The Great Silence Check for Understanding

The narrator of the story is :

• A Parrot telling the story in first person

• A man named Alex telling the story in first person

• A Parrot telling the story in third person (omniscient)

• A man named Alex telling the story in third person (omniscient)

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.1.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

What is the "Great Silence" referred to in the story?

• A mysterious radio signal from outer space

• The absence of any evidence of extraterrestrial life

• The quietness of space

• The inability of humans to communicate with other civilizations

What is the main character's theory about the lack of communication with other civilizations?

• Humans are not looking in the right places

• Other civilizations are too far away to communicate with

• Other civilizations may not use the same forms of communication as humans

• Other civilizations are avoiding contact with humans

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

The first-person point of view allows the reader to —

• understand the story from the perspective of an outside observer

• learn the story details from a broad perspective

• understand the perspective of a single character within the story

• learn story details from more than one perspective

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.1.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

Read the sentence from paragraph 23.

A receiver doesn’t have to be a transmitter, but Arecibo is both.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the word receiver as used in this sentence?

• A person who acquires or obtains an item or object

• A receptacle or container intended for storing information

• A device that converts electromagnetic signals into sound

• A person who converts electrical signals into words and numbers

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CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

How do they expect to recognize an alien intelligence if all they can do is eavesdrop from a hundred light-years away?

With this question the narrator’s expresses the perspective that humans are —

• missing the opportunity to learn how to communicate with an alien intelligence

• contacting distant extraterrestrial species simply by listening

• seeking the right sources of help to communicate with an alien intelligence

• finding extraterrestrial species using technological advances

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Brahmin Hindus believe that by reciting mantras, they’re strengthening the building blocks of reality.

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the word blocks as used in this sentence?

• A solid stand on which articles are displayed for show

• A way to stop or impede passage or movement through something

• A piece of a framework used to strengthen other pieces

• A section of a city bounded on each side by consecutive streets

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

The parrot was wise and can communicate wisdom to the humans.

How can this sentence be revised to show correct parallel structure?

• The parrot is wise and communicated wisdom to the humans.

• The parrot is wise and communicates wisdom to the humans.

• The parrot is wise and would communicate wisdom to the humans.

• The parrot has been wise and will communicate wisdom to the humans.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

Which sentence uses parallel structure?

• Both species are able to understand concepts, recognize specific sounds, and communicate.

• Both species are able to understand concepts, to recognize specific sounds, and communicate.

• Both species are able to understand concepts, they can recognize specific sounds, and also communicate.

• Both species are able to understand concepts, recognize specific sounds, and have the ability to communicate.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

According to paragraphs 40–44, what is the narrator’s view of humans?

• Humans are afraid of parrots that can talk.

• Humans are careless but capable of good things.

• Humans show their aggression by ruining the rainforest.

• Humans lack the intelligence needed to find extraterrestrials.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3