Read the following sentence. If the entire class wanted to take the same subway train, they would have to jam into a crowded compartment.

Use context clues to find the correct definition of the multiple-meaning word jam as it is used in this sentence.

to wedge between
to squeeze
to block
to apply

What is the main idea of this paragraph

The story line remains the same. the kids live in what was then one of the remaining beachfront slums, down the coast from the expensive malibu area. the beach was ruled by surfers, but in the afternoon, when the waves died down, some of the surfers, or their younger brothers, fooled around on skateboards. one day, skip engblom, the shop owner, comes up with a key breakthrough, polyurethane wheels: "they grip." with the additional traction, the z-boys try skating the sides of the big, open drainage canal that runs through the area. then comes a brainstorm: because of a drought, the area's swimming pools were drained. the kids started "borrowing" pools when the owners weren't home, to skate the curved sides.” where did “the lords of dogtown” originally practice their tricks? a. the beach c. an open drainage canal b. empty pools d. none of these

Which best explains this excerpt’s purpose in the novel’s plot structure? the excerpt creates conflict between characters as part of the rising action. the excerpt provides background information on a character as part of the exposition. the excerpt returns a character to equilibrium as part of the falling action. the excerpt is the point of greatest tension and acts as the climax.