Selection: J-37

J-37

Grade level: 10

Word count: 2283 words

Author: Diane Lang

Synopsis: A mentee turns his life around and eventually becomes a mentor to help others find their passion in life.

Excerpt: In the studio that day, James rapped out the uttermost parts of his heart and soul, the background music giving him the impetus to express his songs fully and without restraint. For that period of time, James was so swept up in his music and the meaning of his words that the rest of the world faded away, and I saw a young man transformed by passion, beauty, meaning, and hope. In James, I saw the faces of thousands of kids who also could be transformed by that same euphoric rush of passion, that same door opening up to a bright future.

Question: What is the author's purpose in writing this selection?

1. to inspire others to become mentors for troubled kids
2. to demonstrate how tough it is for kids in the inner city
3. to highlight the beauty and the magic of the arts
4. to persuade educators to teach in a more creative way

Selection: J-11

J-11

Grade level: 10

Word count: 2199 words

Author: Diane Lang

Synopsis: Skylar and Jason's relationship is already strained when they're paired together for a class project. Will their "no-technology" challenge make them, or break them?

Excerpt: Skylar strolled glumly into the bustling classroom and slumped into one of the plastic orange art-deco chair-and-desk combos, laying her head on her backpack and staring stonily out the window. Amanda, her closest friend and confidante, tried unsuccessfully to engage her in amiable banter, but Skylar turned away, answering only in halfhearted monosyllables. The outgoing and vivacious Amanda placed her hands briefly on Skylar's shoulders before she sought out other companions, understanding that Skylar needed time to recover from her hurt feelings.

Question: Reread the introductory paragraph. The words "bustling" and "amiable" signal that the overall mood in the classroom environment is

1. active and jovial.
2. bitter and unfriendly.
3. serious and hushed.
4. morose and somber.

Selection: J-17

J-17

Grade level: 10

Word count: 2251 words

Author: Guy de Maupassant

Synopsis: Simple actions may sometimes lead to unexpected, dire consequences.

Excerpt: The good man was choking with indignation and fear. "How can he tell -- how can he tell such lies as that to slander an honest man! How can he?" But his protestations were in vain. He was not believed.

He was confronted with M. Malandain, who repeated and sustained his testimony. They railed at one another for an hour. At his own request, Monsieur Hauchecorne was searched. Nothing was found on him.

At last the mayor, much perplexed, sent him away, warning him that he would inform the public prosecutor and ask for orders.

Question: Based on this excerpt, the author intends for readers to develop

1. empathy for Hauchecorne.
2. admiration toward the mayor.
3. malice toward Hauchecorne.
4. jealousy for Malandain.