The Year of the Rat

Name

1. What does Dad most likely mean in the beginning of the story when he says he will turn into a snowman on his way to work?

• He will wear many layers of clothing to stay warm.
• He will not be able to move because he is so cold.
• He will play in the snow with Pacy.
• He will be covered in snow.

2. PART A: Why does Dad most likely tell Pacy the story about the philosophers and the orange fish?

• to teach her how to make good choices
• to warn her about the difficulty she will face in life
• to explain that she knows herself better than anyone else
• to show her how there can be different opinions about the same topic

PART B: Which line from the story best supports your answer to PART A above?

• “So, you see,” Dad said, “only you really know yourself, and only you can really make your decisions.”
• “I didn't realize I'd have to decide and do things,” I said.
• Dad's words warmed me as if I had put on a fur coat.
• "I liked it better when you and Mom did everything."

3. How does Pacy show that she is strong like a tiger?

• She corrects the way Becky says the name of a classmate.
• She works with Becky and Charlotte on the panda project.
• She makes plans for when her friend Melody comes to visit.
• She does not know if she wants to be an author and illustrator.

4. What is a main theme of the story?

• You can never escape a cold door.
• It is not difficult to choose a career.
• Being brave takes strength and courage.
• You can never know how someone else feels.

5. On Page 65, it says, "In the sunlight, the fish sparkled like fireflies." What type of figurative language did the author use?

• Onomotopoeia
• Simile
• Hyperbole

6) For the new year, my mother promised she would eat healthy and drink more water. She wants to start off the year on the right track. What word best describes her actions?

• A. doubt
• B. relying
• C. resolutions
• D. awkward.

7) Kevyn isn't sure he should go to Louisiana for vacation because a storm might hit the week he is there. Which vocabulary word are they describing?

• doubt
• rely
• clumsy

8) Anytime I need something, I call my friend Linda because I know I can depend on her. No matter what I can ____________ on her.

• awkward
• rely
• resolutions