NYS Test 2022 Insignificant Life of Cactus Reading Questions

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

• A - by suggesting that Aven oen 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

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

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.

What does the word “insignificant” mean as it is used in paragraph 15?

• A talentless

• B brave

• C unimportant

• D accepted

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”

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 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)

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.