Playing Second Fiddle

What does the word ultimately mean in line 17?

• All of a sudden

• With care

• For the most part

• In the end

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Read line 26.

ALYSSA: [Sighing.] Yes, I’m first violin in orchestra, but I’m not first violin to you. I’m still playing second fiddle, while you’re busy working on the newspaper.

The playwright uses figurative language in these sentences to show that Alyssa —

• wants Samantha to realize that Samantha is abandoning the orchestra

• believes that Samantha has chosen the newspaper over their friendship

• worries that Samantha is writing for the newspaper because she doubts her musical talents

• thinks Samantha will miss playing the violin while writing for the newspaper

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Scene 2 is important to the play because it foreshadows that Samantha —

• has never truly enjoyed being in orchestra with Alyssa

• wants to write a newspaper article about Alyssa

• wants to have friends other than Alyssa

• is determined to be honest with Alyssa

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What is the best summary of scene 2?

• Samantha’s mom is in the living room when Samantha enters, and she immediately asks Samantha if she has told Alyssa about her decision to join the newspaper.

• Samantha comes home from school and begins to tell her mom about her decision to quit orchestra, and Samantha’s mom tells her daughter she must live with the results of her decision.

• Samantha and her mother discuss Samantha’s conversation with Alyssa, and then Samantha makes a decision to take a break from orchestra.

• Samantha’s mom is waiting when Samantha returns home from seeing Alyssa, and Samantha says she wants to explore new options in middle school.

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

The playwright shows that Alyssa has matured by revealing Alyssa’s —

• decision to try robotics

• reluctance to talk to Samantha in the hallway

• excitement about continuing with orchestra

• acceptance that Samantha is a talented violinist

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What inference can the reader make based on the events that take place in scene 4?

• Both girls will try to participate in each other’s new interests.

• Alyssa will eventually quit the orchestra to pursue her interest in robotics.

• Both girls will enjoy their own activities while still remaining friends.

• Samantha will ask to participate in the orchestra’s upcoming competitions.

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Read Alyssa’s dialogue from line 4.

You’re first violin—you’re the king of the hill!

What does the playwright suggest about Samantha through the metaphor in this dialogue?

• Samantha has played with the orchestra longer than any other student has.

• Samantha has proved herself to be the most talented violinist in the orchestra.

• Samantha practices more than the other violinists in the orchestra.

• Samantha is envied by many of the other orchestra players.

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The stage directions in lines 5-9 indicate that Samantha is-

• bold

• quiet

• timid

• sarcastic

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How is Samantha's conversation with her mom is Scene 2 important to the resolution of her conflict?

• Her mom helps her realize she needs to stand up to her friend.

• Her mom helps her realize she needs to stick to her own decisions.

• Her mom helps her realize she wants to continue participating in orchestra.

• Her mom helps her realize she needs to be more agressive with her friends.

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What two details from the drama show that Alyssa is initially upset with Samantha for picking newspaper over orchestra?

• Alyssa: [Sarcastically] Wow, Sam, I'm surprised you have time to leave your desk.

• Samantha: [Taking a deep breath] It's my choice. And I've made my decision.

• Alyssa: [Perplexed.] Something new? What? You're first violin. Orchestra for life-that's our motto.

• Alyssa: [Sighing.] Yes, I'm first violin in orchestra, but I'm not first violin to you.

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