3.26 Wheels for the Dragon

1. Read paragraphs 3–4 from the story. What do these paragraphs reveal about Pu Yi’s relationship with his father?

• He is angry that his father required him to become emperor.
• He believes his father is misunderstood.
• He feels his father expects too much of him.
• He longs for his father's attention.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

2. Paragraph 3 uses the word kowtowed. Read paragraphs 2–4. Based on these paragraphs, what inference can you make about the meaning of the word kowtow?

• to kowtow is to show respect for good weather
• to kowtow is to behave in a way that shows you have great respect for someone
• to kowtow is to take time for yourself to do something meaningful for you
• to kowtow is to act in a way that shows you believe someone has higher status than you

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

3. Which of the following is the best summary for the passage?

• Pu-Yi is the emperor of China who wishes he had the attention of his father. Mr. Johnston teaches Pu-Yi how to ride a bicycle and Pu-Yi learns some valuable life lessons.
• Learn how to fly on your own.
• Pu-Yi wishes he had his father's attention, but he doesn't.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

4. Read paragraphs 13–15 from the story. What inference can you make about Pu Yi based on these paragraphs?

• He expects to be taken care of by others.
• He is afraid of riding the bicycle.
• He feels nervous about his English.
• He feels he is better than Americans.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

5. Which details from paragraphs 24–26 show Pu Yi’s motivation for learning to ride the bicycle? Select THREE correct answers.

• "Riding a bicycle is not like being carried in your palanquin. To ride, you must pedal and balance the bicycle yourself. No one can do it for you."
• "Then I shall ride in my palanquin," he replied, and signaled to his relieved servants.
• "How tame and bumpy traveling in the palanquin was, after the exhilaration of riding the bicycle!"
• "Pu-Yi imagined himself whirling on a bicycle past the red-and-gold pavilions of the Forbidden City, while admiring courtiers stared, open-mouthed."
• "Best of all, he knew that his father, Prince Chun, would point out to everyone his brave and clever son, who dared to master this dangerous machine."

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

6. Which pieces of evidence from the story show how Pu Yi’s character develops over the course of the story? Select TWO correct answers.

• "But although the winds buoyed up his kite, they did not grant his wish that his father, more distant than the kite, would spent more time with him."
• "Does everything one does in your barbarian nations require effort? Pu-Yi demanded to know."
• "He brushed himself off, took hold of the bicycle, and got on once more."
• "He kowtowed to his son and departed without a look back, his retinue flocking after him like so many geese."
• "Like his yellow kite, he would always need the strings tying him to people, but he now knew that he could sometimes fly on his own."

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

8. Which sentences best states a theme of the story?

• Family bonds are more important that friendship.
• Independence is important for personal growth.
• Seeking validation from others lead to fulfillment.
• Serving others is a virtue worth pursuing.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

9. Which sentence from the story most clearly develops the theme from Part A?

• "But of course Pu Yi already knew this; what he ached to learn was all that his father left unsaid, that day and always."
• "Pu Yi stepped up boldly to the machine and waited for the nearest American to lift him on, as he would have been lifted into his palanquin by his servants."
• "However, as the weight of his gaze fell on his son, Prince Chun's face was impassive."
• "Like his yellow kite, he would always need the strings tying him to people, but he knew that he could sometimes fly on his own."

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.7.2