LaBamba by Gary Soto

Which of the following is the main reason that Manuel volunteers for the talent show?

• He wants to be a singer
• "La Bamba" is his favorite song
• He wants to impress his teachers
• He wants applause and attention

The most likely reason Manuel doesn't tell his parents what he is going to do in the talent show is...

• he's worried that they won't approve.
• he wants to surprise them.
• if he tells them, they won't come.
• he promised his teacher he would not tell anyone.

How does Manuel feel before he goes on stage?

• tired and too sleepy to sing
• upset that he lost his record
• completely confident
• full of fear about performing

Manuel sees all of the following while he is onstage except...

• his parents beaming up at him.
• his brother Mario playing with a friend.
• a baby sitting in the aisle and sucking her thumb.
• some kids going to the water fountain for a drink.

When the record gets stuck, Manuel...

• freezes in shock and horror.
• sings the same line over and over.
• stomps off the stage in disgust.
• glares at his brother.

Manuel realizes that his record probably got scratched when...

• the karate students stepped on it by mistake.
• his brother Mario was looking at it.
• it dropped onto the cafeteria floor.
• his toothbrush accidentally fell on it.

After he performs, Manuel doesn't realize at first that...

• most of the audience loved his act.
• Mr. Roybal is really angry at him.
• everyone is feeling sorry for him.
• he truly made a fool of himself.

Overall, the audience reacts to Manuel's act with...

• light sympathetic applause.
• enthusiastic laughter and applause.
• absolute horror.
• embarrassed silence.

At the reception after the show, Manuel...

• is pleased by all the attention.
• praises Benny's act.
• is still totally embarrassed.
• is thrilled that his act went as planned.

At next year's talent show, Manuel thinks he will

• want to sing "la Bamba" again.
• definately not want to perform.
• definately want to perform again.
• probably not volunteer, although he is not sure.