The Invisible Barrier

Lexile: 950 | Grade: 8

Passage

Jasmine sat at her usual table in the library during lunch, her nose buried in a thick novel. Around her, conversations buzzed, but she remained a silent observer. She didn’t mind being alone—it gave her space to think, to read, to breathe.

Then one day, a new student, Mateo, wandered into the library looking lost. He scanned the room and hesitated before walking over to her table. 'Mind if I sit here?' he asked.

Jasmine looked up, surprised. 'Sure,' she replied, moving her bag aside. They sat in silence at first, Jasmine reading, Mateo sketching in a notebook. But gradually, small conversations began to fill the quiet space. Mateo asked about the book she was reading; Jasmine asked about his drawings.

Over the next few weeks, their lunchtime ritual became routine. Word spread, and others started joining their table—first a shy poetry enthusiast, then a girl who composed music on her phone, then a boy who coded video games. Their table, once silent, now hummed with creativity and acceptance.

Jasmine realized something unexpected: by allowing someone in, she hadn’t lost her solitude—she had expanded it to include others who had been invisible, just like she once was.

Questions

Q1: How does Jasmine's perspective on solitude change throughout the story?

  • A. She realizes solitude is overrated and prefers large groups.
  • B. She learns that solitude and connection can coexist.
  • C. She decides she no longer enjoys reading alone.
  • D. She becomes uncomfortable with being alone after meeting Mateo.

Q2: What is the main connection between the two passages?

  • A. They both describe the importance of academic success.
  • B. They both discuss the role of teachers in encouraging social bonds.
  • C. They both highlight how inclusion begins with small acts that can lead to broader change.
  • D. They both focus on the challenges of moving to a new school.

Q3: Which quote from the fictional passage best illustrates the theme of inclusion?

  • A. 'Jasmine sat at her usual table in the library during lunch, her nose buried in a thick novel.'
  • B. 'They sat in silence at first, Jasmine reading, Mateo sketching in a notebook.'
  • C. 'Their table, once silent, now hummed with creativity and acceptance.'
  • D. 'Mateo asked about the book she was reading; Jasmine asked about his drawings.'

Q4: What does the word 'dismantle' most likely mean in the nonfiction passage?

  • A. Build up or create
  • B. Remove or take apart
  • C. Strengthen or reinforce
  • D. Confuse or disguise

Q5: What central message do both passages communicate about social behavior in school settings?

  • A. Being alone is preferable to interacting with others.
  • B. Creativity is the key to making friends.
  • C. One person's decision to be inclusive can transform a social environment.
  • D. Students should avoid routine and seek new experiences daily.

Printable Comprehension Practice

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: How does Jasmine's perspective on solitude change throughout the story?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: Jasmine initially values her solitude but finds that sharing it with others doesn't take away from her peace—it enhances it.

Q2: What is the main connection between the two passages?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: Both passages emphasize how small actions—like letting someone sit with you or starting a conversation—can lead to a more inclusive environment.

Q3: Which quote from the fictional passage best illustrates the theme of inclusion?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: This line shows how the once-isolated space became a welcoming place for a diverse group of students.

Q4: What does the word 'dismantle' most likely mean in the nonfiction passage?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: In context, 'dismantle the invisible barriers' means to remove or take apart the things that separate people.

Q5: What central message do both passages communicate about social behavior in school settings?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The theme in both texts is that inclusion can begin with one person and ripple out to positively affect a whole group.