"The First Day" Assessment

In paragraph 1, the author uses descriptive language to suggest the narrator’s mother --

• Does not care about how others perceive her daughter

• Wants her daughter to feel successful as she begins her education

• Habitually pampers her daughter with luxuries she cannot afford

• Is bitter about raising her daughter alone after her husband’s disappearance

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read this quotation from paragraph 5. “But finally, I see in her eyes the closing gate, and she takes my hand and we leave the building.” In this quotation, the author’s use of figurative language contributes to the mother’s character by revealing--

• The end of her school dreams

• The mother’s stubbornness

• The fact that the mother hides her shame

• The mother’s acceptance of defeat

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which lines from the story best support that the narrator’s mother is more vulnerable than the way the narrator views her? Select TWO correct answers.

• When I say the word in fun to one of my sisters, my mother slaps me across the mouth and the word is lost for years and years. (paragraph 2)

• My mother is not convinced and for several more minutes she questions the woman about why I cannot attend Seaton. (paragraph 5)

• "I can't read it. I don't know how to read or write, and I'm askin' you to help me." My mother looks at me, then looks away. (paragraph 7)

• "We go into the hall, where my mother knees down to me. Her lips are quivering. (paragraph 22)

• "And even when the teacher turns me toward the classrooms and I hear what must be the singing and talking of all the children in the world, I can still hear my mother's footsteps above it all." (paragraph 22)

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Read the excerpt from paragraph 20 of the selection “The First Day”. "This is my mother: As the questions go on, she takes from her pocketbook document after document, as if they will support my right to attend school, as if she has been saving them up for just this moment. Indeed, she takes out more papers than I have ever seen her do in other places..." What does the description of the narrator’s mother emphasize? (TEK 4F)

• The overwhelming desire the narrator’s mother has for her daughter to get an education.

• The contrast between the narrator’s mother and the other mothers at the school.

• The preference the narrator’s mother has for Walker-Jones Elementary School.

• The contrast between the narrator’s mother and the woman who greets them at Seaton Elementary School.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which sentence describes how the interaction between the lady at Walker-Jones Elementary School and the narrator’s mother contribute to the conflict of the story “The First Day”? (TEK 8F)

• It builds suspense about how the narrator’s mother will react when her daughter is turned away from Seaton Elementary School.

• It creates confusion about which school the narrator will attend.

• It communicates the judgement the mother will face from others when she admits she cannot read and write.

• It portrays the anger the narrator feels after learning that her mother cannot read and write.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Which events from the story most directly contributes to the theme of the importance of education despite obstacles? (TEK 6A) Select TWO correct answers.

• The daughter gets slapped for using an inappropriate word while walking to school.

• They were turned away from Seaton Elementary School and had to register at Walker-Jones.

• Walker-Jones is a newer and larger school.

• The narrator’s mother cannot read the forms to register her daughter at the school.

• The narrator’s mother is prepared with all the necessary paperwork to register her daughter for school.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Part A: How does the characterization of the mother contribute to the theme of the story “The First Day”? (TEK 6A)

• The mother’s neediness suggests that it is important to offer help to those who require it.

• The mother’s determination shows that people should not give in even when faced with numerous challenges.

• The mother’s strength teaches that people should not be afraid to encounter failure.

• The mother’s cheerfulness reveals that a positive outlook has the power to lift the spirits of others.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Part B: Which quotation from the story best supports the answer to Part A? (TEK 5C)

• 1. “She stands and looks a second at the teacher, then she turns and walks away.” (paragraph 22)

• 1. “One monkey don’t stop no show.” (paragraph 7)

• 1. “If I’da wanted her someplace else, I’da took her there.” (paragraph 5)

• 1. “And even when the teacher turns me toward the classrooms and I hear what must be the singing and talking of all the children in the world, I can still hear my mother’s footsteps above it all.” (paragraph 22)

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does strewn mean as it is used in paragraph 8 of the short story "The First Day?"

• organized

• scattered

• gathered

• revealed

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which details from paragraph 8 best support the key idea that Seaton Elementary School was a better choice of school?

• “Walker-Jones is a larger, newer school and I immediately like it because of that.”

• 1. “But it is not across the street from my mother’s church, her rock, one of her connections to God, and I sense her doubts as she absently rubs her thumb over the back of her hand.”

• 1. “Every chair seems occupied by a child or adult.”

• 1. “Strewn about the floor are dozens and dozens of pieces of white paper…and seeing this lack of concern, I am all of a sudden afraid.”

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2