A Quick Note on Getting Better at Difficult Things

According to paragraphs 1-3, Coates' feelings about speaking French change over time in which of the following ways?

• He becomes more confident and comfortable.

• He becomes more anxious and fearful.

• He remains indifferent and unchanged.

• He becomes frustrated and disinterested.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the pronunciation of 'Advantage'?

• ad-van-tij

• dih-spahyt

• ih-fek-tiv-lee

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2F

Paragraphs 4-6: What does Coates mean when he says 'Hopelessness feeds the fatigue'?

• Coates believes that hopelessness is a source of energy.

• Coates suggests that hopelessness increases tiredness.

• Coates argues that hopelessness is unrelated to fatigue.

• Coates thinks hopelessness reduces fatigue.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Find Evidence: Highlight at least 2 pieces of evidence that demonstrate how Coates overcomes feelings of 'hopelessness' and 'fatigue.'

• Coates finds solace in community support and personal reflection.

• Coates ignores his feelings and continues with his routine.

• Coates overcomes his feelings by focusing on his work and family.

• Coates seeks professional help to manage his emotions.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

What central idea is developed by the comparison of studying French to “setting in a canoe from California to China” in paragraph 6? [RI.3]

• You need to travel to learn new languages.

• Working too hard can cause a person to give up.

• Difficult tasks can feel rewarding and discouraging.

• People often worry too much about tasks that are far ahead.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which statement best describes Coates’ relationship with learning French?

• Coates is giving up on French because he doesn’t use it much.

• Coates views learning French as a good struggle.

• Coates finds French to be a beautiful language.

• Coates is learning French to honor his mother.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Which piece of evidence best captures the central idea of the text? [RI.2]

• A. “I did not always ‘feel’ I could effectively study a foreign language.” (Paragraph 1)

• B. “I didn’t feel it this summer at Middlebury, despite the difference in my entrance and exit scores.” (Paragraph 3)

• C. “That is why I ignore all the research about children and their language advantage.” (Paragraph 4)

• D. “The lows are the norm. The Struggle is the norm. May it ever be thus.” (Paragraph 6)

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

How does this sentence develop one of Coates central claims? [RI.5]

• It reveals how much he dislikes learning the French language.

• It emphasizes how little guidance he has in learning French.

• It illustrates that he is making progress through struggle.

• It demonstrates how often he has to study to improve.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

What does it take to achieve success?

• Hard work and dedication

• Luck and opportunity

• Networking and connections

• Education and skills

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Coates suggests that “every ten years or so” people should try failing at something and improving upon it. Do you agree with this suggestion?

• Yes, I agree with Coates' suggestion.

• No, I do not agree with Coates' suggestion.

• I am not sure about Coates' suggestion.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3