A Simple Act - Study Guide

Describe what Maurice is doing when Laura first sees him.

• Begging on the streets.

• Eating McDonald's.

• Eating at a big dining room table.

• Living in the projects.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

Describe the Chinese Proverb and how it relates to the message of this text.

• "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" - describes how staying healthy will prolong the lives of those who are less fortunate.

• "An invisible thread" - describes the art of sewing.

• “An invisible thread” - describes the hidden connection between people that draws them together.

• "An invisible thread" - describes the spider web that ties animals together.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

According to the text, who are the two people in Maurice’s life that actually care about him?

• Laura & his mom

• Laura & his teacher

• Laura & his dad

• Laura & his friends

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

How long does it take Laura to write her novel, and how is it received by the reading public?

• About 13 years; no one read it.

• About 13 years; it was the New York Times' best seller because it was a heartfelt story.

• About 10 years; it was the New York Times' best seller because it was a heartfelt story.

• About 7 years; it never made it past publication.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

What are three things added to Maurice’s life by spending time with Laura?

• Hope

• Security

• Money

• New experiences

• Free food for life

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What does the word ‘establish’ mean? How can you use ‘establish’ in the definition of the word ‘connects’?

• To create something from nothing. Connects: to establish a created building from nothing.

• To build or construct. Connects: To establish a tower.

• To sever or cut a connection. Connects: To establish ties.

• To build or start/initiate a connection. Connects: establishes a relationship

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Give three synonyms for the word ‘impact’.

• Inspire

• Interrupt

• Affect

• Interfere

• Change

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Give two statements of encouragement.

• You've got this!

• This probably isn't going to work out for you!

• You really need to improve those bad habits!

• Keep up the good work!

• Don't quit your day job!

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

For Maurice, what does sharing food represent?

• Staying alive.

• Eating better than McDonald's can offer.

• A family spending quality time with each other.

• Family eating on their own and developing independence.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What quote from the text supports his ideas about everyone/loved ones sharing food?

• "But what amazed him the most was the large dining room table where they all sat down and talked and ate together."

• "Only months earlier, Maurice had seriously doubted that he would live to be an adult."

• "But there is a huge dining room table."

• "You might notice that there is no couch in the living room."

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2