The Scholarship Jacket - comprehension & vocab review

Which statement from the beginning of the story is false?

• The scholarship jacket was given to the class valedictorian each year.

• If she won, Marta would be the first person in her family to receive the scholarship jacket.

• Marta was raised by her grandparents because her father didn't make enough money to support her entire family..

• Marta's family was known for being agile and athletic.

“Coach Thompson was a real bear if someone wasn’t dressed for P.E.”

What is suggested by the word "bear"?

• Coach Thompson doesn’t like to be interrupted while teaching P.E. class.

• The coach had said Marta was a good forward.

• Coach Thompson would get grumpy and irritable if students weren't prepared for class.

• The coach would become frustrated if a student wasn’t paying attention.

Why was Marta heading back to the classroom when she was supposed to be going to PE class?

• To eavesdrop on her teachers.

• She left her PE shorts in a bag under her desk.

• She needed to see Mr. Schmidt about a missing assignment.

• Marta doesn't like PE and is trying to avoid going to class.

Which character was willing to quit his job rather than lie about Marta's grades?

• Coach Thompson

• Mr. Boone

• Mr. Schmidt

• The principal

"The pounding in my ears drowned out the rest of the words, only a word here and there filtered through." What does this sentence reveal about Marta?

• She is excited about getting the scholarship jacket.

• She is getting a headache.

• She is nervous about what she is hearing.

• She doesn’t understand what is happening.

After Marta overhears her teachers' conversation, she goes home and cries into her pillow so her Grandmother won't hear her. Why doesn't Marta want her Grandmother to know how sad she is?

• Her Grandmother would be angry that Marta was eavesdropping on her teachers.

• Marta doesn't get along with her Grandmother.

• Marta's Grandmother doesn't know about the scholarship jacket.

• Marta doesn't want her Grandmother to worry about her.

Which quote from the text shows that Mr. Schmidt is unwilling to award the scholarship jacket to another student?

• “I won’t lie or falsify records.”

• “Joann’s father is not only on the Board, he owns the only store in town:”

• “Martha is

  Mexican …”

• “Martha has a straight A-plus average.”

Why is Marta most likely crying on the way home from school?

• Marta has to walk a quarter mile from the bus stop to her home.

• Marta knows her grandfather does not have fifteen dollars to pay for the jacket.

• Marta thinks the Board is being dishonest.

• Marta did not win the scholarship jacket.

Which sentence best describes a theme of The Scholarship Jacket?

• It is best to focus on one's education without worrying about recognition.

• One should disregard the wisdom of elders when solving problems.

• Being an American means getting things just because you have money.

• It is difficult to stand up for what is fair and right.

Which word means "a student with the highest grade point average in the graduating class"?

• despair

• vile

• valedictorian

• dismay