Theme Development in One Text

  • 11th Grade,
  • 12th Grade
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| By Thames
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Thames
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Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,567,281
| Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 6, 2026
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Question 1 / 16
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1. Which is the BEST statement of the main theme of this passage?

Explanation

The passage focuses on Tomas shifting from a shallow reason for running to a deeper interest in self-improvement.

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About This Quiz
Theme Development In One Text - Quiz

Can you track how a theme grows from beginning to end? In this quiz, you’ll follow Tomas as his motivation changes—from doing track for college applications to caring about real self-improvement. You’ll identify the moments that start his shift, the contrasts that build the theme, and the details that show... see moregrowth even in small steps. Get ready to prove you can explain not just what the theme is, but how the author develops it over time.
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2. At the beginning, why does Tomas join the track team?

Explanation

The opening lines clearly say he joined for his résumé.

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3. Early in the passage, Tomas understands why Malik is proud of “almost winning.”

Explanation

He “doesn’t quite understand” why Malik is so happy about a near-win.

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4. Which moment MOST clearly begins to change Tomas’s view of running?

Explanation

Malik’s reaction plants the idea that personal improvement might matter.

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5. What does the chart of times posted by the coach mainly show Tomas?

Explanation

He notices his line is flat while others’ lines go down (faster times).

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6. The theme is developed partly through Tomas comparing himself to his teammates.

Explanation

Seeing others improve pushes him to question his own effort.

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7. Which detail BEST shows Tomas actively beginning to live the theme?

Explanation

This is the moment he truly pushes himself rather than coasting.

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8. How does Tomas’s motivation change from the beginning to the end of the passage?

Explanation

The text says he “still cared about college applications,” but now also thinks about what he can improve.

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9. Which sentence would be the BEST addition to an objective summary of the passage?

Explanation

This captures the central change and connects directly to the theme.

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10. The passage suggests that a small improvement (like half a second) can still feel meaningful.

Explanation

Both Malik and later Tomas feel real joy at tiny time drops.

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11. Which option is another theme also supported by the passage?

Explanation

Malik’s example clearly influences Tomas’s thinking.

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12. What is the main contrast used to develop the theme?

Explanation

His internal change is the central contrast that reveals the theme.

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13. The passage shows that Tomas becomes the top runner on the team.

Explanation

It never says he becomes the best, only that he beats his own time and feels proud.

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14. Which statement BEST explains how the last sentence supports the theme?

Explanation

The wording suggests he sees “not doing things halfway” as a new general approach.

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15. Which question would BEST guide a written explanation of the theme?

Explanation

This question directly invites a discussion of the central idea and its development.

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Which is the BEST statement of the main theme of this passage?
At the beginning, why does Tomas join the track team?
Early in the passage, Tomas understands why Malik is proud of...
Which moment MOST clearly begins to change Tomas’s view of running?
What does the chart of times posted by the coach mainly show Tomas?
The theme is developed partly through Tomas comparing himself to his...
Which detail BEST shows Tomas actively beginning to live the theme?
How does Tomas’s motivation change from the beginning to the end of...
Which sentence would be the BEST addition to an objective summary of...
The passage suggests that a small improvement (like half a second) can...
Which option is another theme also supported by the passage?
What is the main contrast used to develop the theme?
The passage shows that Tomas becomes the top runner on the team.
Which statement BEST explains how the last sentence supports the...
Which question would BEST guide a written explanation of the theme?
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