Question

The author’s purpose for including the following passage (paragraph 5) in the text is most likely to suggest that .

But as Thomas has progressed through school, this self-awareness that he's smart hasn't always translated into fearless confidence when attacking his schoolwork. In fact, Thomas's father noticed just the opposite. ""Thomas didn't want to try things he wouldn't be successful at,"" his father says. ""Some things came very quickly to him, but when they didn't, he gave up almost immediately, concluding, 'I'm not good at this.'"" With no more than a glance, Thomas was dividing the world into two— things he was naturally good at and things he wasn't.
What is the author's purpose for including the following passage (paragraph 5) in the text?
A. To emphasize that children like Thomas are usually only gifted in one or two specific subjects.
B. To highlight that gifted children become frustrated more easily because they are not used to struggling with tasks or concepts.
C. To show that gifted children find it difficult to complete tasks unless they are actively being praised while working.
D. To illustrate that children are sometimes prematurely categorized as "gifted" simply because their parents believe it to be true.

Answer 1

The author's purpose is to showcase the frustration that gifted children, like Thomas, can feel when faced with tasks that challenge their abilities, leading to a quick surrender due to a lack of resilience.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's purpose for including the passage about Thomas in paragraph 5 is primarily B. To highlight that gifted children become frustrated more easily because they are not used to struggling with tasks or concepts. The passage suggests Thomas's quick surrender to challenges when outcomes do not come easily, indicating a struggle with resilience. This contrasts with children who might persist in the face of difficulty, reflecting different approaches in the nurturing of talent and self-esteem in children of varying backgrounds, as suggested by sociologist Annette Lareau and others like Mark Twain in their narratives.