Question

name: redacted period: 2

• 6.rl.3.a - analyze authors use of language
• 6.rl.2.a - analyze authors purpose and point of view

passage: the race i didnt win
the whistle blew and i ran as fast as my legs would carry me. the track stretched ahead like a road that never ended. my heart pounded in my chest, each beat reminding me how badly i wanted to win. but step by step, the distance between me and the front runner grew wider.
the crowd cheered, but their voices felt far away. sweat stung my eyes, and my breath came in short gasps. i wanted to stop, to give up, to walk off the track and hide. still, something inside whispered, finish. even if you are last, finish.
when i finally crossed the line, the winner was already smiling with his medal. i didnt have a prize to hold, but i had something else. i learned that losing doesnt mean failure. sometimes, it means strength - choosing to keep going when every part of you wants to quit.

1. what is the authors main purpose in this passage?

a. to persuade readers to run track
b. to describe a personal experience and reflect on its meaning
c. to inform readers about the rules of racing
d. to entertain readers with a funny story about running

1. which sentence best shows the authors point of view about losing?

a. the whistle blew, and i ran as fast as my legs would carry me.
b. still, something inside whispered, finish. even if you are last, finish.
c. the track stretched ahead like a road that never ended.
d. sweat stung my eyes, and my breath came in short gasps.

1. the author writes, the track stretched ahead like a road that never ended. what does this figurative language suggest?

a. the race felt very long and difficult
b. the race was too short to finish
c. the track was shaped like a road
d. the author enjoyed running the race

1. what word best describes the authors tone in this passage?

a. encouraging
b. angry
c. silly
d. informative

Explanation:

1. The passage details a personal race - experience and then reflects on the meaning of losing, so the purpose is to describe a personal experience and reflect on its meaning.
2. The sentence "Still, something inside whispered, 'Finish. Even if you are last, finish.'" shows the author's positive point of view about losing, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
3. Comparing the track to a road that never ended suggests the race felt long and difficult for the author.
4. The author's reflection on the positive meaning of losing gives an encouraging tone.

Answer:

1. B. To describe a personal experience and reflect on its meaning
2. B. "Still, something inside whispered, 'Finish. Even if you are last, finish.'"
3. A. The race felt very long and difficult
4. A. Encouraging