No fear
tracy wilson

1 austin reached into his backpack to make sure that it was there. he wasn’t sure he needed his inhaler, but he was checking just in case. his chest was tight as he once again attempted a deep breath. he completely filled his lungs and exhaled smoothly. he repeated this rhythm several times, surprised at the ease at which it came. but he’d keep the inhaler in his pocket. it had been a long time since he’d had a real asthma attack, since little league, in fact. but it was never too far from his mind, especially when he played baseball.

2 austin loved baseball, like fish love water, but he felt his asthma had probably kept him from reaching his full athletic potential. he knew today’s practice would be tough, for tomorrow was a big game. he was right. it was rough, and austin and several others weren’t at the top of their game today. coach tanner firmly patted austin’s shoulder as they headed for the dugout. “you’ve got to stop using it as a crutch, and let it go son.” coach said in a firm, low voice.

read the passage on the left to answer the following questions:
13)
what does the author mean when she says that austin and several others weren't at the top of their game?
a) they didn't win the game.
b) they suffered from asthma.
c) they were all good athletes.
d) they had not played their best.
14)
which of these best indicates the theme of the passage?
a) a tough coach makes winning teams.
b) asthma can keep athletes from playing well.
c) it’s always better to be safe instead of sorry.
d) fears can prevent people reaching potential.
15)
“you’ve got to stop using it as a crutch, and let it go son.” coach said in a firm, low voice.

what does the word it refer to in this sentence?
a) austin's asthma inhaler
b) austin's shoulder injury
c) austin's dreams of baseball fame
d) austin's bad practice before the game
16)
‘austin loved baseball, like fish love water, but he felt his asthma had probably kept him from reaching his full athletic potential.’
what two things are being compared in this sentence?
a) breathing in water and out of water
b) austin’s asthma to a fish out of water
c) austin’s asthma and his athletic potential
d) austin’s love for baseball and a fish’s love for water