Question

Joshua walked into basketball tryouts feeling confident. Considering how well he played over the summer, he felt that he was going to make the varsity team for sure. He had spent most of the summer playing in a basketball league, and although he hadn’t really known how to play, the more he practiced, the better he played. He played so well that one of the coaches from the varsity team asked him to try out.
As Joshua waited for tryouts to begin, he observed some varsity players on the court. His eyes widened at what he saw. All of them were unbelievably good. They were more experienced. They were taller. They were faster. Even if he made the team, he probably wouldn't get to play much. Joshua began to worry. He still had a lot to learn.
Coach Hasslegrove glimpsed his worried expression and came over to have a word with him. "Joshua,” he said, “all of these players were once like you. Just work hard. If you make the team, good. If not, then life isn't over. Go over there and just show us what you’ve got.”
Joshua nodded in reply and joined the others on the court. He passed the ball well and made most of his shots. What really got the coaches' attention, however, was his defense. He didn't let anyone get open. He covered his man so well, his man didn't score.
At the end of tryouts, Coach Hasslegrove called Joshua over. "You gave great effort,” he said, “and your defense is amazing! But you still need to learn some fundamentals. I want you to play this year on junior varsity. Keep practicing like you have, and I guarantee you’ll be on varsity next year."
Joshua did his best to suppress his disappointment. He didn’t make varsity, but next year, he was going to blow everyone away.


One theme of this story is that things don't always turn out the way you expect. Which event best reflects this theme?

A.
Joshua learns that he is good at defense.
B.
Joshua does not make the varsity team.
C.
Joshua plays basketball during the summer.
D.
Joshua gets advice from Coach Hasslegrove.

Answer 1

Answer:

B

Explanation:

Answer 2

B.
The story says, "Considering how well he played over the summer, [Joshua] felt that he was going to make the team for sure." At the end of the story, however, that Joshua does not make the varsity team. This shows that things don't always turn out the way you expect.