The Window Seat

Lexile: 880 | Grade: 7

Passage

Ever since she was little, Priya had preferred the window seat. Whether it was a school bus or a family car, the window offered her a place to think. She liked watching the trees blur past and the clouds shift shapes in the sky.

Now, on the plane to visit her aunt in Chicago, Priya sat by the window again, but something felt different. This time, she wasn’t just watching. She was wondering—about high school, about who she was becoming, and about the things that used to feel simple but didn’t anymore.

Her mom sat beside her, flipping through a magazine. Priya wanted to ask her a hundred questions but didn’t know how to start. Instead, she looked out the window at the layer of clouds below, pretending the sky could answer.

The flight attendant came by and asked what they’d like to drink. Her mom said, 'Orange juice.' Priya hesitated, then said, 'Same.'

Her mom turned to her and smiled. 'You always used to pick apple.'

Priya shrugged. 'I guess I’m trying new things.'

They sat in silence for a moment. Then her mom said softly, 'Trying new things doesn’t mean forgetting who you are.'

Priya nodded, not sure if she agreed yet—but glad someone had said it aloud.

Questions

Q1: What is the central theme of the story?

  • A. Airplane rides can be boring without something to do.
  • B. Changing habits means becoming a different person.
  • C. Growing up involves exploring new things while holding onto your identity.
  • D. Parents always know what’s best for their children.

Q2: How does the author use the window as a symbol in the story?

  • A. To show that Priya likes sitting alone.
  • B. To represent her desire to escape.
  • C. To reflect Priya’s way of thinking and processing emotions.
  • D. To describe how fast the plane is flying.

Q3: Which sentence best shows that Priya is feeling unsure about herself?

  • A. 'Whether it was a school bus or a family car, the window offered her a place to think.'
  • B. 'She liked watching the trees blur past and the clouds shift shapes in the sky.'
  • C. 'She was wondering—about high school, about who she was becoming, and about the things that used to feel simple but didn’t anymore.'
  • D. 'Priya hesitated, then said, "Same."'

Q4: What does Priya’s change from apple juice to orange juice suggest?

  • A. She forgot what she usually drinks.
  • B. She wanted to match her mom.
  • C. She is experimenting with new preferences as part of growing up.
  • D. She dislikes apple juice now.

Q5: What tone does the author use in this passage?

  • A. Humorous and playful
  • B. Serious and reflective
  • C. Angry and confrontational
  • D. Distant and uncaring

Q6: Why is the final sentence important to the story?

  • A. It shows Priya was upset with her mother.
  • B. It reveals Priya’s deep love of flying.
  • C. It shows that Priya is beginning to process what her mother said about identity.
  • D. It suggests Priya will ask for apple juice next time.

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: What is the central theme of the story?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: Priya’s small decisions and thoughts reflect her inner conflict about change and identity, which her mother gently addresses.

Q2: How does the author use the window as a symbol in the story?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: Priya often looks out windows when she needs to think, showing that the window represents her introspective nature.

Q3: Which sentence best shows that Priya is feeling unsure about herself?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: This sentence reveals that Priya is questioning herself and her future, highlighting her uncertainty.

Q4: What does Priya’s change from apple juice to orange juice suggest?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: Her choice shows she is exploring changes in herself, even in small ways, like trying a new drink.

Q5: What tone does the author use in this passage?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The author uses calm, thoughtful language and internal dialogue to explore Priya’s reflective mindset.

Q6: Why is the final sentence important to the story?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The final sentence reflects that Priya may not fully understand or accept the idea yet, but she’s thinking about it, which marks emotional growth.