"Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" Questions

1. How does paragraph 9 contribute to the development of a theme in the story?

• A. by suggesting that Aven often observes herself.

• B. by describing the care Aven puts into her appearance.

• C. by showing Aven is worried about what people think.

• D. by illustrating how Aven prepares herself for a performance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

2. How does paragraph 13 mainly develop the character of the narrator?

• A. by informing the reader that the guitar belonged to the narrator's mother

• B. by telling the reader that the narrator found the guitar in a storage closet

• C. by informing the reader that the narrator's parents were watching her

• D. by telling the reader about the type of shoes the narrator wears while performing

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

3. What is the effect of the narrator's repetition of the word "me" in paragraph 14?

• A. She thinks the audience is impressed with her ability to play the guitar.

• B. She hopes people will notice the objects which belong to her mother.

• C. She thinks it is remarkable that she is performing in front of an audience.

• D. She hopes that people appreciate how much she practiced during the week.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

4. What does the word "insignificant" mean as it is used in paragraph 15?

• A. talentless

• B. brave

• C. unimportant

• D. accepted

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

5. Which phrase from paragraph 15 best conveys a theme of the story?

• A. "the fireworks exploded"

• B. "the lights of the city"

• C. "millions of people"

• D. "the light was in me"

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

6. Which detail best represents how Aven changes at the end of the story?

• A. "...plucked at a string with one not quite steady toe."

  (paragraph 13)

• B. "...I saw that all of their eyes were on me."

  (paragraph 14)

• C. "...arms around each other, swaying to the music."

  (paragraph 14)

• D. "I felt as big as the giant saguaro..."

  (paragraph 15)

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

7. Read this phrase from paragraph 15.

I felt like I was shining...

Which sentence best represents the meaning of this phrase?

• A. Aven feels proud of who she is.

• B. Aven is looking forward to more performances.

• C. Aven understands she is more important than others.

• D. Aven is relieved the audience enjoyed her performance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3