The Remarkable Journey of the Ironman

According to the article, what challenge did Chris Nikic’s parents face in getting their son proper care and attention?

• Schools did not have adequate funding.

• Nikic needed a school with a wealth of sports opportunities.

• Experts spoke of Nikic in terms of limits rather than possibilities.

• none of the above

According to the article, Nikic set a simple vision for his life: to ___.

• maintain a close circle of friends

• try as many new things as possible

• tackle challenges one step at a time

• always look at the bright side of things

At the end of the Ironman triathlon, what helped Nikic complete the race?

• stopping to drink water

• encouragement from his father

• seeing other racers cross the finish line

• noticing that he had only a few minutes left to finish in time

According to the article, what did Nikic learn from completing the race?

• He is happiest when involved in sports.

• Triathlons are easier than he had thought.

• He can achieve any goal he sets for himself.

• Proper training is key to being a successful athlete.

What is the author’s main purpose in the first section of the article?

• to explain why Nikic wanted to complete the triathlon

• to set up how Nikic offers a lesson in perseverance and hope

• to establish some of the challenges Nikic faced in completing the triathlon

• all of the above

Which detail helps convey the theme of perseverance in the article?

• “He found solace in sports.”

• “The race neared.”

• “‘Something can always go wrong.’”

• “Again, he kept on.”

The author draws a connection between Nikic training for the triathlon and ___.

• his confidence growing

• support from his family increasing

• dangers he might face in completing the race

• how other athletes with disabilities have trained

When Nikic says “My dreams are going to win,” his tone can best be described as ___.

• confident

• cynical

• playful

• mocking