The Rent Party Jazz Comprehension Test

Why does Sonny go to Jackson Square more than once before the party?

• to visit with his school friends

• to listen to wonderful music

• to find another home to rent

• to look for a second job

Why does Smilin' Jack tell Sonny about his home in Mississippi?

• to show that he understands the problem Sonny is facing

• to show that he misses his friends who still live there

• to explain why he thinks Sonny would like to visit

• to explain why he loves to play jazz

How does Mama feel when she sees Smilin' Jack at the door?

• worried Sonny is playing a trick on her

• excited that he wants to teach Sonny how to play the trumpet

• surprised that Sonny was right about the plan for the evening

• nervous that she and Sonny do not have anything to offer him

By the end of the rent party, Sonny notices that the bucket is brimming with coins. What is the BEST definition of the word brimming?

• shaking

• jingling

• tipping over

• running over

Which sentence best states the theme of the story?

• Trying hard can bring great rewards.

• Learning new things is the key to success.

• Working with others is difficult but important.

• Helping one another makes a community strong.

Read the following sentence from paragraph 10

You stay in school and learn everything you can - everything, so things will be better for you.

• Mama wants Sonny to get another job so he can earn money.

• Mama values learning and wants her son to be educated.

• Smilin' Jack is going to tutor Sonny because he's missed school.

• Mama doesn't want a rent party.

In paragraph 46, Smilin' Jack tells Sonny's mom that the rent money belongs to anybody who needs it for rent or food.

The reader can infer that Smiling Jack

• cares about helping others in need

• wants to be paid more money

• is a selfish man

• is trying to trick Sonny and Mama

On page 181 in paragraph 31, Mama thinks Sonny is "talking foolishness" and is just trying to cheer her up.

Sonny is trying to -

• trick Mama into thinking he's still in school

• tell her has another coal job in Jackson Square

• tell her he has another plan to raise money for their rent

• ask for a birthday party for his friend Smilin' Jack

In paragraph 29, what does the word damp mean?

• to feel a little wet

• too dry

• a part of the fireplace

• completely soaked with water.

The author's purpose for including paragraph 41 in the story most likely is to -

• describe that everyone was dancing to the music

• explain why Smilin' Jack was in the neighborhood

• tell why Mama had lost her job

• to show that it took a while to collect enough money to help pay rent that night.