Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who was driving the car at the time of the accident?
Who was driving the car at the time of the accident?
What caused Robert Washington to be pinned inside the automobile?
What caused Robert Washington to be pinned inside the automobile?
Who tried frantically to rescue Robert Washington from the burning car?
Who tried frantically to rescue Robert Washington from the burning car?
What was the condition of Andrew Jackson after the accident?
What was the condition of Andrew Jackson after the accident?
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What is the main topic of the conversation between Robert and Andy?
What is the main topic of the conversation between Robert and Andy?
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Who praises Robert's performance in a game?
Who praises Robert's performance in a game?
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What are the characters' plans for the night?
What are the characters' plans for the night?
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Who contacts Gerald to inquire about the whereabouts of Andy, Robert, and others?
Who contacts Gerald to inquire about the whereabouts of Andy, Robert, and others?
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What does the conversation primarily reveal about the characters?
What does the conversation primarily reveal about the characters?
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What leads to concern about Andy's whereabouts?
What leads to concern about Andy's whereabouts?
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What is the main focus of the characters' conversation?
What is the main focus of the characters' conversation?
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Who is mentioned to have left together in a car after the game?
Who is mentioned to have left together in a car after the game?
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What does the dialogue provide a glimpse into?
What does the dialogue provide a glimpse into?
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What do Keisha and Rhonda express about the situation?
What do Keisha and Rhonda express about the situation?
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What does Robert boast about?
What does Robert boast about?
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What does the conversation portray about the teenage characters?
What does the conversation portray about the teenage characters?
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What prompted an editorial on the dangers of drunk driving and the need for gratitude for life's blessings?
What prompted an editorial on the dangers of drunk driving and the need for gratitude for life's blessings?
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Who was featured as 'Teacher of the Week' for coaching achievements and involvement in student groups?
Who was featured as 'Teacher of the Week' for coaching achievements and involvement in student groups?
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What did the Hazelwood basketball team decide to do in honor of their late captain, Robbie Washington?
What did the Hazelwood basketball team decide to do in honor of their late captain, Robbie Washington?
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What was the focus of the editorial prompted by a tragic accident?
What was the focus of the editorial prompted by a tragic accident?
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What did the exchange students plan to do after their visit to New York City?
What did the exchange students plan to do after their visit to New York City?
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Who expressed mixed feelings about the school, noting its size, age, and crowdedness?
Who expressed mixed feelings about the school, noting its size, age, and crowdedness?
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What was the warning given to students riding yellow buses?
What was the warning given to students riding yellow buses?
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Who was highlighted for his coaching achievements and involvement in student groups?
Who was highlighted for his coaching achievements and involvement in student groups?
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What did the school community urge during the Thanksgiving season?
What did the school community urge during the Thanksgiving season?
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What did the Hazelwood basketball team experience and decide to honor their late captain, Robbie Washington?
What did the Hazelwood basketball team experience and decide to honor their late captain, Robbie Washington?
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What did a conversation between Coach Ripley and Andy Jackson reveal?
What did a conversation between Coach Ripley and Andy Jackson reveal?
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What did the Hazelwood Ecology Club organize for 51 students?
What did the Hazelwood Ecology Club organize for 51 students?
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What led to the car accident?
What led to the car accident?
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Who among the friends did not survive the car accident?
Who among the friends did not survive the car accident?
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Who offered a prayer seeking guidance from the Lord after the accident?
Who offered a prayer seeking guidance from the Lord after the accident?
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What type of car was involved in the accident?
What type of car was involved in the accident?
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What is the main focus of the narrative?
What is the main focus of the narrative?
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Who gave a statement to the police about the events leading to the accident?
Who gave a statement to the police about the events leading to the accident?
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What emotions did the characters experience after the accident?
What emotions did the characters experience after the accident?
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How did the car accident impact the friends?
How did the car accident impact the friends?
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What did the text highlight about the details of the accident and its aftermath?
What did the text highlight about the details of the accident and its aftermath?
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What did Tyrone describe about the moments leading to the crash?
What did Tyrone describe about the moments leading to the crash?
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What did B.J. do after the accident?
What did B.J. do after the accident?
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What aspect of the characters' struggle is portrayed in the story?
What aspect of the characters' struggle is portrayed in the story?
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What feeling does the narrator express regarding the death of a friend in a car accident?
What feeling does the narrator express regarding the death of a friend in a car accident?
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How does the school community react to the loss of the deceased student?
How does the school community react to the loss of the deceased student?
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What is the purpose of the canned food drive organized by the school?
What is the purpose of the canned food drive organized by the school?
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What impresses Madame Loisel's advanced French classes about the students from French West Africa?
What impresses Madame Loisel's advanced French classes about the students from French West Africa?
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How does the Hazelwood community come together following the tragic accident?
How does the Hazelwood community come together following the tragic accident?
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What does the narrator decide to do after the accident?
What does the narrator decide to do after the accident?
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How is the deceased student, Robbie Washington, remembered by the school community?
How is the deceased student, Robbie Washington, remembered by the school community?
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What does Rhonda recount in relation to the car crash?
What does Rhonda recount in relation to the car crash?
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What language skills do the students from French West Africa possess?
What language skills do the students from French West Africa possess?
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What is the main emotion expressed by the narrator towards the surviving group of friends?
What is the main emotion expressed by the narrator towards the surviving group of friends?
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What is the purpose of the International Exchange Experience?
What is the purpose of the International Exchange Experience?
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How does the school support those in need during the holiday season?
How does the school support those in need during the holiday season?
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Who scored twelve points in the game?
Who scored twelve points in the game?
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What was the score when Hazelwood was within two points of tying with Covedale?
What was the score when Hazelwood was within two points of tying with Covedale?
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Who seemed almost frenzied on the court?
Who seemed almost frenzied on the court?
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Who drove hard on the inside, faked the jump shot, and scored two points?
Who drove hard on the inside, faked the jump shot, and scored two points?
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What does Andy reveal about his feelings towards good grades?
What does Andy reveal about his feelings towards good grades?
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What is Andy's current attitude towards having fun?
What is Andy's current attitude towards having fun?
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What does Andy's response 'Whatever you say' indicate?
What does Andy's response 'Whatever you say' indicate?
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Who does the teenager feel closest to in his family?
Who does the teenager feel closest to in his family?
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How does the teenager feel about expressing his feelings to his father?
How does the teenager feel about expressing his feelings to his father?
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Who was supportive of the teenager at school?
Who was supportive of the teenager at school?
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What negative reaction did the teenager face at school?
What negative reaction did the teenager face at school?
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How does the teenager feel about his responsibility in his friend's death?
How does the teenager feel about his responsibility in his friend's death?
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What does Andy struggle with after the loss of a friend?
What does Andy struggle with after the loss of a friend?
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What is the father's level of involvement in the teenager's basketball games?
What is the father's level of involvement in the teenager's basketball games?
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What is the cause of Andy's declining grades?
What is the cause of Andy's declining grades?
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What does the teenager worry about regarding his little brother?
What does the teenager worry about regarding his little brother?
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Who does Andy show disappointment towards for not being able to spend time with him?
Who does Andy show disappointment towards for not being able to spend time with him?
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How does the teenager feel about his parents' understanding of him?
How does the teenager feel about his parents' understanding of him?
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What does Andy discuss with his classmates?
What does Andy discuss with his classmates?
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What does the teenager experience as a result of the accident?
What does the teenager experience as a result of the accident?
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What is the focus of Andy's second visit to the psychologist?
What is the focus of Andy's second visit to the psychologist?
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What does the teenager believe about his role in the accident?
What does the teenager believe about his role in the accident?
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What does Andy feel guilty about in relation to basketball?
What does Andy feel guilty about in relation to basketball?
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How does the teenager feel about the reactions of some teachers and friends?
How does the teenager feel about the reactions of some teachers and friends?
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What causes Andy's frustration and argument with Keisha?
What causes Andy's frustration and argument with Keisha?
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What does the teenager's mother do in her free time?
What does the teenager's mother do in her free time?
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What does Andy struggle to find in basketball after the loss of a friend?
What does Andy struggle to find in basketball after the loss of a friend?
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What does Andy feel his parents don't understand about his struggles?
What does Andy feel his parents don't understand about his struggles?
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What does Andy's performance as a center on the basketball team highlight?
What does Andy's performance as a center on the basketball team highlight?
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What does Andy discuss with his younger brother's interests and his parents' attention towards him?
What does Andy discuss with his younger brother's interests and his parents' attention towards him?
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What does Andy find conflicting emotions of after a good game?
What does Andy find conflicting emotions of after a good game?
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What does Dr. Carrothers promise Andy during their counseling session?
What does Dr. Carrothers promise Andy during their counseling session?
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What does Andy express towards his parents during the counseling session?
What does Andy express towards his parents during the counseling session?
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What is Dr. Carrothers' profession?
What is Dr. Carrothers' profession?
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Why is Andy reluctant to be in counseling?
Why is Andy reluctant to be in counseling?
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What does Coach offer Andy after the basketball game?
What does Coach offer Andy after the basketball game?
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What happens in the basketball game between Hazelwood and Covedale?
What happens in the basketball game between Hazelwood and Covedale?
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What is Andy's emotional state after the basketball game?
What is Andy's emotional state after the basketball game?
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What does Dr. Carrothers encourage Andy to do during the counseling session?
What does Dr. Carrothers encourage Andy to do during the counseling session?
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How does the basketball game end between Hazelwood and Covedale?
How does the basketball game end between Hazelwood and Covedale?
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What is Andy's initial response to the idea of counseling?
What is Andy's initial response to the idea of counseling?
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What does Coach Ripley do after the basketball game?
What does Coach Ripley do after the basketball game?
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What is Hazelwood's final score in the basketball game against Covedale?
What is Hazelwood's final score in the basketball game against Covedale?
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What does the student feel about his father's emphasis on black youngsters achieving and working harder than white students?
What does the student feel about his father's emphasis on black youngsters achieving and working harder than white students?
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How does the student feel about the assumption that he is a 'stupid black kid'?
How does the student feel about the assumption that he is a 'stupid black kid'?
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How does the student feel about the support from school counselors?
How does the student feel about the support from school counselors?
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How does the student feel about his teachers' perception of his academic abilities?
How does the student feel about his teachers' perception of his academic abilities?
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How does the student feel about his high-achieving classmate, Marcus?
How does the student feel about his high-achieving classmate, Marcus?
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How does the student feel about the lack of understanding from his parents?
How does the student feel about the lack of understanding from his parents?
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How does the student feel about the reaction to his achievement of an A on a math test?
How does the student feel about the reaction to his achievement of an A on a math test?
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How does the student feel about the discouraging encounter with a counselor regarding pursuing pre-law?
How does the student feel about the discouraging encounter with a counselor regarding pursuing pre-law?
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How does the student feel about the reaction to his efforts to excel academically?
How does the student feel about the reaction to his efforts to excel academically?
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What does Andy express in his letter to Rob's parents?
What does Andy express in his letter to Rob's parents?
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Why does Andy decide to write a letter to Rob's parents?
Why does Andy decide to write a letter to Rob's parents?
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How does Andy feel about the impact of the accident on Rob's parents?
How does Andy feel about the impact of the accident on Rob's parents?
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What was the annual Christmas tradition between the narrator and Rob's mother?
What was the annual Christmas tradition between the narrator and Rob's mother?
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What upset both the narrator and Rob's mother during their Christmas phone call?
What upset both the narrator and Rob's mother during their Christmas phone call?
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What did the narrator's mother used to call him every Christmas to tell him to come and pick up?
What did the narrator's mother used to call him every Christmas to tell him to come and pick up?
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What did Keisha do to comfort the narrator when he was upset after the phone call with Rob's mother?
What did Keisha do to comfort the narrator when he was upset after the phone call with Rob's mother?
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What significant event took place during the morning announcements at Hazelwood school on January 7?
What significant event took place during the morning announcements at Hazelwood school on January 7?
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What historical example of color bias is mentioned in the text?
What historical example of color bias is mentioned in the text?
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Who were the key players leading the Hazelwood Tigers Basketball Team to victory against Taylorville?
Who were the key players leading the Hazelwood Tigers Basketball Team to victory against Taylorville?
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What did the teacher discuss with the students in the English class?
What did the teacher discuss with the students in the English class?
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What activity were girls encouraged to sign up for at the gym office?
What activity were girls encouraged to sign up for at the gym office?
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What does the psychologist encourage Andy to consider?
What does the psychologist encourage Andy to consider?
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What did Keisha find pretty and shiny despite Andy's complaints?
What did Keisha find pretty and shiny despite Andy's complaints?
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What did the social activists campaign for?
What did the social activists campaign for?
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What did Gerald relate to, feeling overwhelmed by the ubiquitous 'white'?
What did Gerald relate to, feeling overwhelmed by the ubiquitous 'white'?
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What did the students provide examples of in the English class?
What did the students provide examples of in the English class?
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What did Mary Alice and Keisha appreciate, with Keisha expressing her liking for it?
What did Mary Alice and Keisha appreciate, with Keisha expressing her liking for it?
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What does Andy express guilt and grief over?
What does Andy express guilt and grief over?
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What did the conversation between Andy and Keisha revolve around?
What did the conversation between Andy and Keisha revolve around?
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What does the teacher explain about societal influence on colors?
What does the teacher explain about societal influence on colors?
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What did the morning announcements include as important updates?
What did the morning announcements include as important updates?
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What is the primary focus of the conversation in the English class?
What is the primary focus of the conversation in the English class?
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What did the conversation between Andy and Keisha include, besides the snowfall?
What did the conversation between Andy and Keisha include, besides the snowfall?
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What does the psychologist discuss with Andy?
What does the psychologist discuss with Andy?
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What did the Lady Tigers Track Team encourage girls to sign up for?
What did the Lady Tigers Track Team encourage girls to sign up for?
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What does the teacher encourage the students to work towards?
What does the teacher encourage the students to work towards?
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What did Andy and Keisha discuss about the poem by Ms. Blackwell?
What did Andy and Keisha discuss about the poem by Ms. Blackwell?
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What does the conversation in the English class reveal about societal influence?
What does the conversation in the English class reveal about societal influence?
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What did the Hazelwood Tigers Basketball Team achieve against Taylorville?
What did the Hazelwood Tigers Basketball Team achieve against Taylorville?
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What does Andy express reluctance towards?
What does Andy express reluctance towards?
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What does the narrative primarily explore?
What does the narrative primarily explore?
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Who offers Andy comfort after he has a nightmare?
Who offers Andy comfort after he has a nightmare?
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What does Andy's deceased friend, Roberto, ask him in a dream?
What does Andy's deceased friend, Roberto, ask him in a dream?
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Who does Andy talk to on the phone about worries and visions for the future?
Who does Andy talk to on the phone about worries and visions for the future?
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What does Andy's younger brother Monty offer him for comfort?
What does Andy's younger brother Monty offer him for comfort?
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What themes does the text convey?
What themes does the text convey?
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Who expresses concerns about their own future and feelings of insignificance?
Who expresses concerns about their own future and feelings of insignificance?
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What does Roberto complain about in the afterlife?
What does Roberto complain about in the afterlife?
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Who reassures Andy about his potential and expresses care for him?
Who reassures Andy about his potential and expresses care for him?
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Who is concerned about Monty's fears and offers him comfort?
Who is concerned about Monty's fears and offers him comfort?
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Who is troubled by the dream and feels guilty about Roberto's death?
Who is troubled by the dream and feels guilty about Roberto's death?
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Who does Andy talk to about their worries and visions for the future?
Who does Andy talk to about their worries and visions for the future?
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What does Andy admit to the therapist?
What does Andy admit to the therapist?
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What does the therapist suggest as an alternative to eliminate Andy's pain?
What does the therapist suggest as an alternative to eliminate Andy's pain?
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What does Andy promise the therapist?
What does Andy promise the therapist?
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What does the therapist ask Andy to do as homework for their next session?
What does the therapist ask Andy to do as homework for their next session?
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What do Andy and Monty have a conversation about?
What do Andy and Monty have a conversation about?
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What does the therapist reassure Andy about?
What does the therapist reassure Andy about?
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What does Andy agree to do at the end of the session?
What does Andy agree to do at the end of the session?
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What does Monty ask Andy about before bedtime?
What does Monty ask Andy about before bedtime?
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What does the therapist encourage Andy to do?
What does the therapist encourage Andy to do?
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What did Andy describe standing on with a friend?
What did Andy describe standing on with a friend?
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What does Andy confess to the therapist?
What does Andy confess to the therapist?
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What did the therapist ask Andy to remember?
What did the therapist ask Andy to remember?
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What does the conversation between Sheila and her friend reveal about Andy Jackson?
What does the conversation between Sheila and her friend reveal about Andy Jackson?
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What does the conversation between Sheila and her friend suggest about Andy's mental state after the accident?
What does the conversation between Sheila and her friend suggest about Andy's mental state after the accident?
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What does the conversation between Sheila and her friend imply about the perception of resilience in different racial groups?
What does the conversation between Sheila and her friend imply about the perception of resilience in different racial groups?
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What does the conversation between Sheila and her friend reveal about Andy's behavior post-accident?
What does the conversation between Sheila and her friend reveal about Andy's behavior post-accident?
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What does E.J. Jackson prefer to be called in the business world?
What does E.J. Jackson prefer to be called in the business world?
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Why did E.J. Jackson want to give Andrew a name to be proud of?
Why did E.J. Jackson want to give Andrew a name to be proud of?
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What does Andrew express his feelings of not being despite his father's high expectations?
What does Andrew express his feelings of not being despite his father's high expectations?
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What does E.J. Jackson emphasize Andrew should be at the top of?
What does E.J. Jackson emphasize Andrew should be at the top of?
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Why does E.J. Jackson call Andrew 'Andrew' instead of 'Andy'?
Why does E.J. Jackson call Andrew 'Andrew' instead of 'Andy'?
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What is the central theme of the text?
What is the central theme of the text?
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What does Andrew question his father about?
What does Andrew question his father about?
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Who hosts the school talent show?
Who hosts the school talent show?
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What does E.J. Jackson reveal about his own struggles?
What does E.J. Jackson reveal about his own struggles?
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What does Keisha find challenging in her relationship with Andy?
What does Keisha find challenging in her relationship with Andy?
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What does the conversation between Andrew and E.J. Jackson highlight?
What does the conversation between Andrew and E.J. Jackson highlight?
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What do Keisha and Rhonda observe about Andy's performance at the talent show?
What do Keisha and Rhonda observe about Andy's performance at the talent show?
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What does E.J. Jackson's determination to make Andrew special stem from?
What does E.J. Jackson's determination to make Andrew special stem from?
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How does Andy cope with his emotions during the talent show?
How does Andy cope with his emotions during the talent show?
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What does Andrew feel the weight of?
What does Andrew feel the weight of?
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What does Rhonda express about her feelings for Tyrone?
What does Rhonda express about her feelings for Tyrone?
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What did E.J. Jackson have high hopes for Andrew in?
What did E.J. Jackson have high hopes for Andrew in?
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How does Andy respond to Keisha's compliment on his performance?
How does Andy respond to Keisha's compliment on his performance?
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What does Andrew not seem interested in?
What does Andrew not seem interested in?
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What does the text primarily offer insight into?
What does the text primarily offer insight into?
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What is the impact of personal trauma on the characters in the text?
What is the impact of personal trauma on the characters in the text?
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What does the talent show become a source of among the characters?
What does the talent show become a source of among the characters?
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What is the backdrop for the characters' emotional turmoil in the text?
What is the backdrop for the characters' emotional turmoil in the text?
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What type of writing does the text consist of?
What type of writing does the text consist of?
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What is the primary focus of the conversation between Andy and his mother?
What is the primary focus of the conversation between Andy and his mother?
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What does Andy compare his emotional distress to?
What does Andy compare his emotional distress to?
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What does Andy consider but ultimately decides against?
What does Andy consider but ultimately decides against?
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What does Andy's mother try to reassure him with?
What does Andy's mother try to reassure him with?
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What does the exchange between Rhonda and Saundra leave the reader curious about?
What does the exchange between Rhonda and Saundra leave the reader curious about?
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What is the main theme captured in the conversation between Andy and his mother?
What is the main theme captured in the conversation between Andy and his mother?
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What does Andy feel about his mother's attempts to comfort him?
What does Andy feel about his mother's attempts to comfort him?
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What does Andy's mother recall in an attempt to reassure him?
What does Andy's mother recall in an attempt to reassure him?
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What does Andy feel about his situation compared to his mother's physical pain?
What does Andy feel about his situation compared to his mother's physical pain?
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What does Andy struggle to find in handling his problems?
What does Andy struggle to find in handling his problems?
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What does Andy express reluctance towards?
What does Andy express reluctance towards?
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What does the conversation between Andy and his mother highlight?
What does the conversation between Andy and his mother highlight?
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What led to Keisha storming out of the Talent Show?
What led to Keisha storming out of the Talent Show?
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Why did Keisha break up with Andy?
Why did Keisha break up with Andy?
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What was the reason for Andy's anger towards his father?
What was the reason for Andy's anger towards his father?
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What did Andy try to use as a distraction when his father confronted him about his poor grades?
What did Andy try to use as a distraction when his father confronted him about his poor grades?
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What is the format of the text?
What is the format of the text?
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What does the narrative primarily provide insight into?
What does the narrative primarily provide insight into?
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What did Andy feel was ruined due to his academic performance?
What did Andy feel was ruined due to his academic performance?
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What subject did Andy barely pass, resulting in a failure due to lost items?
What subject did Andy barely pass, resulting in a failure due to lost items?
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Who confronts Andy about his failing grades and expresses concern about his improvement as an athlete?
Who confronts Andy about his failing grades and expresses concern about his improvement as an athlete?
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What does Andy's father question about his self-identification?
What does Andy's father question about his self-identification?
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What did Andy do at the Talent Show despite his recent depression?
What did Andy do at the Talent Show despite his recent depression?
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What did Andy feel his father didn't understand about his struggles?
What did Andy feel his father didn't understand about his struggles?
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What does Andy's father believe is the key to success?
What does Andy's father believe is the key to success?
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What does Andy express reluctance towards?
What does Andy express reluctance towards?
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What does Andy's father carry with him to improve his vocabulary?
What does Andy's father carry with him to improve his vocabulary?
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What does Andy's father believe is lacking in Andy?
What does Andy's father believe is lacking in Andy?
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What is the primary focus of the narrative?
What is the primary focus of the narrative?
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Who found Andrew Jackson's body after the suicide?
Who found Andrew Jackson's body after the suicide?
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Who expresses bitterness towards the suicide prevention team?
Who expresses bitterness towards the suicide prevention team?
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What does Andy compare his emotional distress to?
What does Andy compare his emotional distress to?
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Who addresses the class, offering support and encouraging them to express their emotions?
Who addresses the class, offering support and encouraging them to express their emotions?
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What was the official cause of Andrew Jackson's death?
What was the official cause of Andrew Jackson's death?
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What is the aftermath of the suicide depicted through?
What is the aftermath of the suicide depicted through?
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What does the narrative provide insight into?
What does the narrative provide insight into?
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Who was unaware that Andrew had not gone to school?
Who was unaware that Andrew had not gone to school?
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What does a student express bitterness towards?
What does a student express bitterness towards?
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What does Andy express a desire for?
What does Andy express a desire for?
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What does Andy feel like the only thing keeping him from going crazy is?
What does Andy feel like the only thing keeping him from going crazy is?
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What term is used by Andy's teacher to describe his lack of motivation?
What term is used by Andy's teacher to describe his lack of motivation?
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Who scolds Andy for calling so late when he tries to reach Keisha?
Who scolds Andy for calling so late when he tries to reach Keisha?
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What does Andy's teacher express concern about regarding Andy's future?
What does Andy's teacher express concern about regarding Andy's future?
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What does the story emphasize about troubled teens like Andy?
What does the story emphasize about troubled teens like Andy?
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What does Andy feel after being unable to reach his therapist and coach?
What does Andy feel after being unable to reach his therapist and coach?
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What does Andy reject when he is unable to speak to his therapist?
What does Andy reject when he is unable to speak to his therapist?
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Who does Andy attempt to call for support but only reaches an answering machine?
Who does Andy attempt to call for support but only reaches an answering machine?
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What does the narrative provide insight into?
What does the narrative provide insight into?
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What does Andy's struggle with, according to the text?
What does Andy's struggle with, according to the text?
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What does the text emphasize about troubled teens like Andy?
What does the text emphasize about troubled teens like Andy?
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How does Andy feel after reflecting on his struggles and emotional turmoil?
How does Andy feel after reflecting on his struggles and emotional turmoil?
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What does Andy feel increasingly after being unable to find comfort or guidance?
What does Andy feel increasingly after being unable to find comfort or guidance?
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What is the primary focus of the text?
What is the primary focus of the text?
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Who expresses disbelief and grief over Andy's death?
Who expresses disbelief and grief over Andy's death?
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What does the narrative reveal about the impact of Andy's death?
What does the narrative reveal about the impact of Andy's death?
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What themes does the text delve into?
What themes does the text delve into?
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Who voices frustration with his mother's constant crying?
Who voices frustration with his mother's constant crying?
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What emotions and questions does the text explore?
What emotions and questions does the text explore?
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Who provides a prayer expressing hope for forgiveness and peace for Andy's soul?
Who provides a prayer expressing hope for forgiveness and peace for Andy's soul?
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What does the text shed light on regarding Andy's inner turmoil?
What does the text shed light on regarding Andy's inner turmoil?
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What do the letters and prayers reflect about those left behind after a loved one's suicide?
What do the letters and prayers reflect about those left behind after a loved one's suicide?
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What do the letters and prayers provide insight into?
What do the letters and prayers provide insight into?
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What does the text highlight about the ongoing pain and questions surrounding Andy's suicide?
What does the text highlight about the ongoing pain and questions surrounding Andy's suicide?
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What do the letters and prayers reflect about the survivors' emotions and thoughts?
What do the letters and prayers reflect about the survivors' emotions and thoughts?
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What is the primary coping mechanism advised by the counselor to the students?
What is the primary coping mechanism advised by the counselor to the students?
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What does B.J. express in his letter regarding the death of his friend Robbie?
What does B.J. express in his letter regarding the death of his friend Robbie?
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What emotions do the students express in their letters?
What emotions do the students express in their letters?
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What does Gerald express towards Andy in his letter?
What does Gerald express towards Andy in his letter?
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What is the main focus of the students' letters?
What is the main focus of the students' letters?
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What does Tyrone struggle to understand in his letter to Andy?
What does Tyrone struggle to understand in his letter to Andy?
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What does the counselor advise the students to do as a way to process their emotions?
What does the counselor advise the students to do as a way to process their emotions?
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What does B.J. question in his letter?
What does B.J. question in his letter?
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What does Gerald share in his letter?
What does Gerald share in his letter?
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What emotions do the students primarily express in their letters?
What emotions do the students primarily express in their letters?
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What does Tyrone struggle to understand in his letter?
What does Tyrone struggle to understand in his letter?
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What is the primary coping mechanism advised by the counselor to the students?
What is the primary coping mechanism advised by the counselor to the students?
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Study Notes
Personal Reflection on Tragic Accident
- A teenager reflects on the death of a friend in a car accident and expresses confusion and guilt over the tragedy.
- The teenager feels responsible for not intervening in the friends' plan to drink and drive.
- The narrator expresses feelings of inadequacy compared to the deceased friend and the surviving group of friends.
- The narrator decides to return to church with their mother after the accident.
- A student, Rhonda, recounts the shock and grief of losing a classmate in a car crash.
- The school community is deeply affected by the loss, with a special edition of the school paper dedicated to the deceased student.
- The deceased student, Robbie Washington, is remembered as a talented athlete and honor student.
- The school organizes a canned food drive and hosts a group of students from French West Africa as part of an international exchange program.
- The canned food drive is intended to help those in need during the holiday season.
- The International Exchange Experience brings students from French West Africa to visit Madame Loisel's advanced French classes.
- The students from French West Africa impress with their knowledge of French, English, Swahili, and African dialects.
- The Hazelwood community comes together to support each other and engage in cultural exchange activities.
Challenges and Frustrations of a High School Student
- The student feels pressured to be a straight-A student, but struggles to meet those expectations.
- He shares the story of a friend who faces physical abuse from his father.
- The student's parents don't physically abuse him, but he feels they don't understand him either.
- He describes the resentment towards a high-achieving classmate, Marcus, who is disliked for his academic success.
- The student's father emphasizes the importance of black youngsters achieving and working harder than white students.
- The student feels that his father's speeches don't resonate with him and that they never have meaningful conversations.
- The student finds little support from school counselors, who seem more focused on scheduling than addressing students' needs.
- He recounts a discouraging encounter with a counselor who dissuaded him from pursuing pre-law due to his athletic potential.
- The student feels undervalued by his teachers, who underestimate his academic abilities and make disparaging remarks.
- He expresses frustration with the assumption that he is a "stupid black kid," leading him to pretend to be unintelligent to avoid scrutiny.
- The student feels that his efforts to excel academically are met with ridicule rather than praise, even from some black teachers.
- He shares his experience of achieving an A on a math test, only to be ridiculed by the teacher and classmates, causing him anger and frustration.
Teenage boy discusses his feelings of wanting to die and his therapist's response
- Andy describes standing on a freeway overpass with a friend, feeling hypnotized by the rushing cars and wanting to jump
- He admits to the therapist that he used to want to die after a car accident that killed his friend
- Andy confesses that he thinks about death all the time and feels like being dead is the only way he'll feel alive again
- The therapist reassures Andy that it's normal to think about death after experiencing a traumatic event
- Andy admits that he sometimes thinks about killing himself, and the therapist encourages him to consider other alternatives to eliminate the pain
- The therapist suggests talking to his friend's parents, writing a letter to his friend, and talking to other kids about the dangers of drinking and driving
- Andy promises the therapist that he would call before harming himself if he got too depressed
- The therapist asks Andy to write a letter to his friend or his friend's parents as homework for their next session
- Andy and a child named Monty have a conversation about dreaming in color or black and white before bedtime
- Monty asks Andy if he ever has bad dreams about monsters and robbers, and Andy confirms that he does
- The therapist reassures Andy that he's a winner and asks him to remember to call if he needs help
- Andy agrees to call the therapist if he needs help and says he feels a little better after talking about his feelings
Andy's Turmoil and Struggles
- Andy and Keisha broke up at a Talent Show, where Andy was the Master of Ceremonies and had a fun time despite his recent depression.
- Keisha was meant to perform a surprise song for Andy but stormed out after a fight backstage, leaving Andy to announce the cancellation of her act.
- Keisha broke up with Andy because she was tired of nursing him through his struggles and didn't have the nerve to break up with him earlier.
- Andy's coach mentions missed opportunities with college basketball scouts due to Andy's absences and low grades, leaving Andy feeling defeated.
- Andy expresses anger towards his father, feeling that his chances of getting a basketball scholarship are ruined, and he doesn't need college or basketball.
- Andy's grades are failing, and he barely passed some subjects, including gym class, where he lost his shoes and failed as a result.
- Andy's father confronts him about his failing grades and expresses concern about his improvement as an athlete.
- Andy's father brings up Andy's poor grades in English and chemistry, and Andy tries to deflect by mentioning his lost gym shoes.
- Andy's father is disappointed in Andy's academic performance and questions his self-identification as an athlete if he can't pass gym class.
- The text is written in a letter format, with the main character, Rhonda, narrating the events of Andy's breakup and struggles with academics and basketball.
- The text highlights Andy's emotional struggles, including depression, a recent accident, and his father's disappointment in his academic and athletic performance.
- The narrative provides insight into Andy's personal and academic struggles, as well as his strained relationships with Keisha and his father.
Letters to Andy: Expressing Grief and Anger
- Students express anger and frustration towards the school counselor for not providing suicide prevention resources earlier.
- A student, Tyrone, expresses fear and grief over losing his friend Andy to suicide and feeling scared about his own well-being.
- The counselor advises the students to write letters to Andy as a way to process their emotions and cope with the loss.
- Tyrone's letter reflects his struggle to understand Andy's decision to take his own life and the impact it has on their friends.
- Another student, Gerald, expresses deep anger and resentment towards Andy for leaving him and making him face death again.
- Gerald shares his own struggles with courage and resilience in the face of adversity, contrasting it with Andy's decision.
- A classmate, B.J., reflects on the guilt and grief surrounding the death of another friend, Robbie, in a previous accident.
- B.J. questions the purpose of their survival in the accident and expresses frustration at Andy's choice to end his life.
- The letters reflect the students' pain, confusion, and attempts to make sense of Andy's suicide while dealing with their own emotions and struggles.
- The students express their grief and anger towards Andy, grappling with the impact of his decision on their lives and their attempts to find meaning in the tragedy.
- The letters reveal the students' complex emotions, from fear and anger to resilience and determination to continue living despite the pain of loss.
- The students' letters provide insight into the profound impact of suicide on those left behind and the different ways they cope with their grief and anger.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore the emotional turmoil and challenges faced by teenagers in dealing with traumatic events, academic pressures, and personal relationships. Dive into narratives of grief, guilt, confusion, and resilience as characters navigate loss, depression, and self-discovery.