Not Judging a Book by its Cover

Question

A. Gautam

JODI, a seventh grader
NANCY, a seventh grader
STEVEN, a seventh grader


[Curtains open. Jodi, Nancy, and Steven are at the library. They gather armloads of books and go to the quiet corner.]

JODI: [whispers to Nancy] Why did it have to be him?

STEVEN: [whispers to Jodi] You know I can hear you.

JODI: [stammers] Oh. I am. I am. I..

STEVEN: Sorry. I know. You don’t have to like me. Let’s just work on the project. The more we focus the quicker you will get rid of me.

JODI: Sheesh. I feel terrible. I just miss our old friend. We always did projects together.

STEVEN: Is she the one who spread all those rumors about you?

JODI: [raises her hand to protest] You didn’t know her when she was actually sweet.

STEVEN: You don’t really know me either. You listened to others before you got to know me. That’s not fair, you know.

JODI: [Hangs her head and remains silent.] You know what. You are absolutely right. Can I ask you something? How are you unafraid to be so –

STEVEN: Honest? And great at completing others’ sentences. I know.

JODI: [pauses and says each word slowly] Exactly. You are bold and cool.

STEVEN: Thanks. I have nothing to lose. I don’t look for the popular kids to hang out with. I am me. People who know me always want to be my friend. I am okay with that.

JODI: [smiles] I think I would like to be your friend. You could teach me a few things.

STEVEN: [smiles] I think you know more about Victorian era architecture than me. So, you can teach me, too.

[Steven and Jodi shake hands]

NANCY: What’s happening? How did you become friends?

JODI: Where were you this whole time?

NANCY: [turns off her music and takes off her headphones] What did I miss?

[Steven and Jodi laugh]

NANCY: Not again. Jodi made a friend first.

[Curtains close.]

Which best describes how the author develops the points of view of Jodi and Steven?

A Jodi feels protective of her old friend while Steven doesn’t. Jodi feels protective of her old friend while Steven doesn’t.
B Jodi wants to be Steven’s friend, but Steven only wants to work. Jodi wants to be Steven’s friend, but Steven only wants to work.
C Jodi wants to tell Nancy everything, but Steven wants to be quiet. Jodi wants to tell Nancy everything, but Steven wants to be quiet.
D Jodi feels lost about the project, but Steven is very confident.

Answer 1

A Jodi feels protective of her old friend while Steven doesn’t.