The Math Contest

Why does Wilson want to participate in the All-City Math Contest?

• He wants to win the prize of fifty dollars to buy a new game.

• He enjoys math and thinks he can do well in the contest.

• He thinks it will be exciting to compete with his brother.

• He wants to impress his friend from another school in the city.

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What problem does Wilson face when he tries to sign up for the math contest?

• He loses the permission form his mother signed on the way to school.

• The contest is only for fifth and sixth graders and he is in fourth grade.

• His brother gets upset because he will be participating in the contest too.

• The contest is taking place on the same weekend as his camping trip.

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“Wilson was quiet for a minute, then it all came out. In a burst of emotion, he told his mom about the contest, how excited he was to enter, and how furious he felt when his teacher told him that he wouldn’t be allowed to do so this year.

‘It’s just not fair, Mom,’ he complained. ‘I know I could really do well on it. Why won’t they let me?’

Wilson’s mother put her hand on his shoulder. ‘Sometimes, son,’ she said softly, ‘people follow rules even when they don’t make sense. Maybe you can convince your teacher this is one of those times when the rule should be bent… or even broken.’”

What conclusion can you draw from this evidence?

• Wilson’s mother thinks it’s important for him to learn to follow rules no matter what they are.

• Wilson and his mother are going to email the principal to schedule a meeting as soon as possible.

• Wilson and his mother don’t think rules always have to be followed if they’re unfair or don’t make sense.

• Wilson has already tried everything he can think of to convince his teacher and it hasn’t worked.

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How does Wilson persuade Ms. Jones to try to change the rules for the contest?

• He tells hers that his mother has scheduled a meeting with the principal.

• He has his brother tell Ms. Jones about how they practice math together.

• He shows her how fast he can answer one hundred multiplication problems.

• He shows her that he is capable of doing math at the level of the contest.

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What is one main theme of this story?

• You can’t go back and change your past but you can do something to change your future.

• There will always be distractions in your way so do your best to stay focused and get the job done.

• Having more things won’t always make you feel happier so focus on connecting with other people.

• Rules sometimes need exceptions, and one person can speak up to make a change.

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Protest

• mildly teasing

• you do or you say something that shows you do not agree with or are angry about something

• a test before you learn something

• agreeing with someone

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Full of anger or wild with rage

• upset

• furious

• success

• protest

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you make someone agree with you

• same

• protest

• subject

• convince

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