Conflict:
Gretchen says she will win the race rather than squeaky.
Exposition:
In Harlem, a young girl who is a talented runner, is responsible for caring for her disabled brother.
Rising Action:
Squeaky meets Gretchen and her sidekicks on the street and tells them she will win the race. Mr. Pearson wants Squeaky to let Gretchen win. Waiting for the race to begin, Raymond lines up to run on the other side of the fence.
Climax:
Squeaky sees Raymond running “in the family tradition.”
Falling Action:
Squeaky realizes that coaching Raymond to become the best runner he can be is more important than her own winning.
Resolution:
After Squeaky is announced as the winner, she smiles at Gretchen and Gretchen smiles back!
Politeness could be both! It could be all good manners, but it also could be good lying. If this isn't what you are looking for, please explain more clearly.
When using if and can't they both have the similar "self doubt" aspect in them. Like "If I can do it..." and "I can"t do it." Both of these statements are basically questioning their self worth.