text:
Bad things happen to good people, and bad credit is sometimes one of them. It can be a pain: A poor credit score makes it tougher to get approved for credit cards and loans. And when you are approved, the interest rates are sky high.

So for those of you with bad credit, it’s no surprise if you’ve written off becoming a homeowner. But don’t give up just yet. It is possible to get a mortgage with bad credit.

What Is Considered Bad Credit When Buying A House?

“Bad credit” can mean different things depending on whom you ask. That’s because you actually have dozens of credit scores, all of which vary depending on the credit bureau and scoring model. However, your FICO score is what’s used by 90 percent of lenders when making decisions.

According to credit reporting agency Experian, this is how FICO credit scores break down:

-   800 or higher: Exceptional

-   740-799: Very good

-   670-739: Good

-   580-669: Fair

-   579 or lower: Very poor

Experian notes that those who fall into the “fair” range are considered to be subprime borrowers. That means they represent a higher risk to lenders and, in general, are going to be subject to higher interest rates and fees when borrowing money. A score under 580 means your credit is in pretty rough shape and there’s a good chance you won’t be approved for a loan at all.

When it comes to what’s considered bad credit by mortgage lenders, it varies. Different lenders have different underwriting standards, and credit scores can play a bigger or smaller role in your overall approval chances depending on other factors, such as income, assets and the property you’re financing.

Typically, however, you’ll experience some friction if your score is between 620 and 740, according to Yves-Marc Courtines, a certified financial planner and former mortgage banker who now runs Boundless Advice in Manhattan Beach, California. He said a score in this range can result in a slightly higher interest rate, having to paymortgage points or being restricted in how much you can borrow.

A credit score of 620 is considered the cutoff for getting a mortgage from traditional lenders.

“Buying a home with poor or bad credit is an option, but you may need to go through lenders of unconventional means,” said Abel Soares III, a former loan officer who is now a certified financial planner and CEO of Hui Malama Advisors in Honolulu. “This means that you may have to go through private lending or mortgage brokers and not your local bank.”

Bad Credit Mortgage Lending Options

Soares noted that with mortgages through private lenders (which include individual investors and “hard money” lenders that often finance individual properties), the interest rate for a borrower with bad credit will be higher and the minimum down payment will likely be heftier. “Keep in mind that if interest rates rise, you will be stuck with the existing mortgage and rate, so you want to make sure that you can afford the payment for the long haul,” he said. However, it might be better to rehab your credit score and refinance at a lower rate in the future. If you had to accept a prepayment penalty on the loan, check that the terms don’t make a refi even more expensive. Also, watch for “creative” loan structures that can saddle you with unaffordable payments after the first few years.

You might also be subject to stricter underwriting standards, which are the lender’s requirements to prove you qualify for the loan.

“There are often different underwriting guidelines, and the lenders may have you submit documentation different than your standard mortgage application,” Soares explained. In other words, be prepared to jump through a few more hoops if your credit is fair or very poor.

But private lenders aren’t your only options. Here’s a look at what else you can do to get approved for a mortgage with bad credit.

Give Government-Backed Loans A Shot

According to Courtines, a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is probably your best bet if your credit score is under 620. In fact, even with a score as low as 580, you can qualify for an FHA mortgage with as little as 3.5 percent down. If your score is lower than that, you’ll be required to put at least 10 percent down. The credit score cutoff for FHA loans is 500.

However, there are a couple of downsides. FHA loans require you to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75 percent of loan value, plus monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums of 0.45 to 1.05 percent of the loan value. If you put less than 10 percent down, you have to pay PMI for the duration of the loan. Plus, the loan amount is capped at $679,650.

If you’re a service member or veteran, you might qualify for a VA loan. According to Courtines, VA mortgage lenders typically require a credit score of at least 620, but it is possible to find some that will accept a 580. VA loans don’t require a down payment, but you do have to pay a funding fee, typically 2.15 percent of the loan value. Most loans are capped at $453,100.

Make Up For Bad Credit With More Cash

Since a low credit score is a sign to lenders that you’re a riskier borrower, offsetting some of that risk can help increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage. One way to do that is to offer up a bigger down payment.

According to a National Association of Realtors study from December 2016 to November 2017, 61 percent of first-time homebuyers put down 6 percent or less. But offering 20 percent or more will put enough of your own skin in the game that a lender might decide to lend to you despite your less-than-great credit. Plus, with more money down, you’ll enjoy lower monthly payments and won’t have to pay for private mortgage insurance.

Lower Your DTI

Another factor lenders consider is your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. This figure represents how much of your income goes to monthly debt obligations, such as credit card, student loan and car loan payments.

The lower your DTI, the better, since you’ll have more income available to handle a mortgage payment. Usually, lenders require a DTI of 43 percent or less, though 36 percent is ideal. If you have bad credit, a low DTI ratio might make you a more attractive borrower. You can lower your DTI by either increasing your income or paying off some debt (or both).

Enlist A Co-signer

If you have a close family member or friend with good credit, you could consider having them co-sign the loan. A co-signer essentially lets you use their good credit to get approved ― but it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly.

Though the mortgage would be in your name, your co-signer would be equally on the hook for payments. So if you missed a mortgage payment, their credit would take a hit. If for some reason you decided to stop paying your mortgage, the lender could go after your co-signer for the money. Obviously, working with a co-signer requires a trusting relationship ― one that could be broken if you don’t handle your mortgage loan responsibly.

Consider Doing This Instead

Sometimes taking out a mortgage under less-than-ideal circumstances is the only way to get your foot in the door, so to speak. But, if you can, consider waiting and repairing your credit first.

“Over the years, working hard to improve... credit has yielded great returns for individual clients,” said Courtines. With good credit, you can save yourself the cost of higher interest rates and less favorable terms. It might seem like a lot of work now, but it can save you thousands in the long run.

[]

Pinterest Home Trends 2018

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What are the disadvantages of having a credit score of less than 669?

answer: Your financial credibility is already in jeopardy and below 580, things become even more difficult to get approved for loans.

text: A credit score of less than 669 is seen as a fair rating and you are seen as a subprime borrower by lenders. This means you have a higher risk leading to higher interest rates and fees. Include this information in the response.

refinement: Your financial credibility is already in jeopardy, your credit rating is seen as 'fair'. You are seen as a subprime borrower by lenders which pose a higher risk and may lead to higher interest rates and fees. Below 580, things become even more difficult to get approved for loans.

answer: Poor credit makes it harder to get approved for loans, including mortgages. As a result, you're likely to face higher interest rates and fees, as well as stricter underwriting standards. You might also have to put down a larger down payment and pay higher monthly premiums on mortgage insurance. Additionally, a low credit score could negatively impact your co-signer. Overall, you'll likely face a host of disadvantages if your credit score is less than 669.

text: A credit score between 580 and 669 is seen as a fair rating, a credit score below 580 is seen as very poor. Change the first part of the response to reflect this distinction.

refinement: A fair credit score of between 580 and 669 make it harder to get approved for loans, including mortgages. As a result, you're likely to face higher interest rates and fees, as well as stricter underwriting standards. You might also have to put down a larger down payment and pay higher monthly premiums on mortgage insurance. Additionally, a low credit score could negatively impact your co-signer. Overall, you'll likely face a host of disadvantages if your credit score is less than 669.

text: Remove the portions of the response that specifically relate to options if your credit score is below 620.

refinement: A fair credit score of between 580 and 669 make it harder to get approved for loans, including mortgages. As a result, you're likely to face higher interest rates and fees. Overall, you'll likely face a host of disadvantages if your credit score is less than 669.

answer: The primary disadvantage of having a credit score below 669 is that you will be subject to higher interest rates and may not be approved for a loan at all. This means you may need to go through private lenders or mortgage brokers instead of your local bank. You may also be subject to stricter underwriting standards and higher monthly payments due to higher interest rates and mortgage insurance.

text: Remove the final two sentences that apply to a credit rating lower than 620 and not 669 as in the question.

refinement: The primary disadvantage of having a credit score below 669 is that you will be subject to higher interest rates and may not be approved for a loan at all.

text: A credit rating below 669 is seen as a 'fair' rating, a subprime borrower with a higher risk to lenders. Include this description in the response.

refinement: The primary disadvantage of having a fair credit score below 669 is that you are seen as a subprime borrower with a higher risk to lenders. You will be subject to higher interest rates and fees and may not be approved for a loan at all.

text: Those with a score under 580 have a good chance of not having their application for a loan approved at all. Change the final part of the last sentence to include information on those with a very poor credit rating.

refinement: The primary disadvantage of having a fair credit score below 669 is that you are seen as a subprime borrower with a higher risk to lenders. You will be subject to higher interest rates and fees. Those with a very poor score of less than 580 may not be approved for a loan at all.

answer: According to the author, those who have intermediate to low credit scores are considered a higher risk to lenders and, as such, are subjected to higher interest rates and fees when borrowing money.

text: 580 to 669 is seen as a 'fair' rating. Those with a very poor credit score below 580 will have getting a loan at all. Change 'intermediate to low' to 'fair to very poor' and add the information on the credit score be low 580.

refinement: According to the author, those who have fair to very poor credit scores are considered a higher risk to lenders and, as such, are subjected to higher interest rates and fees when borrowing money. Those with a very poor credit rating have a very good chance of not being approved for a loan at all.

answer: Those with scores between 580 and 669 have a fair credit rating. They are sub-prime, representing a higher risk, and will have to py higher interest rates and additional fees. Those with credit scores of less than 580 will probably not qualify for a loan at all.

text: Correct 'py' to 'pay'.

refinement: Those with scores between 580 and 669 have a fair credit rating. They are sub-prime, representing a higher risk, and will have to pay higher interest rates and additional fees. Those with credit scores of less than 580 will probably not qualify for a loan at all.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What are the options for people with a score of 620 or less?

answer: A score of 620 to 740 can lead to a slightly higher interest rate

text: Remove the current response, the question specifically asks for information for a credit score of 620 or less.

text: Consider the following options when your credit score is below 620: Lending through private lenders or mortgage brokers and not your local bank, try a government-backed loan through the Federal Housing Administration or Veteran's Association, use cash to offset the risk, lower your DTI or get a co-signer with a good credit score. The last, and preferred, option would be to improve your credit score before getting a loan. Include these options in the response.

refinement: Consider the following options when your credit score is below 620: Lending through private lenders or mortgage brokers and not your local bank, try a government-backed loan through the Federal Housing Administration or Veteran's Association, use cash to offset the risk, lower your DTI or get a co-signer with a good credit score. The last, and preferred, option would be to improve your credit score before getting a loan.

answer: The options available to those with a score of 620 or less will vary depending on what type of mortgage they are considering, but they generally have few choices. Typically, these borrowers will be more likely to qualify for an FHA loan and will pay higher interest rates and/or have to put a larger down payment down. However, in some cases private lenders are also an option. A DTI under 36 percent can help make a borrower more attractive to lenders. Lastly, a co-signer can also help but comes with some risk.

answer: Federal government-backed loans.

text: In addition to the option in the response the following options exist when your credit score is below 620: Lending through private lenders or mortgage brokers and not your local bank, use cash to offset the risk, lower your DTI or get a co-signer with a good credit score. The last, and preferred, option would be to improve your credit score before getting a loan. Include these options in the response.

refinement: Federal government-backed loans, lending through private lenders or mortgage brokers, use cash to offset the risk, lower your DTI or get a co-signer for your loan. The preferred option, however, is to improve your credit score before getting credit.

answer: If your credit score is 620 or lower, your best bet for getting approved for a mortgage is likely a loan through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) with a down payment of at least 3.5 percent. Additionally, you will likely have to be more meticulous about your debt-to-income ratio and find a co-signer to help offset risk.

text: Add lending through private lenders or mortgage brokers and not your local bank or use cash to offset the risk to the response. Also the last, and preferred, option would be to improve your credit score before getting a loan.

refinement: If your credit score is 620 or lower, your best bet for getting approved for a mortgage is likely a loan through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) with a down payment of at least 3.5 percent. Additionally, you will likely have to be more meticulous about your debt-to-income ratio and find a co-signer to help offset risk. Another option is to lend through a private lender or mortgage broker, but the preferred option is to improve your credit score before getting a loan.

answer: If you have a credit score of 620 or less you may have to approach a private lender because a traditional bank won't assist. Private lenders charge higher interest. You may also have to put down a bigger down payment to mitigate risk. yOu may have to complete a lot more paperwork to fit in with the administrative requirements of the private lender.

text: Consider the following options when your credit score is below 620: Try a government-backed loan through the Federal Housing Administration or Veteran's Association, lower your DTI or get a co-signer with a good credit score. The last, and preferred, option would be to improve your credit score before getting a loan. Include these options in the response.

refinement: If you have a credit score of 620 or less you may have to approach a private lender because a traditional bank won't assist. Private lenders charge higher interest. Another option to look into is government-backed loans through the Federal Housing Administration or Veteran's Association. You may also have to put down a bigger down payment, lower your DTI or get a co-signer to mitigate risk. The last, and preferred, option would be to improve your credit score before getting a loan. yOu may have to complete a lot more paperwork to fit in with the administrative requirements of the private lender.

text: Remove the final sentence of the response, because it does not address the question.

refinement: If you have a credit score of 620 or less you may have to approach a private lender because a traditional bank won't assist. Private lenders charge higher interest. Another option to look into is government-backed loans through the Federal Housing Administration or Veteran's Association. You may also have to put down a bigger down payment, lower your DTI or get a co-signer to mitigate risk. The last, and preferred, option would be to improve your credit score before getting a loan.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

How should you aim to mitigate the high-interest rates going forward

answer: In order to avoid further toxic interest, you should work hard to improve your credit scores. Native contributions, establishing a savings record, not living extravagantly could all help.

answer:
if your credit score is low?

Firstly, consider your options. One option is to apply for a government-backed loan through the Federal Housing Administration, which will likely require a credit score of at least 620. However, if interest rates rise in the future and you decide to refinance in order to get a better interest rate, this could backfire.

Therefore, another possible solution to mitigate high-interest rates is to lower your DTI by either increasing your income or paying off debt. This might require a difficult choice, as earning more income might not be possible, and paying off debt requires commitment and effort. But, in the long run, this could have a positive impact on your interest rates and improve your ability to become a homeowner.

text: Remove the first part of the response because its purpose is to complete the question.

refinement:
Firstly, consider your options. One option is to apply for a government-backed loan through the Federal Housing Administration, which will likely require a credit score of at least 620. However, if interest rates rise in the future and you decide to refinance in order to get a better interest rate, this could backfire.

Therefore, another possible solution to mitigate high-interest rates is to lower your DTI by either increasing your income or paying off debt. This might require a difficult choice, as earning more income might not be possible, and paying off debt requires commitment and effort. But, in the long run, this could have a positive impact on your interest rates and improve your ability to become a homeowner.

text: Neither government-backed loan not DTI is shown in the article to mitigate higher interest rate, although it can be seen to improve your chances to get approved for a loan if your credit score is poor. Remove the paragraph relating to DTI and of government-backed loan from the response because it does not relate to the question.

text: The best option to mitigate higher interest rates is to improve your credit rating. In the long term you can save yourself the cost of higher interest rates and less favorable terms. Include this in the response.

refinement: The best option to mitigate higher interest rates is to improve your credit rating. In the long term you can save yourself the cost of higher interest rates and less favorable terms.

answer: If you have had to take a mortgage from private lenders at a higher rate, you should plan to rehabilitate your credit rating and then refinance your mortgage. It is advisable to ensure that the prepayment penalty is not so high that a refinance is too expensive. Also, make sure that the loan structures are manageable in the future.

answer:
if you have bad credit?

When you have bad credit, you should focus on ways to improve your credit score so you can qualify for more competitive loan terms in the future. This way, you can save yourself money in the long run by selecting a mortgage with a lower interest rate. Some possibilities include saving more money for a larger down payment, lowering your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and finding a co-signer.

text: Remove the first part of the response because its purpose is to complete the question.

refinement: When you have bad credit, you should focus on ways to improve your credit score so you can qualify for more competitive loan terms in the future. This way, you can save yourself money in the long run by selecting a mortgage with a lower interest rate. Some possibilities include saving more money for a larger down payment, lowering your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and finding a co-signer.

answer: looking to mitigate increasing expenditure while increasing income is the best way!

text: Capitalize the first letter of the sentence.

refinement: Looking to mitigate increasing expenditure while increasing income is the best way!

text: Do what the response suggests with the aim of repairing your credit rating. This will mitigate high interest rates and save a lot of money in the long term. Include this in the response.

refinement: Looking to mitigate increasing expenditure while increasing income is the best way to repair your credit rating and get a better interest rate and more favorable terms.


split: train

text:
The streetlights cast a forlorn light over the man, trudging slowly through the alleyway. His well-tailored suit, pristine shoes and immaculately coiffured hair gave the impression of success. The buildings on either side of the road loomed over him, their iron-shuttered shopfronts grinning at the man as he strode ever onward.  His colleagues called him arrogant, his CV talked of a “driven and determined personality”. He was Lucius Green, millionaire banker, tax avoider, and owner of the 3rd largest collection of Lamborghinis in the world. He didn’t like this part of town, he thought, as he zipped up his designer coat and looked warily over his shoulder.

“Save yourself!, for the day of the brother is almost upon us!”

A crazed and bedraggled old man shuffled up to Lucius, his eyes darting around inside his head like ants in a Petri dish. He was wearing nothing more than rags.

“Pardon?” Lucius answered, maintaining politeness while trying hard not to spit in the old fool’s face. He didn’t have time for this.

“The alignment has begun! Those in rags shall be saved, kings shall be overthrown! The riches of nations will turn to ruin! There will be no greater day than the day of the brother!”

The man began to shriek, flecks of phlegm hitting Lucius’ priceless clothing. “heed my words!” he screamed. Spooked, the banker began to run. He hailed a taxi and was back in the leafy womb of Knightsbridge, or “civilization” as he called it, in no time.

Lucius woke up and lazily pawed through his smartphone’s news app.  It was the usual mix of tragedy in the Middle East and governmental incompetence at home. But something caught his eye.

“Reports are surfacing that the King of Tonga, Tupou VI, has been deposed and killed at his extravagant palace by a mob of dissidents. Their motive remains unknown.”

*Kings shall be overthrown…*

A coincidence, surely. Lucius put down his phone and rolled out of bed. Another long day of making millions in the City awaited him, and all of it would go straight to his offshore account in…

“Tonga…” he said aloud.

*The riches of nations will turn to ruin…*

Another coincidence, surely.

Lucius strolled through the marble and glass hallways of his building, and was at his desk in seconds. He checked his email, informing him of his ever-larger bank balance.

Life was good.

Until the phone rang.

“Mr Green, I am calling from Brother Capital. It seems that due to the unforeseen circumstances in Tonga, your account has been frozen, and therefore you will not be able to use any of your assets”

The man down the line had a grey, monotonous voice. He was not someone to start an argument with.

Lucius slowly put down the phone.

*The riches of nations will turn to ruin….*

Did the old man have a point?

Brother Capital…

“Don’t be such a bloody fool!” Lucius barked at himself. Today was one of those days better spent on the deck of your yacht.

He was just unlucky that his account got frozen because of some political unrest in some unfathomably hot corner of the world… was he? He shook his head and turned on Bloomberg.

The colour red hit him first. Red arrows, pointing down, all across the bottom of the screen. His eyes widened in disbelief. The news anchor was frantic, trying to keep up with collapsing stocks across the world. NASDAQ, FTSE, DAX… all plummeting.

A single bead of sweat rolled down Lucius’ face. This was terminal. He had £60 million invested across the world, he was never going to get it all back…

Was there a way out?

*Those in rags shall be saved…*

*The riches of nations will turn to ruin…*

“He was right!”  “He was right!” Lucius sprinted out of the room, knocking two interns out of the way with frantic force. He spilled out of the building and onto the road, still screaming at the top of his lungs. He tore at his Ralph Lauren shirt and proclaimed to the sky:

“Save yourself! For the day of the brother is upon us!”

He was at once accosted by an angry taxi driver.

“You don’t understand! You’ll never understand!, It’s all over! The day is upon us!”

The ragged banker turned, and sprinted down an alleyway.

Daily Telegraph -6/4/13

**Stock Glitch Terrifies World**

A glitch in the international stock exchange system terrified the world’s bankers, and left many people believing they were destitute, it has emerged. The glitch, which lasted for two hours yesterday afternoon, saw stocks fall by 40% worldwide. The glitch is believed to be connected to various ‘hacktivist’ groups across the Internet. The IMF has assured the world that no money has been lost, and the current status of the world economy is one of “normality”.

The Times – 9/4/13

**Still No Sign Of Missing Banker**

THE missing banker, Lucius Green, has still not been found. Green went missing from the offices of RF Bank, in the City, during the technological meltdown that occurred on the 3rd of this month. Green is described as being approximately 180cm tall, with dark brown hair. His family has appealed for any information regarding his whereabouts.

Ealing Gazette – 17/9/13

**Mysterious “Brother” Graffiti Blights Local Community**

POLICE are appealing for information regarding the wave of vandalism that has occurred across the borough. The graffiti, which has been daubed on shop fronts and walls, speaks of “The day of the brother” and “the riches of nations will be lost”. Such vandalism carries a heavy sentence, and the Gazette wishes the Metropolitan Police the best of luck in catching the perpetrator.

title: The Day of the Brother

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize the plot twist in this story.

answer: Timed with the "glitch" on the stock exchange that caused stocks to lose 40% of their value, Lucius Green had disappeared, and graffiti on the community walls mentioned "The day of the brother".

text: The facts are all there but the sentence is incoherent.

refinement: A man rages tells Lucius Green, a very rich man, that the rich will lose everything. It troubles him a little and then he sees that the stock markets are all tumbling. Now it troubles him a lot and he disappears. What he doesn't know is that the apparent loss of billions of dollars is caused by a computer glitch.

answer: Lucius is a banker who is warned by a mysterious man that the apocalypse is upon them. Nonplussed, Lucius opens his phone to discover a crash has rendered his millions of dollars unrecoverable-perhaps permanently. He freaks out and runs off. Then, as the subsequent news articles note, it turned out that there had been a glitch and the markets did not dip so suddenly and dramatically. There was no reason for Lucius to flip on and flee.

answer: On the third of this month, a glitch broke the international stock exchange. The missing millionaire banker, Lucius Green, goes missing during the meltdown. Several days later, mysterious graffiti labelled "the day of the brother" is seen throughout the community.

text: The critique fails to cover the reason Lucius Green's disappearance.

refinement: On the third of this month, a glitch broke the international stock exchange. The missing millionaire banker, Lucius Green, goes missing during the meltdown. He had seen graffiti that forecast that the rich would lose everything. Not realizing that the sudden dip in the value of stocks was temporary, he assumed that he couldn't recover his millions.

text: Superfluous word

refinement: On the third of this month, a glitch broke the international stock exchange. The millionaire banker, Lucius Green, goes missing during the meltdown. An old man had warned him that the rich would lose everything. Not realizing that the sudden dip in the value of stocks was temporary, he assumed that the prophecy had come true and he couldn't recover his millions.

answer: The protagonist, Lucius Green, is a rich and satisfied banker, until he is financially impacted by a stock glitch. The old man he meets in an alleyway then tells him that kingdoms will be overthrown and riches will turn to ruin. Shortly after this, the stocks exchanges worldwide collapse, and Green feels as though he is responsible. He disappears, and months later the streets are filled with graffiti talking about the "day of the brother."

text: Green doesn't feel responsible.

refinement: The protagonist, Lucius Green, is a rich and satisfied banker until he is financially impacted by a stock glitch. The old man he meets in an alleyway then tells him that kingdoms will be overthrown and riches will turn to ruin. Shortly after this, the stocks exchanges worldwide collapse. Green disappears, and months later the streets are filled with graffiti talking about the "day of the brother."

answer: Lucius thinks he lucked out of losing millions, but the twist is that he was wrong the entire time and that all of his stocks are lost. He goes missing after the fact.

text: Lucius' stocks are not all lost, neither does he think that he lucked out of losing millions.

refinement: Lucius thinks he has lost millions, but the twist is that he was wrong the entire time and the money is all still there. He goes missing before the glitch is discovered.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What is the moral of this story?

answer: The moral of the story is that predictions and warnings can be dangerous if ignored. The actions of an old man warned Lucius of an impending disaster, and his investments were consequently ruined. The fact that the predictions of the old man have come true should serve as a wake-up call for the complacent rich who ignore warnings. The moral of this story is that preparations must be made for worst-case scenarios, and one must always be prepared for the day of the brother.

text: The critique has got the moral completely wrong.

refinement: The moral of the story is that we shouldn't allow superstition and greed to get in the way of common sense. If Lucius Green hadn't taken drastic action based on the words of a ranting old man, he would quickly have found out that the drop in stocks was a glitch.

answer: When you feel pressured, be open to new ideas, even if they're seemingly wild.

text: It is true Lucius Green did feel pressured. However this answer doesn't tell the full story.

refinement: Don't allow superstition and greed to interfere with your common sense. Think before you take drastic action.

answer: The moral of the story is that sometimes fortune is unpredictable, and a crisis can come out of nowhere and ruin everything. Despite outward appearances, it is possible for even the most successful of us to be destroyed without warning. Therefore, it is important to always be prepared for both good and bad fortune.

text: This answer misses the point that greed and superstition drove Lucius Green to act rashly.

refinement: The moral of the story is that one should not allow superstition and greed to disrupt common sense and logical thinking.

answer: Considering Lucius' dramatic reaction to one singular phone call, it would seem the moral is to not always believe what you see. Perhaps it is to not take things at face value. Lucius is particularly impressionable, and ends up losing everything because of his immense fear of losing everything. In the end, there is an indication that Lucius has come to share some of the same characteristics of the man who warned him-the man he had laughed off as "crazy".

answer: Get rich and make investments at your own peril.

text: Interesting thought but I don't think so. It misses the point

refinement: Don't let superstition and greed get in the way of common senses and logical thinking.


text:
(Salt Lake City, UT) – Safe Kids Utah urges parents and caregivers to make sure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed during National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 14-20.  Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States. “Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death in a crash by as much as 71 percent,” said Cambree Applegate, Safe Kids Utah Coordinator.

Car seat inspections offer drivers and caregivers the chance to get assistance and guidance from certified car seat technicians on how to properly install their child safety and booster seats.  “Car seats are complicated!” said Applegate. “But we know parents and caregivers want what is best for the ones they love, so taking just a few minutes to get your car seats checked is a simple way help keep children safe on the road.”

Free car seat checks will be held across Utah during National Child Passenger Safety Week.  Each event will have certified technicians on site to help parents ensure their seats are installed correctly. Technicians will also talk about steps to take as their child grows and best practices to make sure their child is as safe as possible while riding in the car.  Events will be held:

• Monday, Sept. 15 – Information booth from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wasatch High School (930 South 500 East, Heber)
• Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Car seat checkpoint from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hansen Motor Company (1175 South 500 West, Brigham City)
• Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Car seat checks and information booth from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of South Valley (244 East Myrtle Avenue, Murray)
• Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Car seat checkpoint from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Northwest Recreation Center (1300 West 300 North, Salt Lake City)
• Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Car seat checkpoint from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at High Country Auto
(275 North Main, Richfield)
• Thursday, Sept. 18 – Car seat checkpoint from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tooele City Library (123 West Vine Street, Tooele)
• Thursday, Sept. 18 – Car seat checkpoint from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Farmington Old Navy (270 North East Promontory, Farmington)
• Thursday, Sept. 18 – Car seat checkpoint from 2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Primary Children’s Riverton Outpatient Services (3773 West 12600 South, Riverton)
• Thursday, Sept. 18 – Car seat class from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at Utah County Health Department (151 South University Avenue, Suite 2601, Provo)
• Thursday, Sept. 18 – Car seat checks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wasatch County Health Department (55 South 500 East, Heber)
• Friday, Sept. 19 – Car seat checkpoint from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Ogden Costco (3656 Wall Avenue, Ogden)
• Saturday, Sept. 20 – Car seat checkpoint from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Park City Walmart (6545 North Landmark Drive, Park City)
• Saturday, Sept. 20 – Car seat checkpoint from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jordan Landing Old Navy (7113 Plaza Center Drive, West Jordan)
• Thursday, Sept. 25 – Car seat checkpoint from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Price Fire Station (87 North 200 East, Price)

For more information on child passenger safety and tips for keeping your kids safe while in the car, visit http://health.utah.gov/vipp.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about how to keep children safe in car seats?

answer: Information booths with certified car seat technicians will be present during the National Child Passenger Safety week to assist child car seat owners. Certified technicians onsite will not only install the car seats and booster seats well, they can also talk about the best practices to follow to make sure children are as safe as possible. The best practices include safety tips for older kids.  The words of those in the industry say that the more you are around for your kids, the better the chances of the car seat being well-installed. Individuals and not buying said car seats MUST HAVE proper installation of kids' car seats to keep them as safe as possible.

text: The last two sentences don't make sense or contribute much

refinement: Information booths with certified car seat technicians will be present during the National Child Passenger Safety week to assist child car seat owners. Certified technicians onsite will not only install the car seats and booster seats well, they can also talk about the best practices to follow to make sure children are as safe as possible. The best practices include safety tips for older kids.

answer: Safe Kids Utah urges parents and caregivers to make sure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed. Proper installation helps reduce the risk of death in crashes by up to 71 percent.  A good place to get help with installing the car seats is by going to a free car seat check. At these events, certified technicians will educate parents on how best to keep children safe while on the road.

answer: The text suggests that correctly installed child safety seats can reduce the risk of death in a crash by as much as 71 percent. Participants at various car seat checkpoints across Utah are provided with assistance and guidance from certified car seat technicians to help parents ensure their car seats are installed correctly. These checkpoints provide tips for keeping kids safe while in the car.

text: Replace "checkpoints" with "inspections"

refinement: The text suggests that correctly installed child safety seats can reduce the risk of death in a crash by as much as 71 percent. Participants at various car seat inspections across Utah are provided with assistance and guidance from certified car seat technicians to help parents ensure their car seats are installed correctly. These inspections provide tips for keeping kids safe while in the car.

answer: The text advises caregivers and drivers to correctly install car seats and booster seats in order to reduce the risk of death in a crash. Proper installation of these seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71%. Car seat inspections and car seat classes are offered during National Child Passenger Safety Week to provide assistance and guidance on ensuring correct installation.

answer: The car and boosters seats need to be installed properly. The seats can be checked by experts to ensure their safety.

text: Include information about how much the risk of death is reduced

refinement: The car and boosters seats need to be installed properly. Correctly used, child safety seats can reduce the risk of death in a crash by as much as 71 percent. The seats can be checked by experts to ensure their safety.


text:
DOMINICK A. PEZZULO (August 15, 1965 – September 11, 2001) was an Italian American Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD) officer who died in the September 11 attacks in lower Manhattan, New York City in 2001.[1] He was portrayed in the Oliver Stone movie _World Trade Center_ by Jay Hernandez.

In the early morning of September 11, he volunteered to assist PAPD Sergeant John McLoughlin with the rescue effort in the first World Trade Center building along with Officer Will Jimeno. After a brief overlook of the common area the floor shook as the South Tower collapsed just 56 minutes after being struck by United Airlines Flight 175. With only ten seconds defining the collapse from 110 floors to Ground Zero the men dashed for the elevator shaft. Only Pezzulo, McLoughlin and Jimeno would survive the initial hit. As he struggled to lift debris from Officer Jimeno, the North Tower collapsed, causing more rubble, concrete, steel and ash to fall on the already existing pile of rubble formed by the collapse of the South Tower. Pezzulo was pinned,[2] and in an effort to alert rescuers to their whereabouts, he fired a single shot into the air before dying.[3]

Early life

Dominick was born in Italy to Dino and Victoria Pezzulo. He was named after his grandfather Domenico Pezzulo. His nickname was Mimmo.

Pezzulo also returned to teach auto repair, math and computer technology.

After seven years as a teacher, Pezzulo became a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. He was stationed at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Pezzulo was on his new job for only 13 months when he received the urgent telephone call on September 11, 2001 about the attacks. He and other officers commandeered a city bus and raced downtown to the World Trade Center.[4] Dominick Pezzulo was 36 years old and had served with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department for 13 months. He is survived by his wife and two young children and a brother, Tony.

September 11 attacks

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Pezzulo and fellow officer and friend, Will Jimeno, were stationed at the entrances of a New York bus terminal. Upon learning of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the pair volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin in the rescue effort. They were joined by two other Port Authority police officers, Antonio Rodrigues and Chris Amoroso.[5]

The five officers were located in the concourse just outside the South Tower when at 9:59 A.M. the building collapse initiated. In the ten seconds it took for the collapse to reach ground zero McLoughlin, Pezzulo, and Jimeno were able to find cover in a nearby freight elevator and despite being trapped beneath the rubble, the trio survived the initial collapse. Amoroso and Rodrigues were unable to reach the elevator in time and both men were killed instantly.[6]

Of the surviving trio Pezzulo was the only one to avoid serious injury and was able to free himself from the position he was initially trapped in. Working in very cramped conditions he immediately set about trying to free Jimeno who was trapped by the legs nearby. Despite repeated attempts, the large piece of concrete that had pinned Jimeno was too much for Pezzulo to move by himself and at 10:28 A.M. the North Tower collapsed.[7] The collapse of the second tower triggered further settlement of the South Tower debris and Pezzulo became pinned beneath a falling concrete wall. Now mortally wounded, Officer Pezzulo fired a single shot from his Smith & Wesson 5946 9mm service weapon in an attempt to alert any nearby rescuers to the group's position beneath the rubble but died of his injuries shortly thereafter. Pezzulo's last words were: “Willie, don't forget. I died trying to save you guys.”

On September 9, 2005, all of the public safety officers killed on September 11, 2001, were posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by President George W. Bush.[8]

Legacy

In the film _World Trade Center_ by Oliver Stone, Pezzulo was portrayed by Jay Hernandez.

At the National 9/11 Memorial, Pezzulo is memorialized at the South Pool, on Panel S-29.[9] In his birthplace of Giano Vetusto, Italy, a plaque has been erected on the door of the house he grew up in.[10]

[1] “Remembering September 11, 2001: Dominick Pezzulo Obituary”. Legacy.com. Retrieved December 10, 2012.

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

title: Dominick Pezzulo

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize Dominick Pezzulo's early life.

answer: Dominick Pezzulo was born in Italy on August 15, 1965. He originally worked as a teacher before becoming a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department in 2001. On September 11, 2001, Pezzulo volunteered for the rescue effort at the World Trade Center and became trapped under falling rubble after the South Tower collapsed. Even though severely injured, Pezzulo fired a shot before dying in an effort to alert rescuers of his and Will Jimeno's location under the debris. Pezzulo is memorialized at the National 9/11 Memorial, on Panel S-29.

text: This failed to answer the question asked.

refinement: Dominick Pezzulo was born in Italy on August 15, 1965. He originally worked as a teacher before becoming a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department in 2001.

answer: He was born in Italy to Dino and Victoria Pezzulo. His name was intended to honor his grandfather. He returned to teach auto repair, math, and computer technology after his police service. Between his jobs he was the middle child of eight children.

text: Doesn't make sense

refinement: He was born in Italy to Dino and Victoria Pezzulo. His name was intended to honor his grandfather. He returned to teach auto repair, math, and computer technology after his police service.

answer: Born in Italy, Pezzulo was named after his grandfather. Later, he returned to teach auto repair, math, and computer technology. He became a police officer.

text: Incorrectly worded

refinement: Born in Italy, Pezzulo was named after his grandfather. He taught auto repair, math, and computer technology before becoming a police officer.

answer: Dominick Pezzulo was born in Italy in 1965 and was named after his grandfather, Domenico. He taught auto repair, math, and computer technology for seven years. He eventually became a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, where he worked for 13 months.

answer: Dominick Pezzulo was born in Italy in 1965. After returning to teaching, he became a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department in 2001. That morning he volunteered to help with the rescue effort at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. A brief moment later, when the South Tower collapsed, Pezzulo became pinned beneath a falling concrete wall in the rubble. He died as a result of his injuries. Pezzulo is memorialized in the South Pool at the National 9/11 Memorial.

text: Doesn't answer the question

refinement: Dominick Pezzulo was born in Italy in 1965. After returning to teaching, he became a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department in 2001.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize Dominick Pezzulo's actions on September 11, 2001.

answer: Dominick Pezzulo was stationed at a New York bus terminal when he heard of the World Trade Center attacks. He joined Sgt. John McLoughlin's rescue effort and was just outside the South Tower when it collapsed. He tried to free some fellow officers who were trapped by the rubble but was unsuccessful. Shortly afterwards, the North Tower collapsed and trapped him as well. He fired a single shot from his service weapon to try and alert rescuers to their position, but died shortly after.

answer: Pezzulo volunteered to assist with rescue efforts at the site of the World Trade Center attacks. The morning of September 11, 2001, the South Tower collapsed. Pezzulo was pinned beneath the rubble and could not free his fellow officer, Will Jimeno, from being trapped. Pezzulo fired a single shot into the air in order to alert rescue teams to their location. Pezzulo died of injuries sustained in the collapse of the South Tower.

text: strange sentence structure

refinement: Pezzulo volunteered to assist with rescue efforts at the site of the World Trade Center attacks. The morning of September 11, 2001, the South Tower collapsed. Pezzulo was pinned beneath the rubble and could not free his fellow officer, Will Jimeno from beneath the rubble. Pezzulo fired a single shot into the air in order to alert rescue teams to their location. Pezzulo died of injuries sustained in the collapse of the South Tower.

answer: When the first World Trade Center building was struck, Pezzulo and his partner volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin with the rescue effort. Approximately ten seconds before the collapse, they were located in a New York bus terminal and did not escape in time. They were able to find temporary safety in a nearby freight elevator. When the North Tower collapsed, Pezzulo was being pinned by a concrete wall, caused by the collapse of the second tower, and fired a single shot in the air, alerting rescue teams that they were located in a pile of rubble down below. Unable to move, Pezzulo died of his injuries.

text: Difficult to understand

refinement: When the first World Trade Center building was struck, Pezzulo and his partner volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin with the rescue effort. As the fist tower came down, they were able to find temporary safety in a nearby freight elevator. When the North Tower collapsed, Pezzulo was being pinned by a concrete wall, caused by the collapse of the second tower, and fired a single shot in the air, alerting rescue teams that they were located in a pile of rubble down below. Unable to move, Pezzulo died of his injuries.

text: Clumsy sentence

refinement: When the first World Trade Center building was struck, Pezzulo and his partner volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin with the rescue effort. As the first tower came down, they were able to find temporary safety in a nearby freight elevator. When the North Tower collapsed, Pezzulo was pinned by a concrete wall, caused by the collapse of the second tower, and fired a single shot in the air, alerting rescue teams that they were located in a pile of rubble down below. Unable to move, Pezzulo died of his injuries.

text: A very long sentence that should be reduced to two

refinement: When the first World Trade Center building was struck, Pezzulo and his partner volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin with the rescue effort. As the first tower came down, they were able to find temporary safety in a nearby freight elevator. When the North Tower collapsed, Pezzulo was pinned by a concrete wall, caused by the collapse of the second tower. He fired a single shot into the air, alerting rescue teams that they were located in a pile of rubble down below. Unable to move, Pezzulo died of his injuries.

answer: On September 11, 2001, Port Authority police officer Dominick Pezzulo volunteered to assist in the rescue effort at the World Trade Center. Despite being trapped under rubble from the collapsing South Tower, Pezzulo managed to free himself and began trying to free his fellow officer, Will Jimeno. However, the collapse of the North Tower caused further rubble to fall and Pezzulo became pinned and mortally wounded. Pezzulo fired a single shot in an effort to alert any rescuers to their location before dying.

answer: Pezullo and his partner were on his way to their shifts at the bus terminal when they heard the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center. They volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin in the rescue effort and were joined by two other Port Authority cops. They were located in the concourse of the first World Trade Center when the South Tower collapsed and the debris over them made them unable to get out in time. The trio survived that collapse and they followed the staircase up to the next landing of level B-2. However, Pezullo and Jimeno were quickly trapped again by the North Tower's collapse. Pezullo got stuck by a concrete wall after firing a shot to alert rescuers to their position, but died shortly afterward.

text: This is inaccurate

refinement: Pezullo and his partner were stationed at the entrances to the New York bus terminal when they heard the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center. They volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin in the rescue effort and were joined by two other Port Authority cops. They were located in the concourse of the first World Trade Center when the South Tower collapsed and the debris over them made them unable to get out in time. The trio survived that collapse and they followed the staircase up to the next landing of level B-2. However, Pezullo and Jimeno were quickly trapped again by the North Tower's collapse. Pezullo got stuck by a concrete wall after firing a shot to alert rescuers to their position, but died shortly afterward.

text: Makes no sense

refinement: Pezullo and his partner were stationed at the entrances to the New York bus terminal when they heard the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center. They volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin in the rescue effort and were joined by two other Port Authority cops. They were located in the concourse of the first World Trade Center when the South Tower collapsed. The trio survived that collapse and they followed the staircase up to the next landing of level B-2. However, Pezullo and Jimeno were quickly trapped again by the North Tower's collapse. Pezullo got stuck by a concrete wall after firing a shot to alert rescuers to their position, but died shortly afterward.

text: Inaccurate

refinement: Pezullo and his partner were stationed at the entrances to the New York bus terminal when they heard the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center. They volunteered to assist Sgt. John McLoughlin in the rescue effort and were joined by two other Port Authority cops. They were located in the concourse of the first World Trade Center when the South Tower collapsed. The trio survived that collapse and they followed the staircase up to the next landing of level B-2. However, Pezullo and Jimeno were quickly trapped again by the North Tower's collapse. Pezullo got stuck by a concrete wall before firing a shot to alert rescuers to their position but died shortly afterward.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize Dominick Pezzulo's legacy.

answer: Pezzulo, an Italian American police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in lower Manhattan. He was posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor and memorialized at the National 9/11 Memorial. Pezzulo is remembered as a selfless hero.

text: Misses the plaque in his place of birth

refinement: Pezzulo, an Italian American police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in lower Manhattan. He was posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor and memorialized at the National 9/11 Memorial. In his birthplace of Giano Vetusto, Italy, a plaque has been erected on the door of the house he grew up in. Pezzulo is remembered as a selfless hero.

answer: He eventually became a PAPD police officer. His last act of heroism was donating his life during the September 11 terrorist attacks. He was posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by President George W. Bush. A plaque was erected by his home town in Italy. He was portrayed by Jay Hernandez in the film World Trade Center, as well as posthumously memorialized at the South Pool of the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City's day relief.

text: This is a clumsy start

refinement: Pozzulo was posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by President George W. Bush. A plaque was erected by his hometown in Italy. He was portrayed by Jay Hernandez in the film World Trade Center, as well as posthumously memorialized at the South Pool of the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City's day relief.

answer: He is memorialized at both the National Sept. 11 Memorial and his home town in Italy.

text: Inadequate answer

refinement: Pezzulo was posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by President George W. Bush. A plaque was erected by his hometown in Italy. He was portrayed by Jay Hernandez in the film World Trade Center, as well as posthumously memorialized at the South Pool of the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City's day relief.

answer: Pezzulo was an Italian American Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD) officer who died in the September 11 attacks in New York City. In trying to help rescue fellow officer Will Jimeno, Pezzulo became pinned under a concrete wall. Despite being mortally wounded, Pezzulo fired a single shot from his firearm in an attempt to alert rescuers to the group's location. He died of injuries sustained in the attack. Pezzulo is memorialized at the National 9/11 Memorial and in his hometown of Giano Vetusto, Italy.

answer: Dominick Pezzulo was survived by his wife and two children, and his brother Tony. He was portrayed by Jay Hernandez in the movie "World Trade Center," and was posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor in 2005. He is memorialized at the South Pool at the National 9/11 Memorial, and there is a plaque on his childhood home in Giano Vetusto, Italy.


text:
To Hatch From a Broken Egg

	I was sitting in the living room with my arms crossed when Grandpa gathered the family around the dining room table. Grandpa was a giant of a man, with thighs like redwoods and hands like plains. I was the last to stand up when I began to walk over to the circle that had formed around the table. “I would like to see,” Grandpa began, with big pauses between each phrase, “someone attempt to balance this egg upright, without using any tools to hold it up.”

	The whiteness of the egg stood out in Grandpa’s wrinkled and purple spotted hands. It seemed so small. I studied the egg while my family began to buzz. My older cousin smirked and whispered something in my Dad’s ears that made him laugh. Uncle Joe was doing one of his James Cagney impressions to my brother and cousin. Aunt Anna had walked in the room from cooking and chuckled when she saw my grandpa holding the egg.
I was the only one paying attention, focusing on how you could possibly make a small oval stand. No one else was going to complete this challenge but me. When my Mom put her arms around my chest, and gave me a kiss on the cheek I pushed her away and said, “I can do it!”

	My grandpa’s heavy eyes shifted to me and his lips peeled into a grin, revealing yellow stained crooked teeth. His hands, like a giant compared to mine, handed me the egg. I began working right away.

	I made quick glances to Grandpa as I tried to balance it, hoping his gray eyes would light up at a correct attempt or that his white eyebrows would raise at a sign of progress, but he remained unemotional and still. I tried to ignore the commentary of my family at first.  Dad said, “oh so close,” several times with a laugh while Uncle David commentated like a sports announcer, “Jacob Lans. Balancing the egg. Can he do it? Ah, keeps missing.”

	After several minutes my older cousin said, “Come on, Jake. Give it back to Grandpa.” I ignored him but when my Mom stepped in saying, “Hun, you can try later, it’s fine,” the doubt became harder to ignore.

	“Let me just try!” I said, trying not to sound upset.

	Eventually my Uncle Joe stopped impersonating James Cagney. My father raised his eye brows and stood up from the table and my brother began to attack me. “Jacob you can’t do it.”

	“Don’t worry, Jakey. It’s impossible,” someone else said.

	I wanted to shut my family up and make them see that I could do it. I wanted them to know that just I could complete a task that was impossible for most. And I did.

	I finally stood the egg up right. It wasn’t balancing against anything; it was just standing up on its own. All because of me. I looked up in amazement, hoping to see my family enthusiastic with my accomplishment, but instead, half of them were gone and the other half had already moved on to new conversations. Only my cousin Rachel said, “Wow! Look guys! Jake did it!”

	As Rachel began to get my family’s attention I looked to Grandpa who was not grinning but seemed thrown by the egg standing up. As I waited for a response from Grandpa, the whole family began to circle back around the table.

	Before they could all see what I had done, Grandpa snagged the egg off the table, smashed it lightly against a plate, leaving the egg’s bottom flat surfaced with a crack, placed the it on the table, and forced a chuckle as everyone watched the egg stand up on its own. He said, “That is how you make an egg stand.”

	I quickly looked at my Grandpa, who avoided eye contact with me and laughed deliberately with the older cousins. My head spun to my parents, who had acknowledged Grandpa’s quaint gag but not my success and then it spun back to my Grandpa who was still ignoring me.

I darted out of living room and up to my room. I dove into my bed, grabbed my Teddy and belted a long hard cry into my pillow. No one came up to check on me until after they had lit the candles.

title: Creative Flash Fiction

question: Why does the narrator want to make the egg stand?

answer: The narrator wants to make the egg stand because he wants to show his family that he can do something that they think is impossible.

text: "I wanted them to know that just I could complete a task that was impossible for most."

answer: He wants to prove to his family that he can do it.

text: "I wanted them to know that just I could complete a task that was impossible for most."

answer: His grandfather challenged everyone to see who could do it.

text: This is true, but the narrator mostly wanted to prove his family that he could do something impossible. This is why he kept trying. "I wanted them to know that just I could complete a task that was impossible for most."

refinement: His grandfather challenged everyone to see who could do it, and the narrator wanted to prove he could do something impossible.

answer: The narrator wants to make the egg stand because it seems like a challenge that no one else can complete. However, when the egg finally stands up, the narrator's family ignores his accomplishment and instead focuses on Grandpa's joke. This makes the narrator feel upset and angry, and he runs away to his room to cry.

text: The final two sentences are irrelevant to the question.

refinement: The narrator wants to make the egg stand because it seems like a challenge that no one else can complete.

question: Why does the narrator look to see their grandfather's reaction?

answer: He wants to see if his grandfather is proud of him.

text: It would be more accurate to say the answer is implied since it isn't said outright.

refinement: It can be implied that he wants to see if his grandfather is proud of him.

answer: It was the grandfather who challenged him.

text: It would be more accurate to say the answer is implied since it isn't said outright.

refinement: It can be implied he did this because it was the grandfather who challenged him.

answer: The narrator looks to see their grandfather's reaction because they want to know if he is proud of them for completing the challenge. However, when they see that he is not reacting at all, they feel hurt and upset.

text: It would be more accurate to say the answer is implied since it isn't said outright.

refinement: It can be implied that the narrator looks to see their grandfather's reaction because they want to know if he is proud of them for completing the challenge. However, when they see that he is not reacting at all, they feel hurt and upset.

text: The second sentence isn't necessarily relevant to the question.

refinement: It can be implied that the narrator looks to see their grandfather's reaction because they want to know if he is proud of them for completing the challenge.

answer: The narrator looks to see their grandfather's reaction because they want to see if he is proud of them.

text: It would be more accurate to say the answer is implied since it isn't said outright.

refinement: It can be implied that the narrator looks to see their grandfather's reaction because they want to see if he is proud of them.

question: Did someone challenge the narrator to balance the egg?

answer: Yes, the narrator's grandfather challenged the narrator to balance the egg without using any tools. However, the narrator was unsuccessful in balancing the egg, and the family quickly lost interest in the challenge. The narrator felt ignored and upset, and cried in their bedroom.

text: The last two sentences are not relevant to the question.

refinement: Yes, the narrator's grandfather challenged the narrator to balance the egg without using any tools.

text: "'I would like to see,' Grandpa began, with big pauses between each phrase, 'someone attempt to balance this egg upright, without using any tools to hold it up,'" corroborates the first sentence.

answer: The grandfather did.

text: "'I would like to see,' Grandpa began, with big pauses between each phrase, 'someone attempt to balance this egg upright, without using any tools to hold it up.'"

answer: Yes, the narrator's grandfather challenged the narrator to balance the egg.

text: "'I would like to see,' Grandpa began, with big pauses between each phrase, 'someone attempt to balance this egg upright, without using any tools to hold it up.'"

answer: Yes, his grandfather.

text: "'I would like to see,' Grandpa began, with big pauses between each phrase, 'someone attempt to balance this egg upright, without using any tools to hold it up.'"

question: Who all is in the room?

answer: There are several people in the room, including the main character's parents, older cousins, and grandparents.

text: There is only mention of one older cousin, but other cousins are mentioned. It would be safer to just label them as "cousins".

refinement: There are several people in the room, including the main character's parents, cousins, and grandparents.

text: It's inaccurate to say the grandparents are there because only the grandfather is mentioned.

refinement: There are several people in the room, including the main character's parents, brother, cousins, and grandfather.

answer: Jacob (narrator), his parents, his uncle David, aunt Anna and his cousin Rachel.

text: The narrator's brother is also there.

refinement: Jacob (narrator), his parents, his uncle David, his brother, aunt Anna and his cousin Rachel.

text: The narrator's older cousin is there.

refinement: Jacob (narrator), his parents, his uncle David, his brother, aunt Anna, his older cousin, and his cousin Rachel.

text: The grandfather is there.

refinement: Jacob (narrator), his parents, his uncle David, his brother, aunt Anna, his grandfather, his older cousin,  and his cousin Rachel.

text: Uncle Joe is also mentioned in the story.

refinement: Jacob (narrator), his parents, his uncle David, his brother, Uncle Joe, aunt Anna, his grandfather, his older cousin,  and his cousin Rachel.

answer: The passage mentions the following people: Grandpa, Dad, Uncle Joe, Aunt Anna, Mom, Brother, Cousin Rachel, Cousin David, Cousin James, and Cousin John.

text: There is no mention of a cousin John in the story.

refinement: The passage mentions the following people: Grandpa, Dad, Uncle Joe, Aunt Anna, Mom, Brother, Cousin Rachel, Cousin David, Cousin James.

text: There is no Cousin David, but there is an Uncle David.

refinement: The passage mentions the following people: Grandpa, Dad, Uncle Joe, Aunt Anna, Mom, Brother, Cousin Rachel, Uncle David, Cousin James, and Cousin John.

text: There is no Cousin James. The story refers to James Cagney.

refinement: The passage mentions the following people: Grandpa, Dad, Uncle Joe, Aunt Anna, Mom, Brother, Cousin Rachel, and Uncle David.

text: An older cousin is mentioned in the story.

refinement: The passage mentions the following people: Grandpa, Dad, Uncle Joe, Aunt Anna, Mom, Brother, Cousin Rachel, an older cousin, and Uncle David.

answer: Jacob's family

question: Write a ~9 sentence summary.

answer: The protagonist is challenged to balance an egg on its own without any tools, but is unsuccessful in doing so. The family laughs at him, and he is left feeling upset and alone. He eventually succeeds in balancing the egg, but his family ignores his accomplishment and instead focuses on the joke made by the grandfather. The protagonist retreats to his room in disappointment.

text: The protagonist is named in the story, so it would make more sense to call him Jacob in the summary.

refinement: Jacob is challenged to balance an egg on its own without any tools, but is unsuccessful in doing so. The family laughs at him, and he is left feeling upset and alone. He eventually succeeds in balancing the egg, but his family ignores his accomplishment and instead focuses on the joke made by the grandfather. Jacob retreats to his room in disappointment.

text: There are only 4 sentences instead of 9. Include that the grandfather challenges the family members to balance the egg, which is seemingly impossible

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges his family to balance an egg, which is seemingly impossible. Jacob accepts and begins to balance an egg on its own without any tools, but is unsuccessful in doing so. The family laughs at him, and he is left feeling upset and alone. He eventually succeeds in balancing the egg, but his family ignores his accomplishment and instead focuses on the joke made by the grandfather. Jacob retreats to his room in disappointment.

text: It's inaccurate that Jacob feels upset and alone as his family members watch him balance the egg. Replace that sentence by saying that Jacob becomes determined to prove he can do something impossible.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges his family to balance an egg, which is seemingly impossible. Jacob accepts and begins to balance an egg on its own without any tools, but is unsuccessful in doing so. The family laughs at him, which makes him feel more determined to prove he can do something impossible. He eventually succeeds in balancing the egg, but his family ignores his accomplishment and instead focuses on the joke made by the grandfather. Jacob retreats to his room in disappointment.

text: It's omitted that only his cousin Rachel sees the accomplishment before his grandfather smashes the bottom of the egg.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges his family to balance an egg, which is seemingly impossible. Jacob accepts and begins to balance an egg on its own without any tools, but is unsuccessful in doing so. The family laughs at him, which makes him feel more determined to prove he can do something impossible. He eventually succeeds in balancing the egg. Only his cousin Rachel sees the accomplishment before his grandfather smashes the bottom of the egg. His family ignores his accomplishment and instead focuses on the joke made by the grandfather. Jacob retreats to his room in disappointment.

answer: Jacob Lans is a young boy who is trying to balance an egg on its end without any tools. He is the only one in his family who is trying to do this, and he succeeds. However, when he shows his family, they ignore him and laugh at him. He is upset and runs to his room.

text: This summary only has four sentences instead of the requested five. Include that the grandfather challenges the family members to balance the egg, which is seemingly impossible

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges the whole family to balance an egg with out any tools, which is seemingly impossible Jacob Lans is a young boy who is trying to balance an egg on its end without any tools. He is the only one in his family who is trying to do this, and he succeeds. However, when he shows his family, they ignore him and laugh at him. He is upset and runs to his room.

text: Replace the second sentence and say Jacob is the only one to attempt it and is determined to prove his family he can do something impossoble.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges the whole family to balance an egg with out any tools, which is seemingly impossible. Jacob is the only one to attempt it, and is determined to prove his family he can do something impossible.   He is the only one in his family who is trying to do this, and he succeeds. However, when he shows his family, they ignore him and laugh at him. He is upset and runs to his room.

text: Replace the third sentence by saying his cousin Rachel and grandfather are the only ones to witness it when Jacob succeeds.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges the whole family to balance an egg with out any tools, which is seemingly impossible. Jacob is the only one to attempt it, and is determined to prove his family he can do something impossible. His cousin Rachel and grandfather are the only ones to witness it when Jacob succeeds . However, when he shows his family, they ignore him and laugh at him. He is upset and runs to his room.

text: It's omitted that the grandfather tries to steal Jacob's shine by smashing the egg's bottom and saying that's how you get an egg to stand as a joke punchline.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges the whole family to balance an egg with out any tools, which is seemingly impossible. Jacob is the only one to attempt it, and is determined to prove his family he can do something impossible. His cousin Rachel and grandfather are the only ones to witness it when Jacob succeeds. His grandfather tries to steal Jacob's shine by smashing the egg's bottom and saying that's how you get an egg to stand as a joke punchline. However, when he shows his family, they ignore him and laugh at him. He is upset and runs to his room.

text: It's false that Jacob shows his family because he never gets a chance. It's also false that they laugh. Replace this by mentioning that no one in Jacob's family acknowledges his success, and that his grandfather began to ignore him.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges the whole family to balance an egg with out any tools, which is seemingly impossible. Jacob is the only one to attempt it, and is determined to prove his family he can do something impossible. His cousin Rachel and grandfather are the only ones to witness it when Jacob succeeds. His grandfather tries to steal Jacob's shine by smashing the egg's bottom and saying that's how you get an egg to stand as a joke punchline. No one in Jacob's family acknowledges his success. His grandfather continues to ignore him.

text: It's omitted that Jacob is so upset he runs upstairs and cries in his room.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges the whole family to balance an egg with out any tools, which is seemingly impossible. Jacob is the only one to attempt it, and is determined to prove his family he can do something impossible. His cousin Rachel and grandfather are the only ones to witness it when Jacob succeeds. His grandfather tries to steal Jacob's shine by smashing the egg's bottom and saying that's how you get an egg to stand as a joke punchline. No one in Jacob's family acknowledges his success. His grandfather continues to ignore him.  Jacob is so upset that he runs to his room and cries.

answer:
Jacob is sitting in the living room with his arms crossed when his grandfather gathers the family around the dining room table. Grandpa is a giant of a man with thighs like redwoods and hands like plains. He asks someone to balance an egg upright without using any tools to hold it up.

Jacob is the only one paying attention. He wants to complete the challenge. He tries to balance the egg. His family members make comments.

Jacob finally succeeds. His family members are not impressed. Jacob is upset. He runs to his room and cries.

text: "He asks someone" would be more accurate as "he challenged someone".

refinement:
Jacob is sitting in the living room with his arms crossed when his grandfather gathers the family around the dining room table. Grandpa is a giant of a man with thighs like redwoods and hands like plains. He challenges someone to balance an egg upright without using any tools to hold it up.

Jacob is the only one paying attention. He wants to complete the challenge. He tries to balance the egg. His family members make comments.

Jacob finally succeeds. His family members are not impressed. Jacob is upset. He runs to his room and cries.

text: Instead of "he wants to complete the challenge. Say that Jacob wants to complete a challenge that is deemed impossible.

refinement:
Jacob is sitting in the living room with his arms crossed when his grandfather gathers the family around the dining room table. Grandpa is a giant of a man with thighs like redwoods and hands like plains. He challenges someone to balance an egg upright without using any tools to hold it up.

Jacob is the only one paying attention. He wants to complete a challenge that's deemed impossible. He tries to balance the egg. His family members make comments.

Jacob finally succeeds. His family members are not impressed. Jacob is upset. He runs to his room and cries.

text: There are 11 sentences. Combine "Jacob finally succeeds" and the sentence that follows it. Combine "Jacob is upset" and the sentence that follows it.

refinement:
Jacob is sitting in the living room with his arms crossed when his grandfather gathers the family around the dining room table. Grandpa is a giant of a man with thighs like redwoods and hands like plains. He challenges someone to balance an egg upright without using any tools to hold it up.

Jacob is the only one paying attention. He wants to complete a challenge that's deemed impossible. He tries to balance the egg. His family members make comments.

Jacob finally succeeds, but his family members are not impressed. Jacob is upset, so he runs to his room and cries.

answer: Jacob's grandfather challenges everyone to make an egg stand by itself. Only Jacob attempts the challenge while the rest of his family members simply watch. Although Jacob tries really hard for a long time he is unsuccessful. His family tries to tell him it is impossible but he won't listen. As everyone starts to leave away from Jacob and the egg, he finally manages to make it stand. He and his grandfather stare in shock. Jacob's cousin is the only one who notices and yells for everyone to come see. Before they can, Jacob's grandfather snatches the egg and claims Jacob smashed the bottom of the egg, flattening it and making it able to stand. Everyone laughs and Jacob runs upstairs upset.

text: The grandfather doesn't claim that Jacob smashed the bottom of the egg. Grandpa smashes the bottom of the egg to make a punchline for a joke.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges everyone to make an egg stand by itself. Only Jacob attempts the challenge while the rest of his family members simply watch. Although Jacob tries really hard for a long time he is unsuccessful. His family tries to tell him it is impossible but he won't listen. As everyone starts to leave away from Jacob and the egg, he finally manages to make it stand. He and his grandfather stare in shock. Jacob's cousin is the only one who notices and yells for everyone to come see. Before they can, Jacob's grandfather snatches the egg and smashes the bottom of the egg, flattening it and making it able to stand. Everyone laughs and Jacob runs upstairs upset.

text: It's omitted that Jacob is upset that no one acknowledged that he accomplished an impossible feat.

refinement: Jacob's grandfather challenges everyone to make an egg stand by itself. Only Jacob attempts the challenge while the rest of his family members simply watch. Although Jacob tries really hard for a long time he is unsuccessful. His family tries to tell him it is impossible but he won't listen. As everyone starts to leave away from Jacob and the egg, he finally manages to make it stand. He and his grandfather stare in shock. Jacob's cousin is the only one who notices and yells for everyone to come see. Before they can, Jacob's grandfather snatches the egg and smashes the bottom of the egg, flattening it and making it able to stand. Everyone laughs and Jacob runs upstairs, upset that no one acknowledged his accomplishment.


text:
_TOTTIE: THE STORY OF A DOLL'S HOUSE_ is a 1984 stop motion animated television series produced by Smallfilms, directed and narrated by Oliver Postgate. It is based on Rumer Godden's _The Dolls' House_, originally published in 1947, and focuses on the toys in a Victorian dolls' house belonging to sisters Emily and Charlotte Dane. The programme debuted on BBC1 in the UK on 6 February 1984.

The series has a very dark edge, as the dolls wish very hard that good things will happen and that they will not fall on misfortune. The series opens with the phrase “Dolls are not like people. People choose, but dolls can only be chosen.”

Plot and characters

The dolls are a family consisting of:

-   Mr Plantaganet, who is clumsy and timid and spends the day reading his newspaper;
-   Birdie, his happy wife, an inexpensive celluloid doll from a Christmas cracker;
-   Apple, their son, a plush velvet baby boy doll, “no bigger than your thumb,” who often speaks in rhyme;
-   Darner the dog, made of clipped wool with a darning needle for a backbone.

Also living with the dolls is a painted wooden farthing doll called Tottie, who is thoughtful, sensible and keeps them all together. Mr Plantaganet, Birdie, Tottie and Apple consider themselves a family, and the series starts with them living in a “draughty shoe-box”. Only Tottie remembers living in a real dolls' house, a long, long time ago, and the rest of the dolls urge her to tell them all about it: a sitting room with real wallpaper, a fire of shining red paper, a lamp with a white china shade “that would really light up if you used a birthday candle”. Tottiie also recalls her former housemate, an antique china doll called Marchpane, a very grand doll, clothed in lace, with eyes of the finest blue glass. The dolls wish they lived in a dolls' house like this, but Mr Plantagenet points out that what they really wish for is to live in that exact dolls' house.

After Emily and Charlotte inherit a dolls' house from their great-aunt, the doll family are moved in. The house has a green front door with a knocker and six steps. When the Plantaganets and Tottie first move in they cannot believe their luck at finding such a splendid and well-equipped home. They soon realise that this is the very same dolls' house in which Tottie had once lived, just as they had wished. However Tottie is immediately sent away to an exhibition of dolls where she is reacquainted with Marchpane, who had been sent away for cleaning prior to being in the exhibition.

After narrowly avoiding being adopted by the Queen, Tottie returns to the others in the dolls house. However, the sisters are given Marchpane which they place in the house with the Plantaganets. She is selfish, nasty and schemes to become foremost in Emily and Charlotte's affection, convincing them to reduce the other dolls to being her servants. She loathes Birdie's pleasant and trusting nature, detests Mr Plantaganet's weakness, and does her best to turn Apple against his mother.

Having gained the affection of the Dane sisters, Marchpane uses the dolls' house lights, which contain real paraffin, to start a fire and trap Apple. She guesses that Birdie will try to save her little boy, and knows that as Birdie is made of celluloid she will quickly burn. Birdie saves Apple, but is incinerated as Marchpane planned—though, because of her simplicity, she appears to enjoy the novel experience.

Emily and Charlotte discover the fire and decide from her haughty look that Marchpane is to blame. This turns the sisters against Marchpane - they desire to throw her away but are persuaded to instead permanently donate her to a museum where, in a glass case and under the constant admiring gaze of visitors, she lives happily - and increasingly vainly - ever after.

The remaining dolls settle down to life in the doll's house. While discussing Birdie's demise, Tottie remarks that “Birdie did look beautiful in the flame”, and Mr Plantaganet agrees.

Second series

There were two series made - _Tottie: The Story of a Doll's House_ (1984), of which the BBC retained copies, and _The Doll's Wish_ (1986) which, as it was transmitted from VT, the BBC did not keep. Both series were classed as purchased programmes, which the BBC was not required to archive. Smallfilms did not retain their own copies. A few low-grade VHS copies of the second series did survive in private hands.

One such “faded” VHS copy of the second series was restored to watchable condition by the _Dragons' Friendly Society_ (an organisation founded by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin.) The Society released the first series on DVD with individually-burned DVD-R copies of the second series offered for sale exclusively to buyers of the first series DVD.[1]

Background

Rumer Godden's original children's book was written shortly after the Second World War. It is unusual in the sensitive way it exercises children's emotions. Marchpane still sends shivers down the spine, and the shocking fate of Birdie startles the reader with its reality. Initially Godden disliked the idea of Oliver Postgate reproducing the book.

Godden's publisher, Kaye Webb, founder of Puffin Books, did not see the point of the exercise either, asking “Can you really make a film in which the real life adults not only say nothing but don't even move, whilst the dolls speak and come to life?” If these hurdles were not enough, the BBC shied away from the directness of a film that showed on screen the destruction of a favourite character. Initial doubts were replaced with enthusiasm and Godden took part and persuaded her publisher, her literary agent and his family, as well as Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, to take on the roles of the real life characters. The film was bought by Goldcrest and sold to the BBC.

The first series was originally transmitted in February 1984, and repeated in October/November 1985 and September 1988. The second series was originally transmitted in September/October 1986 and repeated in September 1987 and December 1991/January 1992, making it a very rare example of a series transmitted as late as the 1990s on BBC TV which subsequently was for a substantial period of time no longer believed to exist in broadcast quality.

Production staff

-   Peter Firmin: puppets and settings
-   Josie Firmin: doll dressing
-   David Heneker: music
-   Kaye Webb: producer

[1] Tottie, the Story of a Dolls' House, Dragons' Friendly Society Accessed 24 March 2019

title: Tottie: The Story of a Doll's House

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about "The Story of a Doll's House" production?

answer: "Tottie: The Story of a Doll's House" is a stop motion animated television series about the toys in the Victorian dolls' house belonging to sisters Emily and Charlotte Dane. The series had a very dark edge because the dolls wished that good things will happen and that misfortune will not fall. The series first debuted on BBC1 on February 6, 1984. The audience loved the series because of the familiar world and the excitement of how the story will play out.

text: The question asks about the production of the show. The response provides a general overview of the show. Production details are present in the article

refinement: The series is a stop-motion animated television series produced by SmallFilms and based on a 1947 children's book. The production consists of Peter Firmin building the sets and puppets, Josie Firmin dressing the dolls, David Heneker providing music, and Kaye Webb acting as producer.

answer: The series "features 26 episodes over three seasons of 7, 8 and 6 episodes respectively". Its style is stop-motion animated, and it was directed and narrated by Oliver Postgate. There are many other production personnel involved.

text: There is not mention of the overall series length in terms of episodes, also only two series were made, and no mention of the number of seasons were given. The production staff were mentioned in the article and can be included in the response.

refinement: Its style is stop-motion animated, and it was directed and narrated by Oliver Postgate, produced by SmallFilms, and based on a 1947 children's book. The production consists of Peter Firmin building the sets and puppets, Josie Firmin dressing the dolls, David Heneker providing music, and Kaye Webb acting as producer.

answer: The production of "The Story of a Doll's House" was an unusual collaboration between Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, who created the puppets, settings and music. The BBC had some initial doubts about the project, but ended up broadcasting it in 1984. The second series was filmed but believed lost in broadcast quality. The Dragons' Friendly Society restored a VHS copy of the second series and made it available to buyers of the first series DVD.

answer: The series is a stop-motion animated television series produced by SmallFilms and based on a 1947 children's book. The production consists of Peter Firmin building the sets and puppets, Josie Firmin dressing the dolls, David Heneker providing music, and Kaye Webb acting as producer.

answer: "The Story of a Doll's House" television series was produced by Smallfilms in 1984. It was directed and narrated by Oliver Postgate, based on the children's book that was published in 1947. The series' reproduction was initially disliked by the original author of the book but he eventually became enthusiastic and took a role of a real life character.