Runt Questions

What do paragraphs 1–3 mainly reveal about Runt and his siblings?

• how safe they feel

• how rough they are

• how skillful they are

• how lonely they feel

What do paragraphs 13–21 mainly suggest?

• that the other wolves feel sorry for Runt

• that the other wolves are grateful to Runt

• a sense of family and community among the wolves

• a feeling of jealousy and competition among the wolves

How does Runt’s interaction with Raven in paragraphs 22–25 mainly develop Runt’s character?

• by revealing Runt’s goal of making friends

• by showing Runt’s desire to impress others

• by showing how Runt responds to a new experience

• by revealing how Runt reacts to an exciting challenge

Read the sentence from paragraph 25 in the box. "Nonetheless, his tongue seemed to freeze under this stranger’s intense scrutiny." What tone does the sentence mainly contribute to the passage?

• sadness

• boredom

• suspense

• confusion

Read paragraph 27 in the box. "Brave? Fierce? Runt hardly knew the meaning of the words. He liked their sound, though." What is the most likely reason the author used italics in the paragraph?

• to suggest Runt’s embarrassment

• to reveal Runt’s feelings about King

• to show Runt’s doubts about Raven

• to emphasize Runt’s internal thoughts

• Gradually, they came to be aware of the great black wolf who came often into the den. (paragraph 2)

• Gradually, too, as they crawled over the pile of fuzzy bodies to reach milk and warmth and the comforting caress of their mother’s tongue, they began to notice one another. (paragraph 3)

In the sentences, what is suggested by the word gradually?

• changes that happen slowly

• feelings that develop quietly

• events that occur surprisingly

• relationships that form permanently

Part A: Which sentence best describes how Runt changes during the passage?

• He learns to trust his instincts.

• He gains confidence in his identity.

• He finally earns the respect of his peers.

• He becomes thankful for his surroundings.

Part B: Which evidence best supports the answer to Part A?

• "He had long understood that his father came and went from a place beyond the warm den he and his littermates shared. . . ." (paragraph 12)

• "A glossy black creature came floating down from the sky. . . ." (paragraph 22)

• "He gazed at Runt but still made no reply." (paragraph 31)

• "At last, since it was clear no one else was going to answer, Runt found his own voice." (paragraph 39)