct answer)
• (B) seriously about college.
• (C) nervously at test time.
• (D) confidently at sporting events.