1) Sam is facing a decision about whether to break up with his current date Lisa to ask a new girl Luanne to the homecoming dance instead. His friend Jack points out that Lisa may feel hurt, but Sam says he needs to do what's best for himself. 2) The passage presents hypothetical problems and questions about making decisions and considering multiple goals and consequences. 3) It provides prompts for students to think through open-mindedly how Sam could decide either way regarding taking Luanne to the dance, and whether he is neglecting consequences for others.