Examination Day

The story takes place in the

• past

• present

• future

On the day of Dickie's birthday, his parents...

• are happy for him

• are sad he's growing up

• are nervous about something

• are upset with his selfishness

What is the meaning of the word rattled as it is used in this sentence: “His father, now slumped into an armchair with the Government newspaper, rattled the sheets in vexation”?

• knocked

• moved

• played with a toy rattler

• disconnected

What poetic device is used in the following sentence? “The room was as cold and official as a courtroom.”

• metaphor

• personification

• simile

• hyperbole

“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 words tells us that Mr. Jordan is about to get bad news?

• regret, inform, quotient

• regret, exceeded, regulation

• regret, quotient, according

• regret, Section 5, New Code

Which statement best expresses a theme of the short story?

• It's better to downplay your own intelligence

• The government always violates people's rights

• High intelligence can be viewed as a dangerous thing

• People have higher expectations for children as they grow up

“The room was as cold and official as a courtroom, with long benches flanking metal tables.” “There was a young man wearing an insignia-less tunic, seated at a polished desk in front of Room 404.” “A concealed loudspeaker crackled and called off the first name.”

What do these descriptions tell us about the government?

• It values cleanliness.

• It is impersonal and cold.

• It has a lot of money.

• It is warm and inviting.

He wandered towards the window, and peered gloomily at the veil of mist that shrouded the glass.

Which of the following meanings of veil is used in the sentence above?

• a piece of fine material worn by women to protect or conceal the face

• a thing that serves to cover, conceal, or disguise

• a membrane which is attached to the body of some toadstools and ruptures in the course of development

• the piece of precious cloth separating the sanctuary from the body of the Temple or the Tabernacle

Why doesn’t Dickie know about the test prior to his birthday?

• Nobody knows which day the government will call.

• He was told about it but forgot.

• Dickie's parents didn't want to worry him.

• Only certain kids are selected to take the test.

What was the conflict of the story?

• There was a test all 12 year olds have to take.

• Dickie and his best friend have a fight.

• Dickie's parents were arguing.

• It was raining on Dickie's birthday.