A Dose of Support

What does the author’s use of figurative language in this sentence help the reader understand?

• The burden Brittany feels about winning the competition

• The sense of relief Brittany feels from Alix’s presence

• The mutual respect Brittany and Alix have for each other

• The challenges in gymnastics that Brittany has had to overcome

Answer explanation

Figurative language is language that uses words that mean something different from the literal interpretation. In paragraph 15, the phrase “felt a weight lift from her shoulders” is a figurative way to describe relief from worries, which can feel like carrying something heavy. The phrase “buoyed by a dose of support” is a figurative way to say Alix’s support helped Brittany keep her head up, or afloat.

Which sentence suggests that Brittany’s performance suffers because of Alix’s absence?

• A. “I’m sorry, Brittany, I know you’re great at gymnastics, but I was just trying to offer some advice.” (paragraph 4)

• B. Five days had passed since Brittany had confronted Alix—and just two days were left until the competition. (paragraph 6)

• C. “You seem off your game, Brit—and you need to get it together by Saturday morning.” (paragraph 8)

• D. Brittany approached the edge of the mat with her head held high. (paragraph 15)

Answer explanation

In paragraph 8, the coach communicates that Brittany’s performance in practice is not up to her usual level by telling her that she is “off [her] game.” Right before this point, in paragraph 7, Brittany notices Alix’s empty seat “and tried to ignore the pang she felt from her friend’s absence.” This suggests Alix’s absence is the reason Brittany’s performance suffers.

How does the change of setting in paragraph 10 of the story contribute to the plot?

• By causing Brittany to believe that Alix will not come to support her

• By increasing the pressure Brittany feels about her performance

• By revealing that Brittany has practiced as much as she can for the competition

• By highlighting the reason Brittany needed time apart from Alix

Answer explanation

In paragraph 10, the setting changes to the day of the competition, with only Brittany’s parents and Coach Jen there to support her. Since it’s the day of the competition and Alix is not there to support her, Brittany feels increased pressure, and “clumsy and insecure,” about her upcoming performance.

How does this sentence support a primary theme of the story?

• By explaining that it is important to be honest with others

• By revealing that achieving a goal often requires eliminating distractions

• . By suggesting that participating in athletic competitions can be stressful

• By showing that good relationships can withstand minor disagreements.

Answer explanation

This sentence from paragraph 14 supports the story’s theme that people who share a good relationship can overcome minor disagreements or repair small ruptures between them. Alix is telling her friend that “no matter what happens,” she’ll be there for her. As Alix explains in paragraph 13, “I know you needed your space, but that doesn’t mean I was going to abandon you.”

In paragraph 15, the author’s choice of language creates a mood of —

• fondness

• admiration

• hopefulness

• amusement

Answer explanation

The language in paragraph 15 creates a mood of positivity and hopefulness by showing that Brittany has “her head held high” and is envisioning the “judges giving her the same” positive thumbs-up gesture after her routine as Alix gave her before the routine.