A Little Help From a Friend
by Kelsey Johnson
1
As Amanda settled into her chair for study hall, she relished the fact that her daily homework was complete. Without the preoccupation with schoolwork, she could focus and devote the 40-minute study hall to her science project. Her project explored the prospect of growing food on regolith, the ground cover on the planet Mars.
2
Just as she was getting absorbed in her research, Amanda’s attention was suddenly drawn to someone circling the stacks in front of her. Upon further investigation, she saw one of her classmates, Brian. Although she had known Brian since elementary school, she considered him more of an acquaintance than a friend. Brian was intently scouring the shelves, alternately referring to a piece of paper in his hand.
3
Focusing back on her book, she caught sight of him again in her peripheral vision. He seemed visibly upset, constantly pulling books off the shelf and placing them back again. Suddenly, he glanced up and caught her looking at him, causing her to quickly drop her head, feeling a little embarrassed to have been caught watching her classmate.
4
Brian noticed the pile of science encyclopedias on the table where she was seated and, knowing the entire seventh grade was working on a research project for Mr. Rimando, their science teacher, didn’t give it much thought. He gave Amanda a polite smile and continued his search for the books that would apply to his research project. She must have started researching last week, he thought to himself, wishing he had not procrastinated.
5
After another futile trip around the stacks, Brian finally caught Amanda’s eye and smiled again. He decided to swallow his pride and ask Amanda for help. Clearly, she was more on top of things than he was. He took a deep breath and headed for her table.
6
As Brian slid into the seat next to Amanda, she adjusted the volume on her hearing aid and leaned in close.
7
“What’s wrong?” Amanda asked, looking concerned.
8
Brian, feeling self-conscious, began to speak, but then he hesitated before looking at her, saying, “Nah, you probably don’t have time to help me.” He felt embarrassed about having waited so long to get started and about bothering Amanda.
9
Looking down at the list of books in Brian’s hand, Amanda smiled and said, “Try me.”
10
Brian handed her the list of books and watched her eyes light up. She grabbed his arm and led him to a completely different section of the library. Brian’s research topic revolved around the study of the soil on Mars, and he had mistakenly been looking in the science section for books about soil. He neglected to realize that those books would be referring to Earth’s soil. She knew that his information would be located in the space and planets section of the library and that additional information could be found on the library’s internet.
11
With Amanda’s assistance, Brian had found a treasure trove of visual examples for his research. He was grateful for her support and impressed by her resourcefulness!
This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A:
Why is Amanda able to help Brian?
A.
She started her project early and is nearly done.
B.
She remembers him from her elementary school.
C.
She turns up the volume on her hearing aid to listen.
D.
She knows the library resources better than he does.
Multiple Choice Question
Part B:
Which excerpt from the story BEST supports the correct answer in part A?
A.
Just as she was getting absorbed in her research, Amanda's attention was suddenly drawn to someone circling the stacks in front of her. (paragraph 2)
B.
She must have started researching last week, he thought to himself, wishing he had not procrastinated. (paragraph 4)
C.
She knew that his information would be located in the space and planets section of the library. (paragraph 10)
D.
He was grateful for her support and impressed by her resourcefulness. (paragraph 11)
Part A: D. She knows the library resources better than he does.
Part B: C. She knew that his information would be located in the space and planets section of the library. (paragraph 10)