The Sword of Damocles PRACTICE

What does the word ENVIOUS suggest about Damocles in paragraph 2 of "The Sword of Damocles"?

• It suggests that he disrespects Dionysius.

• It suggests that he is jealous of Dionysius.

• It suggests that he dislikes Dionysius's decisions.

• It suggests that he is impatient with Dionysius's decisions.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Which detail from paragraph 2 BEST supports the answer to the previous question?

Previous question: What does the word ENVIOUS suggest about Damocles in paragraph 2 of "The Sword of Damocles"?

• "King Dionysius's question startled Damocles ..."

• "... sent a cold chill up his spine."

• "His thoughts were the same ones that had occupied his mind ..."

• "... as king of the wealthy city of Syracuse, had everything his heart desired."

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

How does Damocles change after discovering the sword?

• He realizes that the king needs to be more serious at all times.

• He realizes that there is more to being king than he thought.

• He realizes that he can easily remove the king from his throne.

• He realizes that pretending to be king is only a temporary opportunity.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which detail from the story BEST supports the answer to the previous question?

Previous question: How does Damocles change after discovering the sword?

• "King Dionysius strode to the head of the table and took Damocles by the arm." (paragraph 11)

• "... you had better remain in your usual seat." (paragraph 11)

• "He escorted Damocles to the foot of the table, places the crown back on his own head, and resumed his rightful place ..." (paragraph 11)

• "As for Damocles, he felt greatly relieved to be back in his accustomed place." (paragraph 12)

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

Complete the sentence to create the summary of a part of "The Sword of Damocles."

In the passage, a courtier learns that ...

• ...opportunities need to be seized.

• ...leadership comes with responsibility.

• ...community is built by sharing meals together.

• ...learning can come from unexpected situations.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Complete the sentence to help summarize the passage.

The fact that the sword is hung by a single horsehair thread best contributes to the development of the lesson of "leadership comes with responsibility" because it represents ...

• ... how knowledge can be gained.

• ... how riches are gained from having power.

• ... how too much power leads people to misuse it.

• ... how quickly power can be lost if people are unsatisfied.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which statement is a theme in "The Sword of Damocles"?

• Having power is not easy.

• New situations can be exciting.

• Daydreaming can lead to new experiences.

• Ambition is the reason people do not see the truth.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which event from the story BEST supports the answer to the previous question?

Previous question: Which statement is a theme in "The Sword of Damocles"?

• when the king interrupts Damocles' thoughts.

• when the king allows Damocles to sit in his place.

• when the king explains to Damocles why the sword hangs from the ceiling.

• when the kind walks Damocles back to his regular place at the table.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2