The Pot that Juan Built

​p. 197

Multiple Choice

What does the phrase "windswept plains of Chihuahua" suggest about the setting? (p. 197)

• The area is often calm and quiet

• The location is prone to frequent storms

• The plains are subject to strong winds

• The region is known for its hilly landscapes

Multiple Choice

Consider the sentence: "It was there that Juan rediscovered the pottery-making process of the Casas Grandes people, who had vanished from that part of Mexico six hundred years ago." In this sentence, what does "rediscovered" mean? (p. 197)

• Juan found something again that had been forgotten or lost

• Juan learned about something new

• Juan realized old methods are no longer useful

• Juan shared his knowledge about a new finding with others

Multiple Choice

What can be inferred about the author's purpose in the text? (p. 197)

• To narrate the history of pottery in Mexico

• To persuade readers to visit Chihuahua

• To inform readers about Juan Quezada's life and accomplishments

• To entertain with stories of Mexican folklore

​p. 198

Multiple Choice

What is the connotative meaning of "impoverished village" in the text? (p. 198)

• A village that is not wealthy

• A place where people live a simple life by choice

• A community that is rich in culture

• A community that is rich in natural resources

​p. 199

Multiple Choice

The phrase "perfectly fired works of art" implies that the pottery: (p. 199)

• Is created with many flaws

• Requires an extremely specific method to create

• Is valued for its artistic quality

• Has little value

Multiple Choice

In the passage where Juan is described as collecting "manure on the cattle range that surrounds the village," how does this detail add to the ideas presented in the text?

• It explains the types of jobs people have in the village

• It suggests that Juan prefers using modern (new) methods of making pottery

• It demonstrates Juan's ability to use available resources from his surroundings

• It outlines the physical features of the area where the village is located

Multiple Choice

In what way does the author express respect for what Juan has achieved in the story? (p. 198-199)

• By making the argument that Juan is the best potter of his generation

• By showcasing the positive changes Juan made in his community

• By using exciting and vivid dialogue in the narrative

• By comparing Juan’s artistic skills to those of other potters

Multiple Choice

The author's description of Juan's pottery being "fired the traditional way, using dried cow manure for fuel" serves to highlight which aspect of the author's point of view regarding Juan's work? (p. 199)

• The importance of maintaining traditional techniques

• The need for modernizing (updating) pottery-making methods

• The environmental impact of using cow manure as fuel

• The economic benefits of using readily available resources

​p. 200

Multiple Choice

How does the detail that Juan's paintbrushes are made from human hair, particularly his granddaughter's, contribute to the overall narrative? (p. 200)

• It highlights the personal connection to his craft

• It indicates a lack of resources

• It shows that pottery is a family business

• It suggests he is impoverished

​p. 201

Multiple Choice

How does the author's choice to include Juan's age when he found his first potsherds contribute to the text? (p. 201)

• It emphasizes the early start of Juan's interest in pottery

• It provides a timeline of Juan's life

• It underlines the historical significance of the potsherds

• It shows how short his career lasted

Multiple Choice

The phrase "pieces of broken pottery" most likely refers to: (p. 201)

• Newly made pottery that has been damaged

• Poorly made pottery that is discarded

• Pottery broken in transit

• Archaeological remains from an ancient civilization

Multiple Choice

In the context of this text, what does "potsherds" mean? (p. 201)

• A type of clay used in pottery

• Decorative shards placed on pots

• Tools used to shape pottery

• Fragments of pottery vessels

​p. 202

Multiple Choice

The term "abundant" when referring to animal bones suggests that the bones are: (p. 202)

• Scarce and valuable

• Plentiful and readily available

• Used in large quantities for each pot

• Difficult to use for polishing

​p. 203

Multiple Choice

The word "chorizo" in the context of pottery making most likely means: (p. 203)

• A type of meat used for nourishment while working

• A tool used for shaping the pots

• A sausage-shaped piece of clay used in forming pots

• A decorative pattern on the pot

Multiple Choice

The mention of Juan's workroom being behind his house and often in the company of chickens and his calico cat serves to: (p. 203)

• Create a setting that is relatable and personal

• Illustrate the professional environment of pottery making

• Provide insight into Juan’s economic status

• Explain the process of pottery making in detail

​p. 204

Multiple Choice

The statement "Juan never plans the decoration in advance" implies that: (p. 204)

• Juan lacks foresight in his designs

• Juan is spontaneous and creative in his approach

• Juan’s work is disorganized

• Juan does not value the decoration of his pots

​p. 205

Multiple Choice

The word "vein" when referring to clay most likely means: (p. 205)

• A medical term related to the body

• A narrow or threadlike line

• A distinct, consistent path of material in the earth

• A method of pottery decoration

Multiple Choice

How does the author's description of the ants transporting bits of clay contribute to the text? (p. 205)

• It indicates an ant problem in the area

• It portrays ants as pests to the potter

• It emphasizes the small size of the clay pieces

• It shows the role of nature in the discovery of resources

​p. 206

Multiple Choice

The word "solitude" suggests what about Juan’s time in the hills? (p. 206)

• He feels lonely and isolated

• He is accompanied by others but feels alone

• He values the peace and quiet for reflection and work

• He is waiting for someone to join him

​p. 207

Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of the author in writing "The Pot that Juan Built"?

• To instruct readers on how to create pottery

• To entertain readers with a fictional story about a potter

• To inform readers about the life and craft of Juan Quezada

• To persuade readers to start their own pottery business

Multiple Choice

In "The Pot that Juan Built," the author's recounting of Juan's achievements serves to:

• Detail the technical aspects of pottery-making

• Provide a biography of a famous artist for historical record

• Encourage readers to appreciate traditional art forms

• Showcase the author's own expertise in pottery