The Volunteer

How did James save Robert's life?

• by making a wish

• by striking down the earthworm

• by building a community garden

• by planting tomato plants

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1E

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

James is the main character of this story.

Who is the most important secondary character in the story?

• James's Dad

• Robert

• the earthworm

• Janelle

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

James's mother is not pleased about being "back together" with James's father.

What evidence from the text best supports this conclusion?

• "When he opened the door to the apartment where he lived with his mother, he heard loud voices arguing inside."

• "'Your father is here,' his mother said with irritation. 'He's decided to grace us with his presence for good this time.'"

• "'I wish for my parents to get back together.'"James's parents had divorced when he was two years old."

• "Okay, this wasn't exactly how he had imagined the reunion, but it seemed like Robert was real."

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1G

With his first wish, James wishes for his parents to get back together. How did James most likely imagine his parents' reunion to be?

• He probably imagined them deciding to leave James alone.

• He probably imagined them being quieter around each other.

• He probably imagined them having an argument.

• He probably imagined them getting along well.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

What is a main theme of this story?

• Adults sometimes do not realize the impact their decisions can have on kids.

• Sometimes it is best to follow your gut instinct when making decisions.

• Be careful what you wish for, because things may not turn out the way you expect.

• It is important to appreciate the joys of the outdoors while you still can.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

Read the first paragraph of the text, paying special attention to the last sentence.

The earthworm wriggled, the now-severed halves of its long, purple-and-red body glistening in the morning sunlight. James looked at the creature with an equal mixture of disgust and fascination. He was a little bit ashamed, as well, because it was his shovel that had killed this earthworm, by chopping it neatly in two. James was supposed to be helping build a community garden, but it seemed that even while trying to grow one thing, he managed to destroy something else.

Why might the author have chosen to end the first paragraph by saying that "even while trying to grow one thing, [James] managed to destroy something else"?

• to create a strong visual for the reader

• to reinforce the theme of the story

• to show that James is clumsy

• to show that James is not a good gardener

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

Choose the answer that best completes the sentence.

"Think about your wishes and use them wisely, James, _____ once you've made a wish, it can't be undone."

• although

• because

• however

• therefore

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E