What is the theme of the passage? (It is the night of the annual parent-teacher conference in school. Sara is a new student in class and is nervous about how her mother and
teacher will interact. Sara enters the classroom with her mother ahead of her. Sara nervously holds on to her mother's hand as Mrs. Blake,
Sara's teacher, spots them and stands up to greet her mother.)
MRS. BLAKE: How do you do, Mrs. Parker? It's nice to finally meet you.
MRS. PARKER: It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Blake. Sara spoke highly of you.
(Sara looks at her teacher shyly, her face turning red with embarrassment Mrs. Blake smiles ar Sara.)
MRS. BLAKE: Thank you, Sara. That is very kind of you. Mrs. Parker, I would like to talk to you about your daughter,
(Sara appears nervous at this comment She begins fidgeting with her hands and looks away. Her mother notices this nervous behavior)
MRS. PARKER: Is there something wrong? Has she done something wrong in class?
MRS. BLAKE: Of course not. I am glad to have a well-behaved student like Sara in my class. Her grades are quite good. However, I believe if
she tries harder, she can make the honor roll
MRS. PARKER: She ist misbehaving?
MRS. BLAKE: Not at all. She is a sincere and dedicated student. That's why I know she can be on the honor roll this semester
MRS. PARKER: I'm so glad to hear that. It is wonderful to hear my daughter being praised by her teacher, Sara, wouldn't you like to thank
Mrs. Blake?
(Sara looks up at her teacher in surprise. Mrs. Blake simply smiles at her, and soon Sara's face breaks into a wide grin.)
SARA: Thank you so much, Mrs. Blake, I was really nervous about what you had to say. But after hearing your praise, I want to work harder
to improve my grades. Trust me, Mrs. Blake. I won't let you down
(Mrs. Blake shuffles her papers and looks happy)