Reading Comprehension Quiz

Paragraphs 1–2 contribute to the story by —

• providing important character details

• establishing a threatening tone

• introducing the story’s main conflict

• foreshadowing an important event

Read this dictionary definition.

hesitate \hĕz´ĭ-tāt´\ v 1. to pause 2. to speak slowly 3. to act unwilling 4. to freeze in fear

Which definition best fits the meaning of the word hesitated in paragraph 19?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Paragraph 23 reveals — 

• how threatened Salva feels by the rebels

• how different Salva is from the rebels

• Salva’s respect for the rebels

• Salva’s anger at the rebels

Read paragraph 29 of the selection.

The soldier was holding the gun with only one hand. He was not aiming it; he was using it to lift Salva’s chin so he could get a better look at his face.

In which two ways does the paragraph help the reader understand the story events?

• It reveals what the rebel and his gun look like.

• It helps the reader visualize what Salva’s face looks like.

• It creates a sense of foreboding about what will happen next.

• It helps the reader visualize what is happening to Salva.

For which two reasons does the author most likely tell the story from the
third-person point of view?

• To help the reader understand Salva’s fear

• To show the soldier’s internal thoughts

• To describe the horror of the setting

• To contrast the soldier’s feelings with Salva’s

How does the wartime setting influence Salva’s behavior?

• He accepts the responsibilities of an adult.

• He assumes the role of a caregiver.

• He appears to be more confused than he is.

• He acts out of anger and revenge.

The last three paragraphs of the story show —

• that Salva is coming up with a plan

• how unusual Salva’s situation is

• that Salva will likely give up

• how bleak Salva’s situation is

What does the author imply about Salva's character in paragraph 5?

• He is a determined individual

• He is a fearful individual

• He is a confused individual

• He is a rebellious individual

How does the author use the setting to enhance the story's mood?

• By creating a sense of danger

• By creating a sense of peace

• By creating a sense of confusion

• By creating a sense of excitement

Read this dictionary definition.

persevere \pər-sə-vi(ə)r\ v 1. to persist in a course of action 2. to lose focus 3. to act hastily 4. to give up easily

Which definition best fits the meaning of the word persevered in paragraph 10?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4