"Ponies" by Kij Johnson

1. In what way does the excerpt show the development of the central idea in this excerpt?

“This is the way it’s always been, as long as there have been Ponies. All ponies have wings. All ponies have horns. All ponies can talk. All ponies go to a cutting out party with AllTheGirls and give up two of the three, because that’s what has to happen in a Girl is going to fit in with TheOtherGirls.”

• It demonstrates that Barbara yearns for a better life.

• It proves that Sunny attempts to distinguish herself from others.

• It hints at the extent of the effects that TheOtherGirls have on Barbara’s life.

• It shows the rules and customs that must be followed to be a part TheOtherGirls.

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What is the intended contrast between Barbara’s viewpoint and that of the reader?

• Barbara’s viewpoint is apparent tolerance of the conditions of her life, but the reader sees the harshness of her situation.

• Barbara’s viewpoint is eager curiosity about the conditions of her life, but the reader sees that her situation is typical.

• Barbara’s viewpoint is minor annoyance about the conditions of her life, but the reader sees that her situation is bearable.

• Barbara’s viewpoint is enthusiastic support for the conditions of her life, but the reader sees the hopelessness of the situation.

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The following question has two parts. Answer Part A and then answer Part B. Part A: In this sentence, what does the word pairing most nearly mean? “The horn is harder, like pairing a real pony’s hooves.”

• cut

• elongate

• uncover

• waste

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Part B: How does this word most strongly impact the meaning and tone of the story?

• The word supports a fanciful tone by giving an object a sense of being.

• The words supports a respectful tone by focusing on the attention paid to small details.

• The word supports a judgmental tone by showing that the main character criticizes anything negative around her.

• The word supports an oppressive tone by showing that the objects in the character’s surroundings are out of place.

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The following question has two parts. Answer Part A and then answer Part B. Part A: In which statement does the author most strongly develop the idea of authority?

• The party is at TopGirl’s house.

• “That’s your pony?” She says without greeting. “She’s not as nice as mine.”

• Barbara only says something when she thinks she’ll get it right.

• “You‘re not done yet,” says TopGirl. “Now you have to take away her voice.”

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Part B: In the paragraph for Part A, which sentence best shows how the knowledge of control impacts those controlled.

• Barbara is defensive. “She’s beautiful!” This is a misstep so she adds, “Yours is so pretty!”

• And TopGirl’s Pony is pretty: her tail is every shade of purple and glitters with stars.

• But Sunny’s tail is creamy white and shines with honey-colored light, and Barbara knows that Sunny’s the most beautiful Pony ever.

• She has a mother who’s a pediatrician and a father who’s a cardiologist and a small barn and giant trees shading the grass where the Ponies are playing games. .

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Reread the following sentences from the story:

“Starblossom touches the knife with her nose, pushes it toward Barbara with one lilac hoof.”

According to details in the sentence, what is the most logical reason that Starblossom is a sidekick and also a villian?

• She is a brave and resourceful leader who fights against the unfair rules of this establishment.

• She is an experienced and trusted advisor.

• She is a nurturing character who takes care of others.

• She is TopGirl’s Pony and an evil character whose actions and motives are important to maintain control of the others and enforce the rules to belong to their group.

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The author specially names “Coke Zero,” “Diet Redbull,” and “Diet Lemonade” which are not explained in this story. What is the most likely inference that can be made about the role of these drinks in this story?

• They are elements in this story that have no hidden meaning.

• They are aspects of TopGirl’s daily life because her mom is a pediatrician.

• The drinks are a way for TopGirl to control others.

• They are used to show the girls’ obsession with body image and the fakeness in this world.

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How does this line of dialogue help propel the action in the story?

“No,” Sunny says suddenly. “Not even for friends. Not even for you.”

• by establishing a stronger sense of Sunny’s strength in her unique identity

• by foreshadowing what will happen to Sunny

• by easing the reader’s concern that Sunny will be harmed

• by highlighting the more promising aspects of TopGirl’s reign

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The following question contains two parts. Answer Part A and then answer Part B. Part A: What is a central idea of this story?

• Despite her young age, Barbara is depressed which is a direct result of her environment.

• Lacking self-confidence, a person might be cautious about her words and willing to mutilate in order to fit in with the group.

• Although TopGirl’s control can be stifling, Barbara appreciates the sense of order that TopGirl’s management provides.

• After a long and difficult school year, Barbara looks forward to the changes that TheOtherGirls will bring in the springtime.

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