In an adult English class, Mr. Allen asked students to explain a short paragraph. Sara knew the answer, but she kept looking down at her notebook. After class, her classmate Luis said, “You had the idea. Why didn’t you speak up?” Sara closed her notebook and said, “I didn’t want to hold everyone back.” Luis shook his head and said, “Asking a question does not hold us back.”

Mr. Allen heard them talking and said, “Sara, when you ask, other students often catch on too.” Sara looked surprised. “I thought everyone else already understood,” she said. Mr. Allen smiled and answered, “Not always. Sometimes one question helps the whole class.” Sara nodded because she understood the message behind his words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Luis asked Sara why she did not “speak up.” What did Sara avoid doing in class?

2. Sara said, “I didn’t want to hold everyone back.” What was she worried about?

3. Mr. Allen said other students “catch on too.” What happens when Sara asks questions?

4. Sara said, “I thought everyone else already understood.” What did she assume?

5. Mr. Allen said, “Sometimes one question helps the whole class.” What message was he sending?

6. Which phrase shows that someone should say something?

7. Which phrase shows concern about slowing people down?

8. Did Mr. Allen make Sara feel wrong or supported? Use the reading to support your answer.

LISTEN

Listen to your teacher’s statement and question. Then answer in complete sentences.

Teacher recording:

“I think Sara was quiet because she did not want to slow down the class. Mr. Allen helped her see that questions can help other students too.”

1. What did the speaker say?

2. How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?

3. Use the reading to support your response.

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences.

Choose two phrases from the reading. Explain what they mean and how they show Sara’s feelings in class.

NOTES

speak up

• What it means:
  To say something, ask a question, or share an idea.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone needs to talk instead of staying quiet.

• Why we use it:
  It encourages participation.

• Example:
  Luis asked Sara why she did not speak up.

hold everyone back

• What it means:
  To slow other people down or stop them from moving forward.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone worries that they are causing delay.

• Why we use it:
  It shows concern about affecting others.

• Example:
  Sara did not want to hold everyone back.

catch on

• What it means:
  To understand something.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone begins to understand an idea, skill, or explanation.

• Why we use it:
  It sounds natural in learning situations.

• Example:
  Other students may catch on when Sara asks a question.

already understood

• What it means:
  To have understood something before now.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone assumes others do not need more explanation.

• Why we use it:
  It shows what a person believes about the situation.

• Example:
  Sara thought everyone else already understood.