Sofia was driving to a new office building for a meeting. Her phone map told her to turn right, but the road was closed. She pulled into a parking lot and said to herself, “Okay, don’t let this throw you off.” She looked at the map again and said, “There has to be another way around.” A delivery driver nearby pointed to a side street and said, “That road will take you back to the main entrance.”

Sofia thanked him and followed the side street. When she saw the office sign, she said, “Good. I figured it out.” She parked, took a breath, and walked toward the building. She was five minutes early. As she put her keys in her bag, she smiled because she understood the message behind her own words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Sofia said, “Don’t let this throw you off.” What problem happened while she was driving?

2. Sofia said, “There has to be another way around.” What was she looking for?

3. The driver said the side street would take her “back to the main entrance.” What help did he give her?

4. Sofia said, “I figured it out.” What did she solve?

5. What part of the story shows that Sofia still arrived on time?

6. Which phrase shows that a problem could disturb her focus?

7. Which phrase shows finding a solution?

8. Did Sofia give up or adjust? 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 Sofia stayed calm when the road was closed. She talked herself through the problem, accepted help, and found another way to the building.”

1. What did the speaker say?

2. Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences.

Choose two phrases from the reading. Explain what they mean and how they show Sofia’s reaction to the wrong turn.

NOTES

throw you off

• What it means:
  To confuse, distract, or disturb your plan or focus.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when something unexpected affects someone.

• Why we use it:
  It shows that a problem can affect thinking or planning.

• Example:
  The closed road could have thrown Sofia off.

another way around

• What it means:
  A different route or solution that avoids a problem.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase for roads, plans, problems, and obstacles.

• Why we use it:
  It shows flexible thinking.

• Example:
  Sofia looked for another way around the closed road.

figure it out

• What it means:
  To understand or solve something.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone finds an answer, solution, or method.

• Why we use it:
  It shows problem-solving.

• Example:
  Sofia figured out how to get to the office.

talk yourself through

• What it means:
  To guide yourself with calm words while doing something.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone uses self-talk to stay focused.

• Why we use it:
  It shows how words can help someone manage a situation.

• Example:
  Sofia talked herself through the driving problem.