Future Tense by Robert Lipsyte

Which detail should NOT be included in a summary of the story?

• Gary is eager to start tenth grade and hopes to show off his improving creative writing talents to the new English teacher, Mr. Smith.

• Gary locked himself in his room after breakfast and rewrote the rewrite. He carefully selected his nouns and verbs and adjectives.

• Gary figures Mr. Smith’s lukewarm reaction to his work is proof of his alien identity.

• When Ms. Jones, the new vice-principal, backs up Mr. Smith, Gary concludes that they are both aliens.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

Which sentence best describes Gary’s opinion of his writing ability?

• “I’ve always had this vivid imagination.”

• “Imagination prepares us for what’s going to happen.”

• “There wasn’t room for more than one at the top.”

• “Dude, you’ve got to be yourself, Dude.”

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does Gary’s meeting with the vice principal propel the action towards the climax?

• Gary fears that Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones are really aliens.

• Gary begins another rewrite of his story.

• Gary receives encouragement from Jim Baggs.

• Dr. Proctor removed the face of his wristwatch and began tapping tiny buttons.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Which detail helps build suspense in the story?

• It’s the beginning of a new school year.

• Mr. Smith assigned a boring writing assignment.

• Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones are vividly described.

• Gary is isolated in the principal’s office.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which sentence reveals the theme of the story?

• “There’s a big difference between poetical metaphor and hack science fiction.”

• “Truth is stronger than fiction.”

• “You’ve got to play your own kind of game, write your own kind of stories.”

• “Writing can be very dangerous.”

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which sentence from the story best reveals the tone?

• “He felt feverish with creativity.”

• “How could he have missed the clues? Smith and Jones were aliens!”

• “I hope these aliens can’t read minds.”

• “Mr. Smith was …just there.”

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

How did the point of view affect the storytelling?

• First person from Gary’s point of view reveals his limited perspective.

• Third person limited reveals only Gary’s inner thoughts and emotions.

• Third person omniscient reveals all characters’ thoughts and emotions.

• First person from Dr. Proctor’s point of view reveals his true identity.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.1.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

What does the author want to convey by naming the new faculty members ‘Ms. Jones’ and ‘Mr. Smith’?

• They are ordinary people.

• They are of European descent.

• They have believable last names.

• They might fall in love.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

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

• “Here was the person he’d have to impress.”

• “Mr. Smith grabbed his arm and led him to the vice principal’s office.”

• “Average. Standard. Typical.”

• “No creative imagination.”

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

How can the relationship between Gary and Mr. Smith be characterized?

• They have trouble communicating.

• They have mutual admiration for one another.

• They are honest and open with each other.

• They view each other with casual disregard.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3