Distress Signal Comprehension Questions

John and Amy Wright

$279

She couldn't stop smiling

Marisol

Marisol

Mrs. Jacobson

A flash flood warning for eastern Cochise County in southern Arizona.

Lavender has a dismissive attitude towards the warnings, believing that nothing dramatic ever happens despite the frequent warnings about thunderstorms, dust storms, and flash floods.

A shriek of laughter made Lavender look up from her handheld.

Rachelle and Marisol were shooting their matching pink scrunchies at the guys across from them.

The setting of the story is a bus, where Lavender is tuning through radio frequencies on her handheld.

The National Weather Service warned about the possibility of flash flooding in eastern Cochise County due to heavy rains occurring ten or more miles away.

Marisol

Lavender

Marisol

impressed, lauded as a hero, received praises and congratulations

perplexed and hurt

genuine intention to help and the unexpected strain it places on her friendship with Marisol

emotional complexity, challenges of communication and understanding

Lavender

her handheld radio

Marisol and Rachelle

wonders if he is having friend problems

her feelings and interactions with John

John was a nice guy and speculates about the cause of his current behavior

In the washes

Clipped the waist strap of her backpack

A group of students

Startling him into dropping the ball

Annoyed expression flitted over

Grabbed her backpack and pulled it on

Lavender suspects that Rachelle has influenced Marisol and feels responsible for reminding Marisol who her real friends are and saving her from Rachelle's influence.

Mr. Bob advises to fight viciously in case of a bear attack. Lavender's thoughts shift towards her concerns about Rachelle's influence on Marisol and her determination to save her friend.

Lavender considers Rachelle to be the most dangerous creature due to her belief that Rachelle is brainwashing Marisol, and she feels the need to deal with Rachelle like a wild animal.

Lavender's focus shifts from Mr. Bob's advice about wilderness survival to her thoughts about Rachelle's influence on Marisol and her determination to save her friend.

Lavender believes that Rachelle's influence on Marisol began after being placed next to each other on the seating chart and she feels the need to remind Marisol who her real friends are and save her from Rachelle's influence.

Lavender feels unable to deal with Rachelle like a wild animal and views the situation as a challenge where she needs to save Marisol from Rachelle's influence.

Lavender convinces Rachelle to play sardines to have alone time with Marisol and plans to make Rachelle look bad by making her hide while no one looks for her.

Marisol chooses to hide with Rachelle instead of leaving her alone as Lavender had planned.

Lavender feels betrayed by Marisol's decision and questions their friendship.

Lavender's frustration and isolation reveal her growing feelings of betrayal and confusion.

Lavender's conversation with Sedgwick reveals her annoyance and frustration.

The text highlights Lavender's plan to win Marisol back and make Rachelle look bad, but it backfires and causes her to feel betrayed and isolated.

Lavender faces emotional challenges such as feeling hurt by her friends, experiencing tension and frustration, and dealing with interpersonal dynamics within the group.

Lavender's desire for revenge causes tension and adds to her emotional turmoil, affecting her interactions with Rachelle and Marisol.

The text hints at potential conflict and resolution as the characters navigate the challenges of being lost during a hike, highlighting the emotional turmoil and interpersonal dynamics within the group.

Mr. Gonzales and Mrs. Henderson realize they are lost and decide to rest before backtracking, contributing to the tension and challenges faced by the group.

Lavender's plan to play sardines with Rachelle adds to the tension and emotional turmoil, intensifying the already challenging situation of being lost during the hike.

The text emphasizes the frustration, fear, and distress experienced by the students as they navigate the challenging situation of being lost during the hike.

Lavender contemplates pranking Rachelle to expose her true colors while also feeling left out and trying to occupy herself with a radio

The looming external danger of the flash flood sets the stage for potential conflict and danger, intersecting with Lavender's internal conflict and her plan to deal with Rachelle

The sixth graders are scattered around the campsite, engaging in various activities and preparing for a hike

Lavender overhears the teachers having a heated, whispered conversation and tries to eavesdrop, but gets interrupted by a classmate asking for a photo

Mr. Gonzales leads the class on a hike, and the landscape becomes more spectacular as they progress

The text sets the stage for potential conflict and danger, with interpersonal dynamics and the natural environment intersecting in a precarious situation at the campsite

Lavender let out the loudest, shrillest scream possible to get her friends' attention.

Lavender's brain felt scrambled, she had trouble catching her breath, her voice was hoarse, and her throat was raw after screaming like that.

Lavender's scream did the trick and prompted her friends Rachelle and Marisol to leave their hiding spot.

Lavender conveyed the urgency by telling them 'Flood. Warning. Have to leave. Now.'

John supported Lavender's urgency, stating 'We really should go. Just in case.'

Lavender could barely think straight, her brain felt scrambled, she was having trouble catching her breath, and her voice was hoarse; her throat was raw after screaming like that.

The characters' responses to the crisis reflect their differing levels of optimism and caution.

The disagreement between Rachelle and Lavender highlights their differing perspectives on the situation.

The text illustrates the tension and cooperation between the characters during the flash flood.

The story emphasizes the unexpected cooperation and conflict that can arise in life-threatening situations.

The characters' reactions and actions reveal their individual personalities and attitudes in a crisis.

The story highlights the unexpected vulnerability and humanity of Rachelle in a deadly situation.

Lavender hangs upside down from a branch to provide Rachelle with a boost, allowing her to climb to safety.

The students' emotions range from fear to panic as they grapple with the imminent danger of the flood.

The text vividly portrays the students' desperate fight for survival as they face the relentless, churning wave of the flash flood.

The floodwaters are dark and filled with debris, including rocks, branches, logs, and smaller trees, creating a perilous situation for the students.

Marisol suggests climbing a nearby tree for safety.

John and Marisol manage to climb up the tree, and Lavender hangs upside down from a branch to provide Rachelle with a boost, allowing her to climb to safety.

The main obstacle is a barrier of charred rubble caused by a wildfire and subsequent flood. The group debates whether to climb over the barrier, but John warns of potential dangers, while Rachelle's impulsive actions lead to water seeping through the barrier.

The group's attempts to call for help are interrupted by John's concerns about rockslides, and the group's survival becomes uncertain as they struggle to find a way out. The group's dynamics are strained as they try to find a way out.

Lavender recalls a story of people caught in a flash flood despite clear skies. This story relates to the current situation in the canyon, where the group finds themselves facing unexpected challenges despite their initial plans.

The text highlights the group's physical and emotional struggles as they try to find a way out. The strained dynamics among the group members and the uncertain survival situation further emphasize their struggles.

The story is set in a canyon with a narrow passage blocked by debris from a recent flood. The environmental condition of the narrow passage being blocked by debris adds to the challenge faced by the group.

John's concerns about potential dangers and rockslides add to the group's uncertainty and fear, while Rachelle's impulsive actions lead to water seeping through the barrier, further escalating the tension and adding to the group's struggle for survival.

They faced a ravine, steep ravine walls, and a dam blocking their way out.

Lavender took charge and proposed a plan to walk back along the canyon's ledge to find their classmates. Her friends reluctantly agreed to follow her lead.

Rachelle huffed and expressed her impatience, while Marisol clarified that Rachelle was not referring to her when she mentioned not wanting to be stranded with someone in the wilderness.

Lavender assessed the situation and decided that walking back along the canyon's ledge towards their classmates was their only viable option to escape the ravine.

Lavender's determination to avoid being trapped in the wilderness forever motivated her to take charge. She demonstrated her leadership by decisively proposing a plan and taking control of the situation.

The group agreed to follow Lavender's plan and prepared to walk back along the canyon's ledge in the direction of their classmates, despite their reluctance and impatience.

Lavender felt offended and wondered if she was bothering John. This reveals that she is sensitive to his behavior and takes it personally, indicating her concern for their relationship.

John unexpectedly mentioned that he doesn't like fighting, referring to the arguments between Lavender and Rachelle. This contributes to the tension as it shows that John's frustration with their conflicts is affecting his mood.

Lavender was offended because she felt that Rachelle was the one starting the arguments. This reflects her perspective as it shows her belief that Rachelle is the instigator and she is not at fault.

Lavender's reaction indicates her frustration and exhaustion with Rachelle's wasteful behavior, highlighting her disapproval of Rachelle's actions.

John's behavior of pulling the hood over his head and his unexpected response about the arguments contribute to the tension by showing his avoidance and frustration with the situation, leading to a lack of communication and understanding between him and Lavender.

Lavender's response reveals her concern about their friendship, as she interprets John's behavior as a sign of him trying to escape her company, leading her to question if she is bothering him.

Lavender responded in a dull, flat voice, wishing she hadn't even attempted to use her radio, and she asked Rachelle what she wanted.

Rachelle wanted Lavender to agree with her when she told John and Marisol that they were going her way, pointing towards a mountain.

Rachelle claimed that they would be able to see Mr. Bob's ugly RV and the rest of the campsite from the mountain.

Lavender was skeptical and argued that they should stay around or try to find the canyon again, expressing concern that they might end up even more lost if they walked straight into the mountains.

Rachelle revealed that she liked to do things and was not the kind of person to sit around and wait for something to happen, conveying her proactive nature.

Lavender asked Rachelle how she knew that they would be able to see Mr. Bob's ugly RV and the rest of the campsite from the mountain, but Rachelle ignored her.

Lavender confesses to lying to separate Rachelle from the group.

John challenges Lavender's motives by questioning her mean-spirited intentions.

John reveals that their arguments remind him of his parents.

Lavender wakes up to find Rachelle and John missing, causing her discomfort.

Lavender implores John not to reveal the truth to their friends.

Lavender and John discuss their argumentative dynamics.

Rachelle confronts Lavender about overhearing her conversation with John, blaming her for their predicament. John defends Lavender and highlights her previous heroic actions. The outcome of their conversation is unresolved tension as Rachelle looms over Lavender.

Lavender attempts to use her radio to call for help, but encounters technical difficulties. Despite her distress call, no one responds, leaving Lavender feeling defeated.

Marisol joins the conversation, asking about the cell phone and expressing concern about the cold.

Lavender apologizes for lying and pleads with Rachelle not to tell Marisol about it.

Lavender wakes up in the wilderness with her friends, feeling optimistic about the day ahead.

Rachelle looms over Lavender as the situation remains unresolved.

Lavender faces challenges such as feeling alone and scared while using the bathroom outdoors, struggling to sleep due to unfamiliar sounds of nature and fear of wild animals, discomfort and pain due to the hard surface of the cave and her backpack, and feeling anxious and fearful about John knowing something about her. These challenges contribute to her emotional turmoil and anxiety, impacting her interactions with others.

The natural environment, with its unfamiliar sounds and potential threats from wild animals, adds to the tension and fear experienced by Lavender and the group. The group's situation of being stranded in the Chiricahua wilderness, home to bears, mountain lions, javelinas, and coyotes, further intensifies the sense of danger and uncertainty.

John's revelation leaves Lavender feeling fearful and anxious. The mystery of what John could possibly know about her adds to her anxiety and fear, affecting her emotional state and interactions with John.

Lavender, used to the sounds of the city, is unnerved by the natural sounds of the mountains. This contrast adds to her unease and contributes to her struggle to sleep and feel at ease in the wilderness.

Lavender and John discuss the potential threat of the coyotes and their behavior towards humans, reflecting their concerns about the dangers of the wilderness. This conversation highlights the group's heightened awareness of the potential threats they face.

The group's decision to take shelter in a small cave demonstrates their struggle for survival and the impact of the wilderness on their physical and emotional well-being. It shows their efforts to protect themselves from the elements and the perceived threats of the wilderness.

John asks Lavender to promise not to tell, and then he pulls out a splinter from her hand

Lavender squeezes her eyes shut and almost doesn't feel it, then presses her hand against her shirt to stem the blood flow

John reveals that he is running away, and Lavender is shocked and dazed by the revelation

Lavender presses her hand against her shirt to stem the blood flow, and feels the pain fading but still hurt

John confirms that he is running away from them, and Lavender is worried about being deserted and questions his previous talk about teamwork

Lavender is shocked and dazed, with a fading but still present pain in her injured hand

Lavender is still shaken and in shock after the encounter. She feels the bear looked like a monster and is traumatized by the encounter. She continues to feel shaky and possibly in shock as the group moves away from the bear and continues their hike.

John is credited with the idea to make themselves look bigger to scare off the bear.

Marisol finds the bear cute and defends its behavior as it was in its own space. She continues the hike unaffected, in contrast to Lavender who is still affected by the encounter.

When the bear charges at them, they use yelling and intimidation to distract and scare it away.

After the bear climbs a tree, the group celebrates their success and shares a group hug, indicating their relief and sense of accomplishment in escaping the bear.

John expresses relief at escaping the bear and shares his fear of the bear's teeth, highlighting his emotional response to the encounter.

John explains that being on a team is about letting people do what they’re best at.

Lavender tries to distract herself from the pain by asking John about the stolen telescope money.

Their interaction demonstrates the value of teamwork and cooperation in challenging situations.

The text showcases the importance of communication and support in navigating difficult circumstances.

Lavender's injury and John's assistance highlight their reliance on each other in the wilderness.

The story emphasizes the significance of working together and relying on each other's strengths in challenging situations.

John expresses concern about bears, while Rachelle worries about safety and potential expulsion.

Marisol appeals to Rachelle's concern for cleanliness.

Lavender realizes that their friendship may be genuine, contrary to her previous assumptions.

Lavender reflects on her own issues and relationships.

Lavender takes charge and instructs John to split up to look for wood.

Lavender feels a growing disconnect from Marisol as they are getting older and their interests diverge.

Lavender feels as if the force of gravity had quadrupled around her, making it impossible to move. She is unable to lift a single toe, but she decides to shut her eyes and brace herself for the attack, hoping to go down fighting.

Lavender feels frightened and wonders what it would feel like when the bear's paw swipes her skin. She hopes that if she's going to be attacked, she wants to go down fighting.

As the bear starts charging, Lavender hears herself whimpering and shuts her eyes, bracing herself for the attack. She hopes that when she feels the first claw, she will be able to move again.

Lavender perceives the imminent threat from the bear as she imagines being only centimeters away from its razor-sharp teeth. She tries to avoid thinking about the pain when the bear's teeth and claws rip into her.

Lavender hopes that by squeezing her eyes shut, she can avoid being only centimeters away from the bear's razor-sharp teeth. She fears the possibility of the bear's paw swiping her skin and shredding it.

Lavender's reaction reveals her determination to survive as she hopes to go down fighting. She fears the pain and damage that the bear's teeth and claws could inflict on her.

Lavender collapsed onto her knees, feeling a burst of dark and heavy terror, weighing down every limb, as she rested her forehead on the hot ground.

Marisol suggests that some areas mark trails with little piles of rocks or spray paint on rocks and trees, implying that they might not have been looking for the right thing. John grows frantic, rushing in different directions, vainly searching for a trail, a path, a campsite, or a backpacker.

Lavender hears Marisol mention Mr. Gonzales saying that some areas mark trails with little piles of rocks or spray paint on rocks and trees. This prompts Lavender to stay glued to her spot in the dirt, indicating a moment of realization and reflection for her.

The text portrays the characters' sense of hopelessness and impending doom through John's repeated dialing of 911 with no answer or signal, Lavender's failed attempt with the radio, and the characters' vain and frantic search for a trail, campsite, or backpacker.

Lavender's collapse and John's frantic search reveal the characters' heightened emotional distress, desperation, and sense of helplessness in the face of their predicament.

The text highlights the characters' struggle and the futility of their efforts through the repeated failed attempts to establish communication and find a trail, campsite, or backpacker, ultimately leading to a sense of doom and hopelessness.

Lavender starts picking up the dollar bills and wonders how they would taste. She considers using them for kindling and realizes their uselessness in the wilderness. This reveals her practical and survival-oriented mindset in the challenging environment.

As Lavender gathers the cash and prepares to light a fire, she realizes that she is truly alone as John is gone. This contributes to the building tension in the story as it highlights the increasing isolation and vulnerability of the characters.

Lavender's reaction to being alone in the wilderness reveals her initial vulnerability and fear, but also her resilience and determination to continue facing the challenges despite the daunting circumstances.

The text emphasizes the insignificance of money in the wilderness by highlighting its uselessness and the equality among individuals in the struggle for survival, where everyone is just fighting to stay alive regardless of their financial status.

As the temperature drops and Lavender realizes she is truly alone in the wilderness, she experiences a physical shiver and emotional vulnerability, highlighting the harshness of the environment and the psychological impact of isolation.

Lavender's action of shoving the cash in her back pocket and proceeding to the fire ring with a lighter symbolizes her determination to adapt to the challenges of the wilderness and her readiness to face the uncertain and potentially dangerous situations.

Lavender confesses to orchestrating a prank that led to their current predicament.

Lavender tries to explain herself to Marisol, but Rachelle intervenes, telling her to leave Marisol alone.

Lavender is determined to make things right and suggests building a fire and praying for rescue.

The group's focus shifts from the conflict to the immediate need for survival.

The complexity of the characters' relationships and the challenges they face are highlighted in the intense situation.

The tension between the characters is heightened by their desperate situation.

Lavender and her friends face severe dehydration and despair while stranded on the mountain. They contemplate extreme measures like drinking mud water and urine due to their dire situation. They also prioritize gathering firewood for warmth and show resilience in the face of their emotional and physical struggles.

Rachelle shows signs of severe dehydration by experiencing a breakdown. Lavender contemplates giving up but eventually decides to gather firewood to keep warm, showing resilience and determination to keep trying in the face of despair.

The group's initial expectation of being rescued quickly fades as they realize they may have to stay on the mountain overnight. Lavender's headache improves after a nap, giving her a renewed determination to keep trying.

John expresses frustration and hopelessness, throwing his backpack and declaring that survival shows are lies. The group reacts by prioritizing gathering firewood for warmth as they feel the temperature dropping.

Lavender's resilience and determination to keep trying in the face of despair stands out as a key theme in the narrative. Despite the challenges, Lavender shows resilience by taking the initiative to gather firewood and keep the group motivated.

The group's emotional and physical struggles are evident as they face the harsh reality of their situation. Lavender's resilience and determination to keep trying in the face of despair stands out as she takes the initiative to gather firewood and keep the group motivated.

The discovery of a crumpled envelope filled with cash in John's backpack, which was marked for the school's telescope and had gone missing after a bake sale.

The discovery of the stolen money shatters Lavender's trust in John and leaves her feeling hurt and disillusioned, overshadowing the help and support John had provided.

Lavender feels betrayed by John because she had trusted him and considered him a friend, especially after he had confided in her about his family problems. The revelation of John's theft changes Lavender's perception of him.

The discovery of the stolen money leaves Lavender feeling hurt and disillusioned, overshadowing the help and support John had provided. It shatters her trust in John and changes her perception of their relationship.

The revelation of John's theft and the discovery of the stolen money lead Lavender to realize that she may have been too quick to trust John, especially considering her previous feelings of friendship and support towards him.

The discovery of the stolen money changes Lavender's perception of John and shatters her trust in him, leading to feelings of hurt and disillusionment.

Lavender's response reveals her humility and recognition of the teamwork and support that contributed to their survival.

The text illustrates the theme of teamwork and cooperation through the characters' mutual support, reliance on each other's skills, and acknowledgment of everyone's contributions to their survival.

Lavender experiences an internal conflict between wanting to boast about her actions and recognizing the collective effort of the group.

Lavender's changed perspective leads her to prioritize humility, teamwork, and gratitude, shaping her behavior and attitude towards their survival experience.

Lavender's acknowledgment demonstrates her growth as a character, showing humility, gratitude, and an understanding of the value of teamwork.

Lavender's response reflects her transformation by displaying humility, gratitude, and a shift from individualism to recognizing the collective effort of the group for their survival.

The group struggles to start a signal fire due to a lack of fuel. They consider using dead grass for kindling and even contemplate burning their class's money and John's papers. This illustrates their resourcefulness and determination in a life-threatening situation.

Lavender's reluctance to burn the class's money reflects her respect for the value of currency and the education it represents. The suggestion to burn John's papers signifies the increasing desperation of the group, as they are willing to sacrifice personal belongings for survival.

Marisol's suggestion highlights the extreme scarcity of resources, as she is willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the group's survival. Rachelle's protective response and the group's decision not to use the toilet paper reflect their prioritization of Marisol's well-being and their refusal to resort to drastic measures unless absolutely necessary.

John's resistance to burning the class's money demonstrates his concern for preserving the group's resources and maintaining a sense of order. His realization about having papers in his backpack reflects his proactive problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances, showcasing his leadership qualities under pressure.

The ethical dilemma centers on the group's willingness to sacrifice a symbol of education and value for their own survival. Lavender's internal conflict reveals the moral dilemma they face, while the group's ultimate decision showcases the weight of their predicament and their willingness to prioritize immediate survival over conventional values.

The group's approach involves considering unconventional fuel sources and making difficult decisions to ignite the signal fire. This reflects their unity and determination to overcome obstacles in the wilderness, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

The group made a distress call on the radio, which was answered by KB7XWT. Search and rescue workers located the group based on their descriptions of the area. A fire was built to guide the rescuers to the right mountain peak. A helicopter arrived, and Marisol's broken ankle was stabilized before airlifting her to safety. Lavender was the last to be airlifted, and the group was taken to the hospital where they were reunited with their parents.

The group faced challenges such as being stranded after a flash flood, Marisol's broken ankle, anxiety during the rescue, and the need for medical attention after their ordeal. They attempted to overcome these challenges by making a distress call, building a fire to guide rescuers, and being airlifted to the hospital for medical attention.

KB7XWT answered Lavender's distress call on the radio, which ultimately led to the coordination of the rescue effort.

The group faced emotional struggles such as anxiety, shock, and the need for medical attention, as well as physical struggles like being stranded and Marisol's broken ankle. Lavender's response reflected these struggles by feeling anxious during the rescue and being in a state of shock after the ordeal.

The rescuers and volunteers actively searched for the missing kids, heard the group's distress call, and coordinated the rescue effort, ultimately leading to the group's rescue.

The group's distress call was heard by KB7XWT, who then coordinated the rescue effort, leading to the successful rescue of the group.

Lavender struggles with the fear of disappointment if the plan fails, but she also feels hope intensify as she reaches out for help. She feels the weight of the potential disappointment if no one responds, but eventually gathers her courage to make a distress call over the radio.

Lavender's fear of potential disappointment reflects her emotional struggle in the wilderness, as she is afraid that if no one responds, it might break her. However, her determination to reach out for help shows her resilience and courage amidst the challenging situation.

Lavender's assertive distress call over the radio reflects her gathering of courage and determination in the face of fear and uncertainty. It signifies her refusal to succumb to despair and her willingness to take proactive steps in the struggle for survival.

Lavender's experience of making a distress call over the radio highlights the theme of hope and resilience in the wilderness by showcasing her willingness to take action despite her fears and uncertainties. It demonstrates her determination to hold onto hope and seek assistance in the face of adversity.

Lavender experiences emotional turmoil as she attempts to transmit a distress call through the repeater. Her fear of disappointment and hope intertwine, creating a complex emotional struggle as she grapples with the potential outcomes of her actions.

Lavender's distress call over the radio exemplifies her internal conflict as she battles her fear of disappointment and her intensifying hope. It also showcases her resilience in the wilderness, as she refuses to succumb to despair and takes proactive steps to seek help.

Lavender's dad agrees to let her do at least one interview, specifically with QST magazine

Rachelle surprises Lavender by expressing gratitude for Lavender saving them all

John, one of Lavender's friends, expresses interest in studying for a ham radio license

Lavender braces herself for any negative comments from Rachelle, but Rachelle expresses gratitude for Lavender's actions

Marisol, another friend, is on crutches and has an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix

Rachelle advocates for the kids to accept the offer from the Today show, causing an ambush by reporters in the parking lot