L9: Dear Mr. Winston Reading Comprehension

What generalization can you make about Cara's feelings about apologies?

• She feels that people can usually tell when an apology is not sincere.

• She feels that children should always be forced to apologize.

• She feels that she should not apologize if something isn't really her fault.

• She feels that an apology should always include reasons and excuses.

Read these sentences from the passage.

Maybe it crawled into one of your pockets or up your sleeve and rode

with you to the hospital. Wouldn't that be funny?

Why are the sentences above humorous?

• Instead of showing concern for Mr. Winston, Cara is probably making him feel worse.

• Instead of caring about the library, Cara is more concerned about the hospital.

• Instead of writing a boring apology, Cara shows she has a vivid imagination.

• Instead of worrying about the snake, Cara is worrying about Mr. Winston.

What conclusion can you draw about the snake in the passage?

• It is still on the loose somewhere.

• Cara sold it back to her friend.

• Cara's parents donated it to a zoo.

• It is now in a cage in Cara's room.

What conclusion can you draw about Cara's parents?

• They are sad that Cara has lost her pet.

• They are thrilled that Cara has a new pet.

• They are angry because Cara caused trouble.

• They are jealous that Mr. Winston works in a library.

Read this sentence from the passage.

If you had left the box on the table and maybe even sat down next to

it, then maybe the box would have been all right when you screamed

and fainted.

Why is the sentence above humorous?

• It shows a clear understanding of cause and effect.

• It exaggerates the truth of what really happened.

• It blames Mr. Winston for what happened even though it is supposed to be an apology.

• It shows that Cara really knows she did something wrong.

Which sentence BEST describes Cara's character?

• She is a troublemaker who never follows the rules.

• She is a curious girl who likes to prove a point.

• She is an obedient girl who respect her parents and teachers.

• She is a dangerous girl who puts other people at risk.

Cara suggests that Mr. Winston watch Galactic Patrol while he is home. Why is this suggestion humorous?

• Galactic Patrol used to be Mr. Winston's favorite show.

• Galactic Patrol is a frightening show about snakes.

• Galactic Patrol is the show Cara can't watch until she apologizes.

• Galactic Patrol is a show that Mr. Winston used to be on.

What does the reader learn about Mr. Winston from Cara's letter?

• He is very unfair to children.

• He is very afraid of snakes.

• He enjoys receiving letters.

• He is a very smart man.

Read this sentence from the passage.

My parents say that what I did was wrong, even though the cardboard

box was shut most of the time, and there was no way the snake

could have escaped if you hadn't opened the box and dropped it on

the floor.

What conclusion can you draw from the sentences above?

• Cara blames the snake for what happened.

• Cara blames Mr. Winston for what happened.

• Cara blames her dad for what happened.

• Cara knows that what she did was wrong.

Why does Cara keep repeating the words I am truly genuinely sorry in her letter?

• because she is very apologetic and wants Mr. Winston to know it

• because her dad said the apology must sound genuine

• because she's worried that Mr. Winston will never return to work

• because she's afraid Mr. Winston will ban her from the library