Nick spends hours on language arts homework after school. His parents implement a “Homework First” policy, which Nick’s older brother James only reinforces by boasting good study habits in college because of their parents’ rules. Nick has never cared about the rule until now because he can usually finish his assignments quickly. Nick tries to fly through the oral report, but the relevant sections of the dictionary and encyclopedia are difficult to understand. However, he gets a new idea, and Nick is now determined to make the assignment fun.

Nick was excited about the plan the previous night, but today, “in the harsh fluorescent light of the school, it seemed impossible” (22). Seventh period arrives quickly, and Mrs. Granger calls Nick to give his report first. Nick gives a long, informative report, detailing facts about Samuel Johnson and the history of dictionaries for most of the hour. Eventually, the students figure out that Nick is wasting time on purpose; Mrs. Granger grows annoyed while the class pretends to listen with rapt attention.

Mrs. Granger stops him 10 minutes before class ends. She sincerely praises his report, to Nick’s dismay and discomfort; he doesn’t want the others to think he’s a teacher’s pet.