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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.”

1. how does the narrators conversation with her grandpa affect the story? (paragraphs 16 - 19)

a. it reveals why the board is changing the rules.
b. it causes marta to not want the jacket anymore.
c. it makes marta realize the true value of the jacket.
d. it reminds marta of all the things she has not been able to have.

Explanation:

In the conversation, Grandpa's question about the meaning of the scholarship jacket makes Marta think about its true nature. She realizes that if she has to pay for it, it loses its significance as a reward for her academic achievement. This shows her understanding of the true value of the jacket.

Answer:

C. It makes Marta realize the true value of the jacket.