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Life's Challenges Introduction

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Life's Challenges Introduction

Read the story carefully. Then answer the questions using details from the story and your own reasoning.

The Bridge at Cedar Creek

When the rain finally stopped, the creek behind the community garden was still rushing. A fallen branch had jammed against the narrow footbridge, and the water was beginning to spill over the path. Hiroshi stared at the bridge. She had promised to bring the garden’s seed boxes to Saturday’s neighborhood planting, but the boxes were on the other side. The bridge looked shaky, and the current below it was faster than she expected. “I can probably squeeze past the branch,” Hiroshi said, taking a step forward. Her neighbor Luis shook his head. “That doesn’t sound safe. Let’s find another way.” He suggested calling the parks office, but Hiroshi worried the planting would be canceled before anyone arrived. She felt frustrated—and a little embarrassed that she had no quick solution. Hiroshi took a breath and looked around. She remembered a wider service path that followed the creek to a small road crossing, though it added fifteen minutes. They could carry the boxes that way. Luis offered to help, and Hiroshi called the garden coordinator to explain the delay. By the time they reached the garden, the other volunteers had started preparing the soil. The seed boxes were damp but usable. Hiroshi felt relieved. The problem had not disappeared, and the longer route had been tiring, but asking for help and choosing a safer plan had worked. As they planted, Hiroshi realized that facing a challenge did not always mean finding the fastest answer. Sometimes it meant pausing, noticing the choices, and changing the plan.

Understand the challenge

1.What is the main challenge Hiroshi faces at the beginning of the story?

2.Which detail best shows that Hiroshi is worried about the consequences of taking too long?

She had promised to bring the seed boxes.
She worries the planting will be canceled before anyone arrives.
The boxes are damp but usable.
The service path adds fifteen minutes.

3.True or false: Luis encourages Hiroshi to cross the bridge by squeezing past the branch. Use one story detail to support your answer.

TrueFalse

4.Put these actions in the order they happen. Write 1–4 beside each action: ___ Hiroshi and Luis carry the boxes to the garden. ___ Hiroshi considers squeezing past the branch. ___ Hiroshi remembers the service path and calls the coordinator. ___ Luis warns Hiroshi that squeezing past the branch is unsafe.

5.What does the phrase “Hiroshi took a breath and looked around” suggest about how she responds to the problem?

6.Match each action with the way it helps Hiroshi address the challenge.

Luis offers to help
Hiroshi calls the garden coordinator
Hiroshi chooses the service path

The coordinator learns why they are delayed
Hiroshi does not have to carry the boxes alone
They avoid the unsafe bridge

Think like a reader

7.Which statement best expresses a theme of the story?

A challenge should always be solved as quickly as possible.
Asking for help and adjusting a plan can help people handle difficulties.
People should avoid making promises.
A successful plan never requires extra effort.

8.At the end, Hiroshi says the problem “had not disappeared.” What does this mean in the story?

9.How does Hiroshi change from the beginning to the end of the story? Support your answer with a detail from each part.

10.Imagine the service path had also been flooded. Write one safe next step Hiroshi and Luis could take, and explain why it would be a sensible choice.