Respond in a paragraph, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences. (10 pts) “The Swimming Contest” ends with the word “losers.” What do you think the author means for readers to understand was lost?

In "The Swimming Contest," when the story ends with the word "losers," the author is most likely emphasizing the theme of competition and rivalry. By focusing on the idea of losers, the author is showing readers that in any competition, there will always be winners and losers. Additionally, the use of this word could also suggest that losing is a natural part of life and can serve as a learning experience. Overall, the author wants readers to understand that competition is not just about winning, but also about accepting defeat gracefully and learning from it.