Reading comprehension – mindfulness passage: how can students replace their anger and distrust, according to the author?

Introduction / Context:
This question refers to a key claim in the passage about mindful communities and healing. The author describes how students like Shirley and Tiffany bridge their divides and transform anger and distrust. The main tool mentioned is the cultivation of compassionate connections, which emerge through mindful listening, story sharing, and acknowledging commonalities and wounds.

Given Data / Assumptions:

According to the passage:
- Students practice seeing and listening to one another.
- They share stories that, at first, highlight differences but ultimately reveal deep commonalities.
- The author says that students can bridge divides and replace anger and distrust with compassionate connections.
- These small groups are described as “healing communities”.

Concept / Approach:
The question centres on a direct phrase from the passage: replacing anger and distrust with compassionate connections. The correct option should reflect this exact transformation, not introduce unrelated strategies like meditation or physical exercise. Reading comprehension often demands that you distinguish between what you think might help in real life and what the author specifically states in the text.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the sentence that talks about bridging divides and changing anger and distrust into something positive. Step 2: Note that the author uses the expression “compassionate connections” as the positive opposite of anger and distrust. Step 3: Understand that these connections are created through mindful listening, story sharing, and recognising shared humanity. Step 4: Compare the options and select the one that explicitly refers to compassionate connections.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rephrasing the relevant line in your own words can help: “With this exercise, students can bridge their divides and replace anger and distrust with relationships grounded in compassion.” Option a is essentially this idea in a shorter form, confirming it as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b) “By simply diverting their minds to other activities” is not supported by the passage. The author emphasizes deeper engagement and connection rather than distraction.
Option c) “By going into deep meditation in isolation” does not align with the communal and relational focus of the text. The passage stresses shared exercises and group storytelling, not solitary retreat.
Option d) “By doing intense physical exercise” is never mentioned. While exercise may help mood in real life, it is irrelevant to the author's specifically described process.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may project their own ideas about managing anger, such as meditation or exercise, onto the passage. However, reading comprehension questions are not about personal opinions but about what the text explicitly states. Keeping that distinction clear will prevent you from choosing attractive but incorrect options.

Final Answer:
By forming compassionate connections with others.