Question

passage 10
the old oak tree in central park had witnessed decades of human stories. couples had carved their initials in its bark, children had climbed its sturdy branches, and countless people had sought shade under its canopy during summer afternoons. when the city announced plans to remove the tree to make room for a new parking lot, the community rallied together. young and old, rich and poor, people from different backgrounds united to save their beloved tree. through petitions, protests, and town hall meetings, they convinced the city council to redesign the parking lot around the tree. the oak remained standing, a symbol of what communities could accomplish when they worked together toward a common goal.

theme:

passage 11
elena had always defined herself by her academic achievements. she was the student who raised her hand first, completed extra credit assignments, and stressed about every test score. when she received her first b+ in advanced biology, she felt devastated and worthless. her world seemed to crumble when she realized she might not be the valedictorian. talking with her school counselor, elena began to understand that her self - worth shouldnt depend entirely on grades. she started volunteering at an animal shelter, joined the debate team, and discovered passions beyond academic performance. elena learned that while excellence was admirable, her value as a person encompassed much more than test scores and class rankings.

theme:

passage 12
the summer job at the local newspaper seemed boring at first—filing papers, answering phones, and making coffee for the real journalists. maya had hoped to write articles, but instead she was relegated to menial tasks. however, as the weeks passed, she began observing how the newsroom operated. she watched reporters research stories, learned how editors shaped articles, and understood the importance of fact - checking. when a story about the towns water supply broke, mayas knowledge of local government from her mundane filing work proved invaluable. she was able to locate crucial documents that helped expose the contamination cover - up. maya discovered that every experience, even seemingly insignificant ones, could contribute to personal growth and unexpected opportunities.

Explanation:

• Passage 10: The community unites to save a beloved tree, showing the power of collective action.
• Passage 11: Elena realizes her self - worth extends beyond academic achievements.
• Passage 12: Maya discovers that even mundane tasks can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities.

Answer:

• Passage 10: The power of community and collective action.
• Passage 11: Redefining self - worth beyond academics.
• Passage 12: Value in unexpected experiences and growth from mundane tasks.