CommonLit Pet Rock Quiz

Which of the following best explains why Gary Dahl decided to create the pet rock?

• To train prospective pet owners on proper pet management

• To provide a serious alternative to pet ownership

• To create a funny, marketable item

• To prove a point about American culture

Which clue from the text best supports the answer to create a funny, marketable item.

• “…listening to his friends discuss the needs and annoyances of their pets.” (Paragraph 1)

• “Dahl joked that this would make them ‘perfect pets.’” (Paragraph 1)

• “The rocks were ordinary gray stones…” (Paragraph 2)

• “The pet rock remains an iconic example of a fad.” (Paragraph 4)

In paragraph 2, the author says, “there were breathing holes for their comfort.” What does the author mean?

• The packaging contained breathing holes so the pet would be able to breathe

• The packaging contained breathing holes—yet another humorous example of how this product was packaged and sold

• The packaging contained breathing holes to conform to government standards for packing live objects

• The packaging contained breathing holes because consumers believed they were necessary for the pet’s survival

What is a definition for a fad?

• the passing on of customs or beliefs from generation to generation

• a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral.

• a thing that is known or proved to be true.

• an intense enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived ; a craze.

Which is a synonym for fad?

• trend

• boredom

• similar

• simple

A “pet rock” was a collectible item that became wildly popular in the United States in the

• 2000's

• 1980's

• 1970's

• 1960's

Who was the inventor of the pet rock?

• Ima Rock

• Gary Doom

• Gary Dahl

• Ronald Dahl

In the span of about six months in 1975 and 1976, the popularity of pet rocks soared. How many pet rocks were sold?

• 1 million

• 1.5 million

• 1,000

• 10 thousand

How much did he sell the pet rocks for?

• $17

• $15

• $10

• $20

He said they would make 'perfect pets' because you would NEVER have to do what with them?

• bathe

• feed

• walk

• touch

• groom