Performance. Then I flopped on the bed, and bent down to untie my size thirteens. I froze. I studied my shoes as if they just appeared on my feet. Pictures of shoes flashed in my thoughts. Suddenly, memories of my mother flooded my mind, her voice crowding out my former thoughts of glory and fame. Sure, I was successful, but I became acutely aware of the fact that I had help along the way. My steps had been guided by family and friends. I blinked the moisture from my eyes, grabbed the card and headed for the den. My abrupt entrance startled Pops almost as much as the bear hug he got from me. “Thanks for all you’ve done for me. I love you,” I stammered. I opened the envelope and a gift card fell out for Athlete’s Footgear. The handwritten words were simple and familiar:

“The longest journey begins with a single step. What’s next?
Love, Ms. Willow

Although we seldom spoke about it, that first year without Mom was the year Coach Moses and Ms. Willow, stepped into our lives. They were both from our church. Ms. Willow paid for my first summer basketball camp and bought my shoes every season. Coach took me home from practice during those middle school years. Pops always loved me and supported me. It was getting late, but I had two more things to do.

Like I said, life really is a journey. Look out tomorrow, here I come!

Sincerely,

Jerome Dunkin’ Duncan
Silver Fox #11

Read the passage on the left to answer the following questions:

14)
Which statement about Jerome is BEST supported by this diary entry?
A) Jerome has gone through some tough times since his mother died.
B) Jerome has focused too much on basketball since his mother died.
C) Jerome has had little support from others since his mother died.
D) Jerome has tried to rely mainly on himself since his mother died.
15)

Look at the paragraph that begins with "Back then her quotes and happy sayings would drive me crazy" and ends with "Then I met Coach Moses and Ms. Willow."
How does the author organize this paragraph?
A) It begins with Jerome talking about his mother, and then it mainly focuses on how Coach Moses and Ms. Willow helped him.
B) Jerome talks about his mother and how her death changed his relationship with his father and his basketball dreams. It ends with him saying that he met 2 important people in his life,
C) Jerome first talks about watching basketball and then discusses how he trained to become a star player.
D) The passage starts with a quote from Jerome's mother and focuses mostly on how his father stayed close after his mother's death.
16)
What do Jerome’s memories reveal about him?
A) He hopes to play college basketball.
B) He misses his mother and needs guidance.
C) He is easily distracted when he is lonely.
D) He is a daydreamer with a vivid imagination
17)
To what sort of personal experience is the reader most likely to associate this passage?
A) Getting a gift card for your birthday
B) Going to buy a new pair of shoes
C) A time when you felt like you didn't do your best
D) Thanking a friend for supporting you through challenges
18)
What does Ms. Willow mean by the note she wrote in Jerome's card?
A) When is the next game?
B) What else can I do for you?
C) Where in life will your steps take you?
D) How will you use the gift card I am giving you?
19)
In the next to last paragraph of his journal, Jerome Dunkin' Duncan says that he has two more things to do. Based on what Jerome has written in this entry, what do you think Jerome will do?
A) He will thank Coach Moses and Ms. Willow for helping him.
B) He will sit with his dad and discuss the basketball game.
C) He will go back to the party to show his friends his gift card.
D) He will go to the mall to use his gift card at Athlete’s Footgear.