HSA 2008 English Item 45

Read the story “Winter Hibiscus.” Then answer the following item.

Read the last paragraph of the story.

When they come back, Saeng vowed silently to herself, in the spring,when the snows melt and the geese return and this hibiscus is budding, then I will take that test again.

Write a response that explains why the author concludes the story with this paragraph. In your response, include details and examples from the story that support your ideas.

Use the space on page __ in your Answer Book for planning your response. Then write your response on the lines on page __.