The Outsiders (ELA Comprehension )

Question 1

Read this excerpt from page 38.

“No,” Cherry said slowly when I said this. “it’s not just money. Part of it is, but not all. You greasers have a different set of values. You’re more emotional. We’re sophisticated – cool to the point of not feeling anything. Nothing is real with us.”

What is the meaning of the word “sophisticated” as it is used in this context?

• rich with money

• fake and untrustworthy

• polished and worldly

• sensitive and empathetic

Question 2

What is the meaning of the word “aloofness” as it is used on page 38?

• the act of being withdrawn or distant

• the act of being shy and quiet

• the act of being scared or nervous

• the act of being rude and angry

Question 3

In chapter 3, how does Ponyboy’s conversation with Cherry impact the plot?

• Ponyboy gets upset with the fact that the Socs have privileges that the Greasers do not, and he decides to run away.

• Johnny and Two-Bit get mad at Ponyboy for speaking his mind in front of Cherry and Marcia.

• After Ponyboy learns that Cherry won’t talk to him because he’s a Greaser, he runs home angry and decides to yell at Darry.

• Because Ponyboy learns he can be honest with Cherry, he shares his frustrations about his brother and the circumstances surrounding the Greasers for the first time.

Ponyboy and Johnny’s decision to help the children in the fire changes the story in all of the following ways except–

• Ponyboy and Johnny are now closer than before.

• Ponyboy is able to forgive and appreciate Darry for how he treats him.

• Ponyboy and Johnny can no longer run from the crime they committed.

• Ponyboy and Johnny realize they are heroes and will not be arrested for murder.

How has Ponyboy changed from his time away from home?

(While he was on the run.)

• He now believes that his true family is the Greasers.

• He understands why Johnny wants his parents’ attention.

• He realizes that Darry does love and care for him.

• He doesn’t want to be a Greaser anymore.

How does Chapter 8 best help to develop a theme about empathy?

(Empathy-the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.)

• It shows that even though Ponyboy disagrees with Cherry’s views about Johnny, he is able to connect with her and see that they are more alike than different.

• It explains that Johnny plays an essential role in the gang because he brings everyone together.

• It describes how Ponyboy doesn’t want to the rumble to happen because he thinks that something bad will occur.

• It details the closeness between Ponyboy, Two-Bit, and Dally as they try to take care of Johnny in the hospital.

Why might the author have included the section about Johnny’s mother in Chapter 8?

• to foreshadow that something bad will happen to Johnny that will be his mother’s fault

• to provide a glimpse into Johnny’s home life and show why he flees home as often as he does

• to highlight the differences between Ponyboy’s mom and Johnny’s mom

• to illustrate why most of Johnny’s family members view the Greasers as hood

Read the following excerpt from Chapter 10.

“You kept asking for me and Soda. Sometimes for Mom and Dad, too. But mostly for Soda.”

Something in his tone of voice made me look at him.

Mostly for Soda. Did I ask for Darry at all, or was he just saying that?

“Darry…” I didn’t know quite what I wanted to say. But I had a sick feeling that maybe I hadn’t called for him while I was delirious, maybe I had only wanted Sodapop to be with me.

What does this excerpt show about Ponyboy’s development as a character?

• He still does not care for Darry and only wants Sodapop.

• He is starting to feel angry that Darry is not like his mother and father, although he pretends to be.

• He cares for Darry and wants him to know that, even though it is hard for him to show it.

• He is confused about his relationship with Darry and doesn’t want to remember.

Without even talking about it, the group decides to help Dally. How does this develop a theme of the story?

• It reveals that the group believes in taking risks, because without risk there is no reward.

• It shows that the Greasers are more loyal to each other than most gangs in real life.

• It provides another example of the challenge Ponyboy has faced when trying to become an individual in gang life.

• It shows that the boys will do anything to help each other, including making selfless choices.