Ji had her art supplies packed in a plastic bin strapped to the back of her bike. She’d left her house before dawn to catch the sunrise over the Pacific. Her dad had fussed over her by making sure she had her reflective gear on and in working order. He’d also made her check twice that she had her cellphone. Grateful for her father’s attentions and anxious to be free of them, Ji had set out at a moderate pace while most high school kids slept in on a Saturday.

Question

Ji peddled on and thought about how she loved to capture her surroundings at sunrise: the tipuana tree near her back patio, the tram map at the Lemon Grove station that would take her to downtown San Diego, the evening primroses that would stay open until the high, hot sun shined at noon.

Today, Ji planned to sketch at the beach and decide on a new color pallet for her next painting. Once at the beach, Ji unpacked her sketchbook, pencils, and paint pens. She spread her wind jacket on the sand like it was a blanket and began drawing.

***

Before dawn on Saturday, Asher’s running shoes smacked the damp sand on the beach. On his left, waves rolled in an even rhythm that sent up frothy white fingers that scraped the shore and receded. Here, then gone. Here, then gone. The words matched his footfalls.

Asher didn’t mind the semi-darkness but looked forward to the sky breaking with light. Coach had suggested the team put in extra endurance and weight work this weekend. Their high school volleyball team had a chance to go far this season; he dreamed of making it to the state championship game, but the competition was fierce.

Minutes ticked by with Asher’s legs and arms pumping. A crack of slender pink-orange light stretched on the horizon, just enough that Asher saw something massive and heaving on the shore in front of him. Panicky and uncertain of what was in his path, he felt goosebumps rise on his skin. After a few strides closer to the giant form, he had a strange, uncanny feeling he knew what it was, and because of this, he didn’t turn back. He ran towards it.

Question
Use the beginning of the story to answer the question.

Is each statement true or false?

(1 point)
True False
Ji and Asher were both up earlier than an average high school student on a Saturday morning.

Ji wants to swim after painting at the beach.

Ji and Asher plan to meet that morning near the large form on the beach.

Asher plays on a volleyball team that could make it to the state championship.

Answer 1

Here are the answers based on the beginning of the story:

1. Ji and Asher were both up earlier than an average high school student on a Saturday morning. True

2. Ji wants to swim after painting at the beach. False (There is no mention of Ji wanting to swim; she plans to sketch and decide on a color palette.)

3. Ji and Asher plan to meet that morning near the large form on the beach. False (There is no indication that they plan to meet; they are separately engaged in their activities.)

4. Asher plays on a volleyball team that could make it to the state championship. True