Theme & Central Idea
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Basketball is more important than school
B. Evan struggles to manage responsibilities effectively
C. Teachers expect too much from students
D. Sports always improve academic performance
A. Basketball is more important than school
Why does Noah avoid starting his work?
A. He is tired
B. He forgot
C. He is overwhelmed
D. He finished early
C. He is overwhelmed
What does “faltered” most nearly mean?
A. Improved
B. Continued
C. Weakened
D. Started
C. Weakened
Which detail shows Noah is struggling academically?
A. He ties his shoes
B. He receives a 64
C. He runs at practice
D. He talks to Jordan
B. He receives a 64
How does Noah change?
A. From focused to distracted
B. From overwhelmed to organized
C. From shy to outgoing
D. From weak to strong
B. From overwhelmed to organized
Which theme is best developed?
A. Success comes easily
B. Hard work guarantees results
C. Balance requires planning and focus
D. Sports are more important than school
C. Balance requires planning and focus
What can be inferred about Noah early in the passage?
A. He is organized
B. He is struggling quietly
C. He dislikes school
D. He avoids sports
B. He is struggling quietly
What does “inconsistent” most nearly mean?
A. Unchanging
B. Irregular
C. Strong
D. Predictable
B. Irregular
Which detail shows improvement?
A. He scrolls on his phone
B. He misses assignments
C. His quiz scores rise
D. He feels stressed
C. His quiz scores rise
Which trait describes Noah at the end?
A. Confused
B. Responsible
C. Angry
D. Careless
B. Responsible
Which detail best supports the theme?
A. Noah ties his shoes
B. Noah scrolls on his phone
C. Noah reorganizes his planner
D. Noah talks to Jordan
C. Noah reorganizes his planner
Why does Coach say Noah is “a step behind”?
A. He is physically slow
B. He is distracted mentally
C. He is injured
D. He is new
B. He is distracted mentally
What does “deliberate” most nearly mean?
A. Careful and intentional
B. Quick
C. Careless
D. Confusing
A. Careful and intentional
Which quote supports the idea that Noah is distracted?
A. “Stay sharp!”
B. “Each thought slowed him down.”
C. “He smiled slightly.”
D. “He tied his shoes.”
B. “Each thought slowed him down.”
What motivates Noah’s change?
A. Fear
B. Competition
C. Reflection and feedback
D. Friends
C. Reflection and feedback
What lesson does Noah learn?
A. Avoid responsibility
B. Focus only on sports
C. Manage time intentionally
D. Ignore schoolwork
C. Manage time intentionally
What does Noah’s reaction to the 64 reveal?
A. Pride
B. Indifference
C. Concern
D. Excitement
C. Concern
What does “overwhelmed” most nearly mean?
A. Relaxed
B. Calm
C. Stressed
D. Focused
C. Stressed
Which evidence shows Noah takes responsibility?
A. He avoids work
B. He blames others
C. He reorganizes his planner
D. He ignores teachers
C. He reorganizes his planner
What is the point of view?
A. First person
B. Second person
C. Third person omniscient
D. Third person limited
D. Third person limited
Which statement best summarizes the message?
A. Being busy leads to success
B. Organization improves performance
C. Sports should come first
D. School is unnecessary
B. Organization improves performance
Why does Noah begin to reorganize his planner?
A. He is told to
B. He wants to quit
C. He realizes his approach isn’t working
D. He has free time
C. He realizes his approach isn’t working
What does “steady” most nearly mean?
A. Balanced and controlled
B. Fast
C. Loud
D. Weak
A. Balanced and controlled
Which detail shows resolution?
A. He feels overwhelmed
B. He misses practice
C. He feels balanced
D. He gets distracted
C. He feels balanced
Why is this point of view effective?
A. Shows all characters equally
B. Focuses on Noah’s thoughts
C. Adds humor
D. Makes story shorter
B. Focuses on Noah’s thoughts