Select the quotation from the story that most strongly suggests that the theme is It's good to tackle new challenges.Later that morning, as Marco gazed out the window, something small caught his eye: a puddle in the street reflected the neon sign of a storefront.It was hard at first, but Marco's brushstrokes grew more confident as the morning wore on.Submit

Select the quotation from the story that most strongly suggests that the theme is Some things in life are not worth spending a lot of money on."Please be more careful," he told the dishwasher.They were costly, but he wanted to give his customers the best dining experience he could."Good point," said Joe. "In this business, sooner or later everything breaks."Submit

Marco was frustrated. It was another rainy day in the city. His paintbrushes and easel sat in the dreary light of the gray morning.On his wall hung his best paintings: an apple orchard with red fruit bursting with color; a beach under a blue sky; and the ocean sparkling in the summer sun. He fondly recalled painting each scene.Last week, Marco had been painting the flower garden in the park when the rain started. His canvas of pink blossoms was now leaning against the back of the easel in his apartment, half-finished, waiting. The thick clouds and pouring rain showed no sign of leaving.Later that morning, as Marco gazed out the window, something small caught his eye: a puddle in the street reflected the neon sign of a storefront. After studying the puddle, Marco set up his easel by the window. Instead of seeing a simple, gloomy blur, Marco noticed that the puddle captured not only the neon sign but also the steel-colored sky and a leafless tree branch.Marco noted the richness of the paint colors as he mixed different grays. Bright orchards and sunny beaches were a familiar challenge, but there were no sharp contrasts in the dark, watery world in that puddle. It was hard at first, but Marco's brushstrokes grew more confident as the morning wore on. Soon he had developed the right techniques for creating the misty shadows and fuzzy neon light.Hours passed before Marco realized how immersed he was. After he had finished the scene and the paint had dried, he hung the canvas on his wall. The new painting added depth to his collection, and even more depth to his pride as an artist.Which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?Stick to doing what you know.It's good to tackle new challenges.Submit

Select the quotation from the story that most strongly suggests that the theme is Traditions can bring people together in unique ways.Everyone laughed and smiled at each other at the reminder of that well-known family story.Luis battled the need to yawn as he listened to all the familiar old tales.Submit

Part AWhich of the following states a central theme in the text?Answer choices for the above questionStanding in society depends on one’s social rank.Human beings are valuable not based on their appearance, but based on their internal qualities.Inability to cope with life’s unexpected events leads to misery.For every setback in one’s plans, there is usually a compensating piece of good luck.Part BWhich quotation best supports this major theme in the text?Answer choices for the above question“He wrapped himself up in his cloak, and held his handkerchief to his face as though his nose bled.”“A carriage drew up at the entrance; the carriage door was opened, and a gentleman in uniform came out and hurried up the steps.”“And indeed how was it possible that the nose, which only yesterday he had on his face, and which could neither walk nor drive, should wear a uniform?”“I am acquainted with ladies of high position—Madame Tchektyriev, wife of a state-councillor, and many others.”

Select the quotation from the story that most strongly suggests that the theme is Every person has something important to offer.His mother's healthy cooking and quiet, studious ways were just what he needed after such a loud and busy day.Maybe next weekend he would be ready for more fun, but not now.But sometimes he wished he had a mom who was a little more . . . well, fun.Submit