1 Austin reached into his backpack to make sure that it was there. He wasn’t sure he needed his inhaler, but he was checking just in case. His chest was tight as he once again attempted a deep breath. He completely filled his lungs and exhaled smoothly. He repeated this rhythm several times, surprised at the ease at which it came. But he’d keep the inhaler in his pocket. It had been a long time since he’d had a real asthma attack, since Little League, in fact. But it was never too far from his mind, especially when he played baseball.

Question

2 Austin loved baseball, like fish love water, but he felt his asthma had probably kept him from reaching his full athletic potential. He knew today’s practice would be tough, for tomorrow was a big game. He was right. It was rough, and Austin and several others weren’t at the top of their game today. Coach Tanner firmly patted Austin’s shoulder as they headed for the dugout. “You’ve got to stop using it as a crutch, and let it go son.” Coach said in a firm, low voice.
-from "No Fear" by Tracy Wilson
Which sentence from the passage BEST provides textual evidence showing Austin's greatest difficulty in playing baseball?
A.

"It was rough, and Austin and several others weren’t at the top of their game today."
B.

"Austin loved baseball, like fish love water, but he felt his asthma had probably kept him from reaching his full athletic potential."
C.

"But it was never too far from his mind, especially when he played baseball."
D.

"He wasn’t sure he needed his inhaler, but he was checking just in case."

Answer 1

B. "Austin loved baseball, like fish love water, but he felt his asthma had probably kept him from reaching his full athletic potential."

Answer 2

Sofia was sitting by the window in her favorite old rocking chair, which she'd loved relaxing in since she was a child. Now, at sixteen years old, she sat there contemplating the leaves changing colors outside. A chilly wind was rising in the yard, pushing the empty swing into the air and filling her mind with bittersweet memories. It was hard for her to accept that tomorrow, she would be in a different place in a different town. Sofia could see her reflection in the window and was surprised to notice a tear running down her face. When her mother walked into the room, Sofia could not stop herself from bursting into tears and running into her arms.
What dialogue would BEST develop this passage?
A.

"I'm feeling so downhearted, Mom," said Sofia.
"I saw you in here with tears in your eyes," said Mom.
B.

"I loved living in this house, Mom," said Sofia.
"I know, and I'm sorry we have to move away," said Mom.
C.

"The wind is pushing the swing outside, Mom," said Sofia.
"It sure is cold and windy out there," said Mom.
D
.

"This is my favorite chair, Mom," said Sofia.
"Yes, you've had that since you were a little girl," said Mom.