The Scholarship Jacket Summary Class 7 English Oxford

Key Points of the Story

• Marta Salinas, a straight-A student, expects to win the prestigious scholarship jacket awarded to the class valedictorian.
• Financial constraints prevent Marta from participating in sports, making the scholarship jacket her sole opportunity for recognition.
• Marta overhears a conversation between her teachers debating whether she deserves the jacket, revealing a potential unfair advantage for another student.
• The principal informs Marta of a policy change requiring a $15 fee for the jacket, jeopardizing her chances of receiving it.
• Marta seeks financial assistance from her grandfather, who, understanding the true value of the jacket, refuses to pay the fee.
• Despite initial setbacks, the principal eventually makes an exception for Marta, granting her the scholarship jacket.

Detailed Summary

Martha, a diligent student since the first grade, had her eyes set on this jacket. Raised by her grandparents due to financial constraints at home, Martha's family couldn't afford the expenses related to school sports, making this scholarship jacket her sole chance at recognition. As graduation approached, the school was gripped by spring fever, with students eagerly counting down the days. One day, Martha overheard a conversation between her history teacher, Mr. Schmidt, and her math teacher, Mr. Boone. They were debating whether Martha deserved the jacket or if it should go to another student, Joann. Martha was taken aback by this revelation and felt a mix of shock and disappointment. 

The next day, the principal informed Martha that a new policy required a payment of fifteen dollars for the jacket, a cost her family couldn't afford. Heartbroken, Martha approached her grandfather for help. She explained the situation, hoping he would provide the money. However, her grandfather, after understanding the significance of the jacket, decided not to pay, emphasizing that true recognition should not be purchased. 

Confronted with this decision, Martha faced the principal, who, after some internal struggle, agreed to make an exception for her, granting her the coveted scholarship jacket. Overwhelmed with joy, Martha shared the news with her grandfather, who silently expressed his pride and support. In the end, Martha learned the value of integrity and hard work, realizing that true recognition comes from dedication and merit, not material possessions. 

With a renewed sense of gratitude and understanding, Martha embraced the honor of wearing the scholarship jacket, symbolizing her years of effort and perseverance. Through this touching story, we see Martha's journey towards self-realization and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of challenges and unexpected changes.

Theme/ Message

Themes:

• Hard work and dedication
• Financial struggles and sacrifices
• Moral integrity and honesty
• Generosity and family values
• Social inequality and fairness

Message:

• Success is not just about grades but also about integrity and perseverance.
• Family support and values are crucial in times of adversity.
• True achievements cannot be measured solely by material possessions.
• Equality and fairness should prevail, even in the face of challenges.

Difficult Words

• Valedictorian: The student with the highest academic achievement in a class.
• Absent-mindedly: Doing something without full attention or awareness.
• Eavesdrop: Secretly listen to a conversation.
• Falsify: To alter or manipulate something to deceive.
• Dignity: The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
• Adrenalin: A hormone that prepares the body for intense physical activity.
• Exception: A special case that does not follow the usual rule.
• Perseverance: Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
• Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
• Adversity: Difficulties or misfortune.
• Coveted: Greatly desired or envied.
• Generosity: The quality of being kind and generous.
• Inequality: Lack of equality or fairness.
• Moral: Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior.