What Happened at the Mall

What happens every time Markus goes to the mall?

• He buys a pretzel from the food court.

• He doesn't find what he wants.

• It takes him a long time to find parking.

• The security guard follows him.

How does the text contrast the way others see Markus and Leon?

• People ask Markus for help with math homework and Leon for help with science homework.

• Markus is seen as a caring brother and Leon is seen as a caring friend because he is an only child.

• People ask to read the things that Markus writes and watch the videos that Leon makes.

• Markus gets noticed more in public because he is taller and dresses differently than Leon.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.6

Read the following sentences from the text.

"I spin around and stride up to the guard, my fists balled with anger and frustration. Leon is videoing the whole thing.

'What's your problem, man?' I say to the security officer, my words coming out in a loud rush. 'What?' he asks, surprised. 'Every time-because I am Black? You have to follow me?'"

What conclusion can you draw from this evidence?

• Markus feels like he is being targeted by the security guard because of his race.

• Markus has made a mistake and the security guard wasn't actually following him.

• Markus has met the security guard before but he doesn't remember where.

• Markus and Leon have also asked local reporters to come to the mall for help.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.W.7.9A

How does Ms. Jameson prevent Markus and Mr. Walter from jumping to conclusions?

• She shows them that they are wrong in a textbook.

• She buys them food so they can eat together and talk.

• She interrupts and introduces them to each other.

• She ends the conversation by asking Markus to leave.

What is one main theme of this story?

• If something doesn't work the first time, don't give up and keep trying until you succeed.

• Follow your dreams because you will be surprised at what you can achieve if you try your best.

• It's important to take care of your body by eating healthy foods, drinking water, and exercising.

• It's always a good idea to try to get to know someone instead of jumping to conclusions about them.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

Why might the author have chosen to use humor in this story, like Leon's and Ms. Jameson's characters?

• to remind readers that the mall should be fun

• to make it easier to talk about a difficult topic

• to prove that principals can be fun to talk to

• to show what it's like to be a security guard

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RL.7.3

Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below.

Markus wants Leon to film his interaction with the security guard _________ the whole world can see the treatment he's facing.

• however

• so

• last

• previously

Tags

CCSS.L.7.3A

CCSS.L.7.4A

What does Ms. Jameson tell Mr. Walter about Markus?

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.SL.7.1A

What do Markus and Mr. Walter have in common?

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.W.7.9A

What might change for Mr. Walter and Markus now that Ms. Jameson has introduced them? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.W.7.9A