Examination Day

In Henry Slesar's story, "Examination Day," Dickie and his family live in a "little apartment" with a "tiny wall-kitchen" where Dickie has his own "corner" in the living room. What does this tell us about the family?

• They are rich and live in luxury.

• They live in the countryside.

• They live simple lives and don’t own much.

• They are claustrophobic.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.2

"The Jordans never spoke of the exam, not until their son, Dickie, was twelve years old. It was on his birthday that Mrs. Jordan first mentioned the subject in his presence, and the anxious manner of her speech caused her husband to answer sharply." From reading this, do we get the impression that Dickie’s parents think the exam is good, or bad?

• Good.

• Bad.

• Not enough evidence to decide.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.2

When Dickie's mother mentions the exam, his father, "answers sharply" and says, “Forget about it,” and, “He’ll do all right.” What does this tell us about how Dickie's father is feeling? Remember that the author chooses to include things for a reason, to help convey his intended message.

• He is worried about Dickie having to take the exam.

• He is annoyed because he keeps getting interrupted.

• He is embarrassed because he failed the exam himself.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which of the following is NOT a clue about how Dickie's parents feel about the exam?

• “anxious manner of her speech”

• “Their son, Dickie, was twelve years old”

• “answer sharply”

• “The Jordans never spoke of the exam”

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.3

Dickie asks questions about the distance to the sun, and what makes the grass green. What does the author intend to tell us about Dickie by having him ask these questions?

• He is curious and intelligent.

• He is annoying and talks too much.

• His parents don’t like sharing information.

• He doesn’t go to school.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

“The room was as cold and official as a courtroom, with long benches flanking metal tables." What does the atmosphere and furniture in the room tell us about how this government thinks of its citizens?

• The government doesn’t have much money for furniture.

• The government is welcoming and kind to all citizens.

• The government is sensitive and caring.

• The government doesn’t care about their citizens’ comfort and feelings.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.4

““Good luck, son,” his father said, without looking at him. “I’ll call for you when the test is over.”” Why do you think Dickie’s father doesn’t look at him? You may pick more than one answer if you wish.

• He doesn’t want Dickie to see his real feelings and be scared.

• He knows Dickie probably won’t come back and has already given up on him.

• He’s too busy thinking about getting lunch.

• He might break down emotionally if he looks at his son.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.4

“Dickie walked to the door and turned the knob. The room inside was dim, and he could barely make out the features of the grey-tunicked attendant who greeted him.” What effects are achieved by having the attendant wear plain grey clothes, having his face unclear, and having him be nameless? Pick two answers.

• It shows he is an anonymous and faceless representative of the government’s terrible actions.

• It shows the government doesn’t see people as individuals.

• It stops the test-takers from getting distracted by bright colours.

• It stops the reader from getting confused by having to remember too many names.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.W.8.9A

Read this sentence: “We regret to inform you that his intelligence quotient has exceeded the Government regulation, according to Rule 84, Section 5, of the New Code.” Which word tells us that the Jordans are about to get bad news?

• Intelligence.

• Regulation.

• Regret.

• Exceeded.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

Why was Dickie killed by the government?

• He didn’t finish the test.

• He asked too many questions.

• He failed the test by being too intelligent.

• He failed the test by not being intelligent enough.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1