Question

read the excerpt from its our world, too!: young people who are making a difference. at halftime, as homecoming floats circled the field, allison gibbons, a member of the student council, entered the press box, stood before the microphone, and asked for everyone’s attention. the crowd grew silent as she began to read the letter. \i was watching the crowd while allison read it,\ andy said. \when she finished, there was silence, and then almost everyone stood up and cheered. all the students stood up. and the football players were all clapping. it was a wonderful feeling to know that we had people behind us.\ why does the crowd grow silent after the speech? the crowd is angered because they feel attacked. the crowd is moved by the students’ compassion. the crowd is puzzled about the students’ letter. the crowd is saddened because they feel ashamed.

Explanation:

To determine why the crowd grows silent, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The text doesn't suggest the crowd feels attacked; instead, they later cheer, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: After the speech, the crowd is silent and then cheers, with students and football players showing support. This indicates the crowd is moved by the students’ compassion (reflected in the letter and the positive response afterward).
• Option 3: There's no indication the crowd is puzzled; their subsequent cheering shows understanding and support, not confusion.
• Option 4: The crowd's later cheering and support don't align with feeling ashamed or saddened.

Answer:

B. The crowd is moved by the students’ compassion.