Short Story - American History

Why is Elena curious about the family she watches through the window?

• She doesn't like old people.

• She thinks they murdered someone.

• She feels part of the life she sees in the house.

• She likes to play with their puppy.

What makes Elena happy on the day of President Kennedy’s death?

• She has been invited to study with Eugene at his house.

• She thinks he is a terrible president.

• She gets to go to a concert.

• She is going to Puerto Rico.

Why does Elena go to Eugene’s house?

• to watch tv

• to have dinner

• to study with him

• to help him plant vegetables in his garden

What happens when Elena goes to Eugene’s house?

• She invites Elena in for a soft drink.

• Eugene's mother says that Eugene is not home and to come back later.

• She tells her to bring her mother with her.

• Eugene’s mother turns her away, telling her that she will not be allowed to study with Eugene.

What does his mother say to Elena?

• She hopes she is smart and can help Eugene.

• She tells her that she cannot study with Eugene and that she should go home.

• She tells her to come back in an hour.

• She tells her that she is happy to have her in her home.

What is Elena’s and Eugene’s mothers' concern about their friendship?

• They both feel that their children should not associate with each other.

• They hope they get married.

• They hope they become homecoming candidates.

• They want them to get good grades and study together.

Which 1960s issue is most relevant to Elena’s experiences?

• equal rights for African Americans

• strong ethnic divisions in urban areas

• Martin Luther King's assassination

• Illegal immigrant removal

What is Elena’s status at school?

• She is an outsider.

• She is popular.

• She has many friends.

• She is snobby.

What do Elena’s parents do in “American History”?

• They are both unemployed.

• They don't want to leave their home.

• They work hard and make sacrifices for a better future.

• They are ashamed of their family.

When Elena speaks to Eugene, how is he different from her expectations?

• She expects him to be mean.

• She expects him to be outgoing and popular.

• She expects him to be rude and disrespectful to her.

• She expects snobbery, but he is shy and open to friendship.