Question

highlight key words and phrases that act as clues to the central idea.
dear diary,
the two days since i first went to central felt like i was living in some stranger’s life. today i won’t think of integration, i won’t think of central high, and i won’t think of the white people. i will spend the whole day finding the perfect disguise to wear to the wrestling matches....
no matter what, i’m gonna be a regular person. i’m gonna have my usual date with grandma and my secret, pretend date with vince at the matches.
—warriors don’t cry, melba pattillo beals
after reading the excerpt, choose the best answer for each question.
which idea is stressed through repetition?
melba wants to forget her struggle for a day.
how does melba’s choice to wear a disguise connect to the historical
the little rock nine were well known.
which sentence best restates the central idea?
it was hard to escape the fight for integration.
it was hard to keep up with schoolwork.
it was hard to keep vince a secret.

Explanation:

1. Question: Which idea is stressed through repetition?

The excerpt has the repetition of "I won't think of..." (integration, Central High, white people) and the desire to spend the day not thinking about these, showing Melba wants to forget her struggle (related to integration, school, white people) for a day. The option "Melba wants to forget her struggle for a day" matches this repetition - driven idea.

The context is about the Little Rock Nine (Melba was part of them) during school integration. The Little Rock Nine were well - known for their role in integration, and wearing a disguise would be related to wanting to be seen as a regular person, away from the public attention of their struggle. So the connection is that "The Little Rock Nine were well known."

The excerpt talks about Melba wanting to not think about integration, Central High, etc., implying that the fight for integration (her struggle) is something she can't easily escape from even when she tries to forget. The option "It was hard to escape the fight for integration" aligns with this as she feels the need to deliberately avoid thinking about it, showing its pervasiveness. The other options (about schoolwork or keeping Vince a secret) are not supported by the excerpt.

Answer:

Melba wants to forget her struggle for a day.

2. Question: How does Melba’s choice to wear a disguise connect to the historical?