Quiz on 'Don’t Just Sit There Like a Punk'

In the following passage from “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Punk,” the narrator thinks about his exchange with Dante. You’ll think this is the beginning of some meaningful mentorship, but it won’t be. In fact, Dante won’t say another word to you the rest of the summer. Not even when you ask him a direct question. But over time you’ll begin to see the power of his silence. And surprisingly, it will remind you of your old man’s silence. Which message of “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Punk” is best supported by this passage?

• It is important to know your place.

• Anyone can get better with practice.

• You cannot expect people to change.

• Actions are more important than words.

Why does the narrator in “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Punk” come to the gym regularly during the summer?

• He plans to create his own team.

• He wants to make new friends.

• He hopes he will get to play.

• He wants to find a mentor.

In “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Punk,” what happens as a result of Dante’s challenge to the narrator?

• The narrator is given an opportunity to play varsity.

• The narrator shows that he is the best player at the gym.

• Others see the narrator’s abilities and invite him to play.

• Others see the narrator’s weakness and take pity on him.

Which statement best describes the narrator in “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Punk”?

• a skilled basketball player who lacks confidence

• an inexperienced basketball player who needs training

• a successful basketball player who does not trust other players

• an overconfident basketball player who needs a lesson in modesty

If you found your way out of a maze by instinct, then which of the following must be true?

• You tried several paths.

• You had a compass to look at.

• You found the way without thinking.

• You prepared by studying mazes for months.

Which of the following best describes an intense look?

• clearly amused

• somewhat angry

• mildly distracted

• extremely focused

In “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Punk,” what happens when Dante confronts the narrator?

• The narrator feels ashamed, and he apologizes to Dante and the others.

• The narrator feels ashamed, and he begs Dante to let him play in a game.

• The narrator says he wants to play, and Dante gives him his spot in a game.

• The narrator says he wants to play, and Dante says he likes the narrator after all.

Which of the following situations would most likely cause a person to be stunned?

• being chosen to meet a star after her concert

• doing well on a test after studying for weeks

• buying something special after saving up for it

• attending a local performance of a favorite play