"Charles" by Shirley Jackson

What new experience is Laurie facing?

• getting a new baby-sitter

• starting high school

• starting kindergarten

• going to summer camp

How does the mother view Laurie before the day he begins kindergarten?

• as a sweet-voiced nursery school tot

• as a swaggering, shouting boy

• as an insolent child

• as a shy little boy

What does the following sentence tell about Laurie's behavior at home?

At lunch he spoke insolently to his father, spilled his baby sister's milk, and remarked that his teacher said we were not to take the name of the Lord in vain.

• Laurie behaves well at home.

• Laurie does not behave well at home.

• Laurie is clumsy.

• Laurie is worried about saying bad words.

Why do you think the mother wants to sound casual when she asks Laurie about first day of school?

• He seems unhappy at school, and she doesn't want to upset him.

• His new, swaggering behavior makes her unsure of how to talk to him.

• He is behaving so badly she doesn't care about his first day of school.

• She is afraid he will have a tantrum if she asks a direct question.

When Laurie tells his parents about a boy getting spanked on the first day of school, which two clues show that he is not telling the truth?

1. He won't say exactly what the boy did.
2. He talks with his mouth full.
3. He uses incorrect grammar.
4. He thinks before saying the boy's name.

• 1 and 2

• 1 and 3

• 2 and 3

• 1 and 4

Laurie's mother is worried about the bad influence Charles may have on her son. Why is this humorous, once you know the surprise ending?

• Laurie is Charles's best friend.

• Laurie is just as bad as Charles.

• Laurie is too well behaved to be influenced by Charles.

• Laurie is the boy who is misbehaving.

Why does Laurie say that all the children stay late when Charles has to stay after school?

• The teacher makes everyone stay late when Charles misbehaves.

• Laurie is making an excuse for coming home late.

• Laurie stays late to walk home with Charles.

• Laurie always tells lies about the school day.

Using word parts, you can determine the meaning of the word simultaneously in the passage below. Which item below is the best definition for this word?

"Charles's mother?" my husband and I asked simultaneously.

• slowly

• quietly

• breathlessly

• at the same time

When the father asks, "What are they going to do about Charles, do you suppose?" Laurie responds, "Throw him out of school, I guess." What might Laurie mean?

• Laurie thinks Charles should be thrown out of school.

• Laurie wishes he didn't have to go to school.

• Laurie thinks that Charles will never change his behavior.

• Laurie does not want to behave in school.

How is Charles an institution in Laurie's family?

• The parents think Charles should be put in a mental institution.

• Laurie talks about Charles so much that the parents feel he is part of the family.

• Laurie's family wants to help Charles.

• Anyone who makes a mess or causes trouble is said to be acting like Charles.