Characters & Change
In the beginning of the story, what makes Aidan want to quit the team?
He is frustrated because he keeps coming in fifth place and feels like he can't win.
In "Aidan’s Race," what does the word "mumbled" in paragraph 7 suggest about how Aidan is feeling?
He is feeling sad, defeated, or lacking confidence.
Is "Aidan’s Race" told in first-person or third-person point of view?
Third person, because a narrator outside the story shares Aidan’s thoughts.
What is the main theme of the Chinese folktale "King of All Animals"?
Cleverness can win out over strength.
Which character in the two stories is the most "clever"?
Fox
How does Aidan’s focus change from the first race to the final race in the story?
At first, he is distracted by the other swimmers; by the end, he focuses only on his own lane and performance.
In "King of All Animals," the author says Tiger let loose a "roar that shook the jungle." What does this tell the reader about Tiger?
He holds great power in his world.
Which event happens before Aidan’s successful race where he places third?
Aidan works on his finish at practice and sees his times improve.
What lesson does Aidan learn from Coach Thomas?
To focus on his own performance rather than comparing himself to others.
Compare the settings: Where does "Aidan's Race" take place versus "King of All Animals"?
A swimming pool/meet vs. the jungle.
According to Coach Thomas, what is the main reason Aidan "defeats himself" during his meets?
He gives up before the race is over.
In paragraph 5 of the folktale, the animals graze and play "just inches from Tiger's nose." What does this imagery suggest?
Tiger is very good at camouflaging or sneaking around quietly.
In "Aidan's Race," in which paragraph does the most important change—the "turning point"—happen for Aidan?
Paragraph 14 (when he chooses to ignore the other swimmers and focus).
How are the themes of both stories similar?
Both stories deal with how a character uses their mind (Aidan’s focus vs. Fox’s trickery) to change an outcome.
How is the "King" in the folktale different from the "Coach" in the realistic fiction story?
The Coach wants to help Aidan improve; the "King" (Fox) just wants to trick Tiger to save himself.
In "King of All Animals," what character trait does Tiger show by letting Fox go at the end?
Integrity/Honesty (He always keeps his promises).
In "Aidan’s Race," paragraph 15, the text says Aidan "beamed with pride." What is a synonym for "beamed" in this context?
Smiled broadly or glowed.
In the folktale, why does Fox ask Tiger to walk behind him through the jungle?
So that the other animals will see Tiger and run away, making it look like they are afraid of Fox.
In the folktale, what does the author mean by saying Fox "left Fear behind" in the final sentence?
He left Tiger (who represents "Fear" in the jungle) behind while he escaped.
Both stories feature animals or people that are "watching" the main character. Who is watching Aidan versus who is watching Tiger?
The other swimmers/Coach watch Aidan; the deer, monkeys, and other jungle animals watch Tiger.
Tiger undergoes a change in his thinking in paragraph 20. What does he begin to suspect about Fox?
He suspects that "something smelled of trickery."
In "King of All Animals," the Fox is described as "doglike." Based on the story, what other adjective best describes Fox’s personality?
Sneaky, clever, or cunning.
What is the primary conflict in the story "Aidan's Race"?
Aidan’s internal struggle with his own lack of confidence and tendency to give up.
If Aidan had quit the team in paragraph 7, what theme would the story be missing?
The theme of perseverance or "sticking with it."
Identify one way the structure of these two stories is the same.
Both have a clear beginning (problem), middle (action/plan), and end (resolution).