Reading and writing practice test 2, Grades 8–9 — question 28 of 43

Read the paragraph. Then answer the question.

The Mile

The first time Isaac tried to run a mile without stopping, he made it only halfway. He kept training every morning before school, even when it was cold. On some mornings his legs ached so much that he had to walk the last few blocks home. By spring, he could run three miles, and his coach praised his ________.

Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

Which word best completes the blank in the paragraph? By spring, he could run three miles, and his coach praised his ________.

You can move on without answering. Unanswered questions are counted as wrong.