Read the following excerpt from a bigger passage. from “Coping with Cliques” reviewed by D’Arcy Lyness Cliques are tight groups that usually have a strict code of membership and ways to act. Instead of being centered on shared values and beliefs, many cliques tend to focus on maintaining their status and popularity. For instance, a certain clique may try to make it seem as if the people in the clique are “better” than those outside, or that their clique is “better” or higher status than another clique. Usually, friendship groups form around the things people have in common. So skaters, jocks, Goths, preps, punks, and even the math club are naturally drawn together because they share the same values and interests. The people in these groups feel they have a place where they are welcome and supported, and where they can be themselves, quirks and all. Some friendship groups seem pretty flexible and welcome people to join in. Others seem much more restricted, though. People in these groups make it clear that not just anyone can be part of their crowd. That type of restricted group is sometimes called a clique. Although people might think it’s better to belong to a clique than to be excluded, many times people in cliques end up dealing with lots of pressures and rules. They soon start to worry about whether they’ll continue to be popular or whether they’ll be dropped. After a while, they may begin to realize that true friends wouldn’t be so bossy or demanding. Surviving Cliques ● Know yourself—and your reputation. Now is a time getting in touch with your values, interests, and beliefs. If you’re encountering cliques, it’s a good opportunity to ask yourself what you and your true friends give each other. Do you want to be part of a group because you need to feel accepted or because you actually share their values? Has your group of friends morphed into something you don’t like? ● Stay involved in activities that make you feel good about yourself. If you’re in a clique, don’t let the group pressure you into giving up on things you love or spending time and money on things that aren’t important to you. ● Keep your social circles open and diverse. Cliques can be very limiting in the way they control how members look, think, dress, and behave. ● Speak out. If you feel your group of friends is turning into a clique, take a stand for your beliefs. Which of the following best describes the author’s purpose in writing this article? A) To describe the pros and cons of being in a clique. B) To make a case for joining a clique when you first enter high school. C) To present an argument for never joining a clique. D) To explain some problems cliques cause and how to deal with them.