Question

Raymond is hollering from the swings 'cause he knows I'm about to do my thing 'cause the man on the loudspeaker has just announced the fifty-yard dash. . . . I get up and slip off my sweatpants and then I see Gretchen standing at the starting line, kicking her legs out like a pro. Then as I get into place I see that ole Raymond is on line on the other side of the fence, bending down with his fingers on the ground just like he knew what he was doing. I was going to yell at him but then I didn't. It burns up your energy to holler. Which is a theme in this part of the story?
A. No matter how busy you are, you have to take care of a younger brother or sister.
B. A serious athlete makes a total commitment to competing.
C. Family is the most important thing there is.
D. A serious athlete notices everything that goes on during a competition.

Answer 1

The correct option is option letter B (A serious athlete makes a total commitment to competing). The short story “Raymond's Run” by Toni Cade Bambara (1990) narrates the story of Hazel Parker (Squeaky) and how she decides to coach her brother Raymond, who has a mental disability, putting her own running career off to coach Raymond. The excerpt from this short story presented above narrates how Squeaky fully commits to her competition noticing everything, but taking care of his energy. For instance, she prefers not to holler at her brother who is alongside the track so as not to waste energy before her competition. This clearly describe how professional and serious she is about competing.

Answer 2

Answer: B. A serious athlete makes a total commitment to competing.