Marisol gripped the microphone, hands steady. Last year she refused the stage. Her brother waved from the third row. She had practiced every night that week. Which detail most strongly supports the idea that Marisol has overcome her stage fright?

Theo filled an old bowl with water and set it by his back door. He had walked past the alley twice that week. His mother had said no pets. The dog's ribs showed. What most strongly supports the reading that Theo has decided to keep the stray?

Priya slid the club roster back under the door without signing it. She had missed the last two meetings. Her partner Sam won the regional round. She had not answered Sam's texts. Which detail best supports the claim that Priya is quitting debate?

Grandpa held the letter an inch from his nose, then handed it to me to read aloud. He stopped driving in March. He keeps the TV loud. He naps after lunch. Which detail gives the strongest support for the idea that Grandpa's eyesight is failing?

Everyone stood as Devon's sister lifted the trophy. Devon clapped twice, then studied his shoes. He had entered the same contest in June. Later he told Mom the judges were fair. Which detail most strongly shows that Devon envies his sister?

A stranger measured the front room with a tape while Mom answered his questions. The hall closet had been emptied. Mom had repainted the front door. She had fixed the leaky faucet. What most strongly supports the idea that the house is being sold?

Lena wrote the date and amount in her notebook before handing Marcus the bills. He swore he would pay Friday. He had borrowed from Anya in March. Lena had lent him money before. Which detail most strongly supports the idea that Lena doubts Marcus?

Kai keeps the ferry schedule from his old town taped inside his locker. He moved here in August. He eats lunch alone most days. He joined the chess club. Which detail most strongly supports the idea that Kai is homesick?

Before tryouts ended, Coach printed one lineup card and slid it into her clipboard. Rosa dropped two passes. Coach timed every sprint. Three new players tried out. What most strongly shows that Coach had already chosen her starters?

Whenever Mr. Pratt calls on her, Junie laughs and says she left her glasses at home. Her folder holds last week's handout. She is quiet in class. Her math grades are high. Which detail best supports the idea that Junie is hiding a reading problem?

I rewrote the message to Bea four times and sent none of them. Her chair stayed empty at lunch. I ate with the soccer team. My phone lay face down. Which detail most strongly supports the idea that the narrator regrets the argument?

Omar began saving a seat for Ruby without being asked. He had rolled his eyes on her first day. She spoke little in class. Their teacher paired them for a project. Which detail most strongly shows that Omar has come to admire Ruby?

Mom moved the phone bill to the bottom of the stack and paid the rest. Two bags of rice sat in the freezer. My brother had outgrown his shoes. The car needed gas. What most strongly supports the idea that the family is short of money?

Wren pulled the entry form out of the trash and smoothed it flat. Her sketchbook was nearly full. The contest deadline was Friday. Ms. Doyle had judged last year. Which detail gives the strongest support for the idea that Wren will enter the contest?

The kitchen candles had burned down to stubs. Rain still hit the windows. Dad's radio ran on batteries. The refrigerator had gone quiet. Which detail most strongly supports the idea that the power has been out for a long time?

Elias said he was at the library, then said the park when Mom asked which floor. Grass clung to his sneakers. His backpack was dry. He came home after dark. Which detail most strongly supports the idea that Elias is lying?

Grandma pressed the stained recipe card into Tessa's palm and closed her fingers over it. The card was handwritten. Grandma made the dish each winter. Tessa had stirred the pot. What most strongly shows that Grandma wants Tessa to carry on the recipe?

Before the whistle, our captain shook the other captain's hand and said, "Good luck next season." Their bench held twenty players. Ours held six. We lost to them last year. Which detail best supports the claim that our team expected to lose?

Sam set an extra plate at the table without being asked. His brother arrived on the evening bus. Mom had asked them to get along. Sam had not called him all year. Which detail most strongly supports the idea that Sam has forgiven his brother?

Iris read one line of the script eleven times without turning the page. She was fourth in line. She had wanted this part all year. A friend had wished her luck. Which detail most strongly shows that Iris is nervous about the audition?