Plot
What event starts the main conflict between Clarisse and Tasha?
The primary election results and their decision to run for class president.
How does Tasha feel about the election compared to Clarisse?
Tasha is serious and focused; Clarisse is more relaxed and joking.)
What line does Clarisse joke that suggests they could campaign together?
“Vote for Clarisse or Tasha—either way you win!”
What action shows that Tasha prepared seriously for the campaign?
She worked all weekend on her campaign speech.
Exposition :What detail in the opening shows the popularity of class elections and explains why there are primaries?
"Class elections were so popular at Armstrong Elementary that the school had instituted primary elections for class president."
What decision by Clarisse on the day of the speeches changes the tension in the story?
Clarisse considers saying mean things about Tasha but instead feels sorry and supports her.
How does Clarisse feel when she first thinks of saying mean things about Tasha?
She feels a momentary thought of meanness, then terrible guilt.
What does Tasha say that shows she takes the election seriously?
“Clarisse, we really need to work on this.”
What action shows Clarisse is less focused on the election?
She runs toward the basketball court and invites Tasha to the movies instead of preparing.
Rising Action: Name two events that build tension before the speeches.
Clarisse joking about campaigning together and Tasha working all weekend on her speech; Clarisse running to the basketball court and declining to prepare.
Which event shows the climax of the story?
When Clarisse takes the microphone after Tasha’s speech and announces she will vote for Tasha.
What feeling does Clarisse have after hearing Tasha say, “Vote for me or Clarisse—either way you win”?
She feels even worse and ashamed of her thought.
Which line by Tasha near the end shows confidence and includes the phrase Clarisse later repeats?
“Vote for me or Clarisse—either way you win.”
What action by Clarisse demonstrates her leadership at the story’s end?
She takes the microphone and publicly endorses Tasha.
(Climax): Which moment is the story’s turning point when Clarisse must decide publicly what to do?
When Clarisse takes the microphone after Tasha’s speech and speaks.
Describe how the final event resolves the plot.
Clarisse publicly supports Tasha, resolving the conflict and preventing a damaged friendship.
How might Tasha have felt when Clarisse invited her to the movies and she said no? Use evidence from the text.
Tasha likely felt committed and responsible because she declined in order to work on her speech.
What does Clarisse say into the microphone to support Tasha?
She says Tasha is “smart, prepared, loyal, and a perfect candidate to lead our class!”
Identify an action that shows friendship between the girls before the conflict escalates.
When the primary winners were announced, the girls hugged each other.
(Falling Action): What action by Clarisse immediately follows the climax and begins to resolve the conflict?
She praises Tasha publicly and endorses her as the best candidate.
Explain how the sequence of events from the campaign plans to the auditorium leads to Clarisse’s change of heart.
Clarisse’s casual attitude and joking suggestion, Tasha’s serious preparation, Clarisse’s temptation to undermine Tasha at the speeches, and hearing Tasha’s line all build to Clarisse feeling guilty and then choosing to praise Tasha.
Describe how Clarisse’s feelings evolve from before the campaign to the end of the story.
She begins playful and unconcerned, briefly tempted to be mean, then guilty and remorseful, ending supportive and respectful.
Analyze how the repeated phrase “Vote for me or Clarisse—either way you win” affects both characters when spoken by Tasha and later referenced by Clarisse.
When Tasha says it, it shows confidence and teamwork; when Clarisse hears it, it provokes guilt and prompts her to act honorably by endorsing Tasha.
Which two actions in the story directly influence the final outcome of the election and how?
Tasha’s hard work on her speech and Clarisse’s public endorsement—Tasha’s preparation made her a strong candidate and Clarisse’s endorsement swayed opinion and repaired friendship.
Resolution: How does the story end and what does that reveal about the characters’ relationship?
Clarisse endorses Tasha, the friendship is preserved, and Clarisse shows growth by choosing loyalty and honesty.