1“Oh great, now where did I put that wrench?” Juanita said to no one as she looked around the empty garage. Wheels, engine parts, and tools were scattered all around her disassembled go-kart racer.

Question

2Last Sunday was not a good race for Juanita. Coming around turn three on the last lap, she collided with another racer. The resulting contact sent Juanita spinning out of control and into the outside wall. She had to bring back her go-kart in pieces, the same pieces that are now littering her garage floor.

3It’s now Thursday, and Juanita is nervous. She really wants to race in the next race in three days, but she doesn’t think her racer will be ready in time. Fiercely independent, Juanita rarely asks for help and does almost everything on her own. In a sudden fit of rage and disappointment, she flings the wrench she just found against the wall.

4A light knock at the door resounds throughout the garage. Juanita took two deep breaths on her way to open the door. Her friend Sara gave her a light smile as she walked in.

5“I was walking by when I heard screaming from your garage. Is everything alright?” Sara said.

6Juanita gave her an exasperated look and said, “I am at a loss. I don’t know what to do! My go-kart is nowhere near ready for this Sunday’s race. I’m almost about to give up!”

7“Wow, you do have a mess on your hands!”

8Juanita took a slow look around. As her eyes glanced over the pile of tires in the corner, she got an idea. She turned to her friend and shyly said, “Um….so, do you think you can help?”

9Sara’s eyes brightened at the idea. “Yes! Actually, we should also call Maria over as well. She really likes to work on motors!”

10Three days later, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, Juanita came around turn three on the first lap with a smile on her face. She also had two new fans to cheer her on.
Question 1

Which statement BEST reveals the theme of this story?
Responses

A Getting mad never helps.Getting mad never helps.

B Be cautious and make safe decisions.Be cautious and make safe decisions.

C Sometimes it pays off to ask for help.Sometimes it pays off to ask for help.

D Always use the right tool for the job at hand.

Answer 1

The statement that BEST reveals the theme of this story is:

C Sometimes it pays off to ask for help.

This theme is highlighted by Juanita's initial struggle to fix her go-kart on her own and her eventual decision to ask her friends for help, which leads to a positive outcome in the race.