English II- Anacostia High School

When Melson says "People say life is short; live it up. I say life is endless; turn up, earn it up, but don't burn it up." What is the importance of this quote?

• The author wants to let us know how a lack of support did very little for her growth

• The author is pushing the ideals of pacing yourself so you can keep going and reaching your goals

• The author is not fond of completing high school and would like to stay as long as she can

• The author sees an obstacle ahead and decides it is time to just give up

The use of the word remiss in the text most likely means

• The act of being supportive

• There is not enough evidence from the passage to make a determination

• The act of being neglectful and ungrateful

• The love she has for the "village" that helped raised her

What are Melson's goals and what was the culture that influenced her?

• Her goal is to attend Georgetown University and make those who supported her very proud of her achievements

• Her goal is to drop out of high school and disappoint the folks who were her support system

• There is not enough information in the passage to support a response

• The author is seeking to attend college and does not really care about the support system she received in high school

When the author says " The educators at Anacostia are a security blanket that covers us where we are", what does she mean by that?

• If she had other options, she would not even be taking the help of those around her

• She views her school as a space where she feels safe and loved like a blanket that covers and warms you

• She views her school as a place where she is uncomfortable with her surroundings

• She views the school as a place where she is barely getting supported and may need to look elsewhere

Identify the author's thesis

• People say life is short; live it up. I say life is endless; turn up, earn it up, but don't burn it up. Your life decisions lead you to where you end up.

• I see a promising future ahead, and I didn't do it all alone. I had gracious help for which I will be forever grateful.

• Throughout my journey here, I have learned that time doesn't wait, pity, or adjust for or to anyone, and life is not fair. Life is not fair. But despite that harsh reality, you must keep striving for success through the pain, tears, and feeling of lost hope.

• I have been taken care of by the best principal, teachers, and coaches in the city.

Which of the following statements would the speaker most likely agree with?

• We can achieve greatness without the help of others

• Although we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control how we choose to respond

• If you are smart, you will succeed

• You are the master of your own destiny; you ultimately control every situation in your life

Which sentence best summarizes the following passage? (Paragraph 9)

The future lies within reach of our hands, and if we keep striving and not let anyone knock us off our path, or deter us from our goals, we can do anything we put our mind to. No matter what. Resilience, perseverance, discipline, determination, and dedication is the key to your success. Each step we take is paved with possibilities. Now, go unlock the doors to your future.

• The speaker is telling her audience that they deserve to succeed in life

• The speaker is inspiring her graduating class to think only of themselves as they strive to achieve their goals

• The speaker is urging classmates to take responsibility for their dreams and work towards them

• The speaker is explaining how she came to be valedictorian

How does the author feel about her support system?

• The speaker loves her teachers more than her family and friends

• The speaker promised her teachers that she would thank them in her speech

• The speaker was a teacher's pet and received preferred treatment

• The speaker is humbled by the incredible support she has received

Which sentence from the text best supports how the author feels about her support system?

• My amazing track coach, Ms. Perry, was like a mother, sister, and best friend to me at the same time.

• Without him, I probably would not have even applied and made it through, especially the financial aid portions.

• She is definitely a life- changer

• I have to shout out my school for always being available and helping me when I was in a jam.

What is one word to sum up the author's life story?

• Disapproving

• Inspiring

• Frightful

• Whimsicle