Which sentence would be the most engaging opening for a story about a clumsy girl who wants--more than anything--to be a cheerleader? a) the gymnasium was quiet and empty at that particular time of the afternoon. b) julie was nervous about the entire situation and wasn't sure how to react or what to do. c) this is a story about a clumsy girl who really, really wants to try-out and become a cheerleader. d) julie stumbled through the door five minutes late--not exactly the best beginning for a cheerleader try-out.

Which number is main idea? (1) someone once said, "seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth." (2) you can yourself grow in self-knowledge through the following exercises. (3) first of all, take the tombstone test. (4) what would you like to have written on your tombstone? (5) in other words, how would you like to be remembered? (6) your honest answer should reveal, in a few words, what you value most. (7) next, see if you can describe yourself, as you are today, in a brief sentence. (8) you might want to ask friends or family members how they would describe you in a few words. (9) then decide how you would have to change to become the person you want to be remembered as. (10) finally, try the adjective test. (11) choose three adjectives that you'd like to see connected with your name. (12) then list what you've done or can do to earn such a reputation.