Question

Read the paragraph from a student’s narrative.

One day Mateo noticed a chrysalis hanging from a bush in his backyard. The chrysalis was unlike any he had seen before. It was a brilliant blue with golden dots all over it. Mateo thought that this chrysalis must hold something very special, so he checked it day after day. When the butterfly emerged, it was the same brilliant blue as the chrysalis with wings covered by golden dots. Mateo ran in the house to tell his mother about the unusual butterfly. His mother did not believe him. She said, “Mateo, there is no such butterfly. You’re just imagining things, as always.” Discouraged, Mateo wandered back outside. The brilliant blue butterfly landed on Mateo’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, “Mateo, you are right. I am special. Make a wish and I will grant it.” Mateo thought about it, and then he wished for a new baseball mitt. He had grown quite a bit in the last year, and he could barely fit his hand in his old mitt. With a flap of its wings, the butterfly granted Mateo’s wish. When Mateo told his mother about the wish and showed her the new baseball mitt, she still did not believe him. This pattern repeated as the butterfly produced a new bat and ball to go with the mitt. Mateo’s mother just wouldn’t believe him. At that point, the butterfly told Mateo that he would grant him one more wish.

Question

Which conclusion should the writer add that best follows the events in the story?
Responses

A. Mateo looked at the butterfly and said, “You’ve already given me so much. I really don’t need another wish.”

B. Mateo thought for a bit, then said, “I’d like to be an adult so that I can do whatever I’d like.”

C. Tossing up his new ball and catching it with his new mitt, Mateo said, “I’d like a new baseball cap.”

D. After careful consideration, Mateo said, “I wish my mother would believe me.”


Side note: I have 19 missing assignments in english and 14 in math so I have to finish these quickly.

Answer 1

The best conclusion that the writer should add that follows the events in the story is D. After careful consideration, Mateo said, “I wish my mother would believe me.”

Step-by-step explanation:

This conclusion is the best because it resolves the main conflict of the story, which is Mateo's mother not believing him about the butterfly and its magic. It also shows that Mateo values his relationship with his mother more than material things, and that he wants to share his wonder and joy with her. It also leaves room for the reader to imagine what happens next, such as how the mother reacts to the wish and whether she sees the butterfly for herself.

The other conclusions are not as good because they do not address the main conflict of the story, or they introduce new problems or unrealistic outcomes. For example:

- A. Mateo looked at the butterfly and said, “You’ve already given me so much. I really don’t need another wish.” This conclusion is too passive and does not show any growth or change in Mateo's character. It also wastes the opportunity to use the last wish for something meaningful or important.

- B. Mateo thought for a bit, then said, “I’d like to be an adult so that I can do whatever I’d like.” This conclusion is too drastic and unrealistic. It also contradicts Mateo's character, who seems to enjoy being a child and playing baseball. It also creates a new problem of how Mateo would cope with being an adult without any preparation or guidance.

- C. Tossing up his new ball and catching it with his new mitt, Mateo said, “I’d like a new baseball cap.” This conclusion is too trivial and repetitive. It does not show any creativity or originality in Mateo's wish. It also does not address the main conflict of the story or show any emotional connection between Mateo and his mother.

Answer 2

The best conclusion that follows the events in the story is:

D. After careful consideration, Mateo said, “I wish my mother would believe me.”

Step-by-step explanation:

The conclusion "D. After careful consideration, Mateo said, 'I wish my mother would believe me'" is the most fitting because it addresses the ongoing conflict and theme of disbelief between Mateo and his mother throughout the narrative. Despite the butterfly granting Mateo's wishes and providing tangible evidence of their existence, Mateo's mother continues to dismiss his claims, refusing to believe him.

By expressing his desire for his mother to believe him, Mateo shows his longing for validation and understanding from someone he cares about. It highlights the emotional impact of his mother's skepticism on Mateo and his need for her support and acknowledgement.

This conclusion also adds depth to the story as it explores the underlying relationship between Mateo and his mother, emphasizing the importance of trust, belief, and communication within a family. It leaves room for further development of their dynamic and the potential resolution of their strained relationship.

Overall, this conclusion connects with the central theme of the story, which revolves around Mateo's experiences with the extraordinary butterfly and his struggle to gain his mother's belief.