Respond in a paragraph, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences. “The Swimming Contest” ends with the word losers. What do you think the author means for readers to understand by this? What was "lost"?

In "The Swimming Contest," the use of the word "losers" at the end suggests that the author wants readers to understand that in competitive situations, there are winners and losers. The author may be implying that losing is a natural part of competitions and should be accepted and respected. The word "lost" refers to the absence of victory or accomplishing the intended goal. It embodies the idea that not everyone can come out on top and that winning and losing are both integral parts of any contest. The author might be encouraging readers to embrace the lessons and experiences that can come from losing, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the ability to learn from setbacks.