Nancy's First Interview

Nancy's First Interview

Comprehension & Idiom Practice

Open Ended

Nancy poured herself a bowl of cornflakes as her father finished a telephone call. “You’re really putting me on the spot,” he said to the person at the other end of the line. “I already have a commitment today, Jim.” After a few moments, Mr. Jenson sighed and hung up the telephone. Nancy looked up from her breakfast, preparing for bad news.

Identify the idiom in this paragraph.

What does this idiom mean?

Multiple Choice

Her father gave her a sad smile. “I’m really sorry, Nance, but I have to work today. We’ll have to reschedule our fishing trip.” Mr. Jenson was a reporter for the city newspaper. After the stock market crash of 1929, his newspaper had laid off most of the reporters. Four years later, they still had only a skeleton crew. He was glad to have a job, but he was overworked and underpaid.

Notice the underlined idiom. Using clues, what does this idiom mean?

• They had a lot of workers

• They did not have a lot of workers

• He was looking for a job

Open Ended

Nancy shrugged, trying not to look too upset. She wished she could do something to comfort her dad. The last thing she wanted was to make him feel guilty. “It’s okay, Dad,” she said, forcing a cheerful smile. “The worst part is that our photographers are on other assignments,” he grumbled, shaking his head. He paused for a moment, lost in thought.

Identify the idiom in this paragraph.

What does this idiom mean?

Open Ended

“Nancy,” he said, “do you remember when I showed you how to use my camera?” She nodded. “Do you think you could help me today? I can’t carry all of the equipment by myself, and we’d get to spend some time together.”

Why does Nancy's dad need Nancy to help him?

Open Ended

Nancy jumped up from her chair and ran to her bedroom to change out of her fishing clothes. “Make tracks,” her dad called down the hallway. “We’re in a hurry!”

Identify the idiom in this paragraph.

What does this idiom mean?

Multiple Choice

As Mr. Jenson navigated their car out of town, he told Nancy about the assignment. They were going to interview the Carter family, migrant workers who had moved from Oklahoma to California in search of work. Also known as “Okies,” these families were escaping a life of drought and poverty.

Using context clues, what does migrant most likely mean?

• People from Oklahoma

• People who do not move very much

• People moving from one place to another

Open Ended

Mr. Jenson started the interview. “What brought you folks to California?” he asked, opening his notebook. “Work,” Mr. Carter said. He explained that they had owned a farm in Oklahoma, but lost it when costs rose. “Upkeep cost an arm and a leg, and the drought killed our chances of a good crop.”

Identify the idiom in this paragraph.

What does this idiom mean?

Open Ended

After the interview, Nancy’s father helped her set up the camera so she could take a few photos. Mr. Carter nodded at her and said, “You’ve got a good little reporter there.” Mr. Jenson grinned and ruffled Nancy’s hair. “I taught her everything she knows,” he said. “She’s a chip off the old block.”

Identify the idiom in this paragraph.

What does this idiom mean?