Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• According to the article, why can making your bed increase happiness? (Text Evidence)
Therapist Marline Francois-Madden says that making your bed is important because it’s part of how you start your day. The simple task can help people organize their space and feel more productive. Emmanuella says the habit improved her mood, and Daniel says he liked accomplishing a task first thing.
• How did the happiness challenge affect Emmanuella Agyemang and Daniel Espinoza? (Cause and Effect)
Emmanuella says the challenge helped her focus on parts of her life other than school, which was sometimes making her feel tired or grumpy. Daniel says the challenge helped him feel happier because he noticed that other people’s days were also improving when he gave people compliments or saw his mom was happy about him making his bed.
• Which of the five challenges do you think might be most likely to increase your happiness? Why? (Evaluating Ideas)
Sample response: I think the fourth challenge—to get at least 10 minutes of physical activity—might be most likely to increase my happiness. According to the article, moving around produces endorphins, which can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and help people get better sleep. Working to build physical activity into my day might also help me try new activities or spend time with friends.