The post-ceremony party went by in a blur of decorations and dancing, but what Evan recalled most were the kind words from classmates who seemed genuinely happy for him. “The team wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

“You made rehearsals so much fun.”

“You tutored my little brother in geometry. If you hadn’t done it, I would’ve had to. That was the friendliest thing anyone did for me all year!”

4
Using the details from the paragraph, select the best answer and then select Submit.

Evan learned that his friends appreciated him for himself. The theme is penguins can fly if they try hard enough. Evan learned that he didn’t have to work extra hard for an award. He was rewarded because the other students realized that he always went out of his way to be helpful. The theme is you do not have to work hard to be rewarded. Evan was rewarded because the other students appreciated him for who he was and how he was always friendly and helpful. The theme is that hope is powerful. With hope, people can spread their wings and fly, even if it seems impossible. Turn the page for some final thoughts!2
Evan won the award. The party after the ceremony is a blur, but what he remembers are the kind comments of his classmates who seem genuinely happy for him. Each comment mentions some way that he was helpful.

The last page shows what Evan learned from this experience. Let’s turn the page and see how it ends.

Read the story The Thing with Wings, by Kathleen Parker, and complete the activities in each section.
BEGIN
1
The post-ceremony party went by in a blur of decorations and dancing, but what Evan recalled most were the kind words from classmates who seemed genuinely happy for him.

“The team wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

“You made rehearsals so much fun.”

“You tutored my little brother in geometry. If you hadn’t done it, I would’ve had to. That was the friendliest thing anyone did for me all year!”

3
At the end of the party, Evan posed for a picture with 11 other winners. Each was hopeful about his or her future, but Evan was perhaps the most hopeful of all. Evan’s ear-to-ear smile was no doubt inspired by the image he had in his head: a penguin breaking free from its chain, spreading its wings, and triumphantly taking flight.

So the story comes to an end. Did it end the way you expected?

The author’s conclusion resolves the conflict and provides a brief glimpse into what Evan learned from the experience.

6
4
Using the details from the paragraph, select the best answer and then select Submit.

Evan learned that his friends appreciated him for himself. The theme is penguins can fly if they try hard enough. Evan learned that he didn’t have to work extra hard for an award. He was rewarded because the other students realized that he always went out of his way to be helpful. The theme is you do not have to work hard to be rewarded. Evan was rewarded because the other students appreciated him for who he was and how he was always friendly and helpful. The theme is that hope is powerful. With hope, people can spread their wings and fly, even if it seems impossible. Turn the page for some final thoughts!5
Now it’s your turn! Wrap up your narrative. Resolve your conflict. Show what your character learns and consider the theme. You will create a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

2
Evan won the award. The party after the ceremony is a blur, but what he remembers are the kind comments of his classmates who seem genuinely happy for him. Each comment mentions some way that he was helpful.

The last page shows what Evan learned from this experience. Let’s turn the page and see how it ends.