"Ruthless" by William de Mille

According to paragraph 2, what is the meaning of the term "grimly"?

• harsh

• embarrassed

• concerned

• serious

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CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the purpose of paragraph 1?

• Paragraph 1 reveals the somber tone that will be revealed in the text.

• Paragraph 1 presents the setting and how the atmosphere reflects the season.

• Paragraph 1 details the revelation that will come to someone who is beyond ruthless to others.

• Paragraph 1 gives a description of the characters that will evolve throughout the text.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In paragraph 2, the author states, "Not even his wife was allowed to have a key, for Judson Webb loved his personal possessions and felt a sense of deep outrage if they were touched by any hand but his own." What does this express about Judson's character?

• This quote expresses the lack of understanding anyone has for Judson's prized possessions.

• The quote details the nature of love Judson has towards his wife.

• The quote expresses how serious and how possessive Judson is about his items.

• The quote expresses the reason why Judson wants to eliminate anyone who touches his belongings.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Paragraph 10 states, "Her eyes narrowed as she watched him." What does this statement reveal about how she feels towards her husband?

• She no longer wants to be around her husband.

• She is indifferent about the nature of his actions.

• She is worried about how his actions will affect their family.

• She is very suspicious of what he attempting to do.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

When he drops the tablets into the liquor, Judson states, "At least no one has found an antidote: once it’s down its curtains." Which of the following BEST expresses the meaning of the phrase "down its curtains"? **Look back at paragraph 14 to help you determine the meaning.**

• To meet the end of the stage

• To complete its journey

• To reach its destination, in this case, throat to stomach

• To make a new substance

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CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What punishment does Judson want to give the thief?

• He wants to harm the thief

• He wants to sympathize with the thief when he returns

• He wishes to eliminate the thief for good

• He wishes to welcome the thief into his home, as he is presenting liquor for the thief.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What lesson does Judson present in paragraph 21?

• Judson shows the nature of being a thief, no matter how minute, deserves punishment all the same.

• Judson presents the idea that any thief can be forgiven.

• Judson reveals that being a thief can have some consequences but should be dealt with differently.

• Judson describes how thieves can change, just as he had in the past.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does paragraph 24 reveal about how Judson's wife feels at this point in the text?

• Though she feels defeated initially, she begins to welcome the idea because she does not want to disappoint her husband.

• Though she feels defeated by her husband's relentless actions to murder the thief, she has the desire to tell someone of his plan.

• Though she feels unwelcome in her own home due to her husband's plan, she still feels the urge to encourage him to complete his mission.

• Though she does not understand the nature of his actions, she still agrees with him in a non-verbal manner.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

How does paragraph 27 escalate the demise of Judson?

• Judson's fall reveals a small revelation that once he is conscious he has to drink something to be completely revived, which could lead to the drinking of the poisonous liquor.

• Judson's fall reveals the truth about how a ruthless man can be poisoned with his own medicine.

• Judson's fall reveals that true friends are always there to pick you up.

• Judson's fall rapidly increases his death that will soon come.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The main character's name in this story is Judson Webb. The last name WEBB is great _________ because his plan for revenge hurts himself instead of someone else.

• symbolism

• exposition

• simile

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4