Break a Leg

Question

by J. Blue Spicer

Mimi was nervous. She had always been given the starring role in plays and skits in class, but now she was the star of the yearly high school musical as a freshman. Though she knew most of the stage crew, considering they were friends from middle school, the rest of the cast consisted of upperclassmen. Ever since she won the biggest part in tryouts, she noticed they were giving her the cold shoulder.
The night of the first show came, and Mimi was fantastic. The crowd got lost in the fact that they were watching a high school musical, until something went wrong during a set change. Mitchell, a junior who was head of the stage crew, had tripped over a prop left near the stage and tumbled into the orchestra pit. The crowd gasped, and the high schoolers froze just as the scene had ended, but Mimi was quick on her feet. She improvised a line, got the crowd and the cast to laugh, and she even jumped into the pit to help Mitchell as best as she could.
After the show, Mimi's only concern was Mitchell. She found him sitting among the juniors and seniors backstage. "How is your leg?"
"It's been better, but I don't think I'll miss a show," Mitchell said blankly. As Mimi told him goodbye and wished him well, she felt some pats on her shoulder and heard a few claps. She smiled and knew the show was going to be better tomorrow.

4
Select ALL the correct answers.
Based on the passage, what two things can the reader infer about Mimi?
Mimi is more concerned with how her friends view her than the other members of the cast.
Mimi becomes upset at Mitchell for trying to ruin the show when he falls into the orchestra pit.
Mimi worries that her starring role will separate her from the musical's older cast and crew.
Mimi is able to remain calm and think of solutions quickly during unexpected situations on stage.
Mimi is more concerned about Mitchell's ability to work on the show than his hurt leg.

Answer 1

Based on the passage, the two things the reader can infer about Mimi are:

1. Mimi worries that her starring role will separate her from the musical's older cast and crew.

   • This is inferred from her observation that the upperclassmen were giving her the cold shoulder after she received the leading role.

2. Mimi is able to remain calm and think of solutions quickly during unexpected situations on stage.

   • This is evident when she improvises a line to keep the audience engaged after Mitchell falls and then jumps into the pit to help him.

The other options do not align with the inferences supported by the text.