Question

The Final Hurdle
Jasmine’s legs trembled as she approached the starting line. The track shimmered with heat, and the hurdles looked taller than usual. It was the last race of the season—the state championships—and her heart pounded like a wild drum.

“You’ve got this,” Coach Morales said, her voice steady like the wind before a storm. Jasmine nodded, swallowing her nerves.

The starting gun fired. Jasmine sprang forward, each stride a battle against fear and fatigue. Memories flashed in her mind—early mornings, skinned knees, and the day she lost to Danielle by a blink of an eye.

Halfway through the race, Jasmine clipped a hurdle. She stumbled. For a heartbeat, time froze. Then something inside her sparked—not rage, not panic, but a fierce calm. She steadied, adjusted her rhythm, and pushed forward.

She crossed the finish line, not in first, but strong—stronger than she’d ever been. The crowd erupted, not for victory, but for resilience.

Jasmine smiled through the sweat. Maybe the finish line wasn’t the end. Maybe it was a beginning.

Question
Which moment in the passage best functions as a turning point?
Responses
A When Coach Morales encourages JasmineWhen Coach Morales encourages Jasmine
B When Jasmine remembers losing to DanielleWhen Jasmine remembers losing to Danielle
C When Jasmine stumbles but continues racingWhen Jasmine stumbles but continues racing
D When Jasmine first sees the hurdlesWhen Jasmine first sees the hurdles

Answer 1

C — When Jasmine stumbles but continues racing.

This is the turning point because it's the moment her response changes the outcome: she moves from faltering to finding a "fierce calm," regains control, and finishes stronger, showing growth and resilience.