Worksheet 1: Read As You Go Questions

At the start of the play, what event causes concern on Maple Street?

• A strange noise overhead

• A power outage

• A fight between neighbors

• A natural disaster

What do the neighbors first suspect after the power goes out?

• A) A government conspiracy

• B) Aliens

• C) A technical malfunction

• D) A neighbor is to blame

Who is the first person accused of being involved in the mysterious events?

• Steve Brand

• Pete Van Horn

• Tommy

• Les Goodman

What strange behavior is Les Goodman accused of?

• His car starts on its own

• He is reading an unusual book

• His lights flicker

• He is talking on a radio

How does Charlie contribute to the growing suspicion?

• He offers logical explanations

• He shoots Pete Van Horn

• He accuses Steve Brand

• He tries to calm everyone down

Why does Charlie accuse Tommy?

• Tommy had predicted events similar to what was happening

• Tommy had argued with him earlier

• Tommy’s lights came back on

• Tommy was acting strange

Why does the crowd turn on Charlie?

• They think he’s an alien

• He had strange technology in his house

• His lights come on after the power failure

• He attacks another neighbor

What theme is beginning to emerge as the neighbors turn on each other?

• Friendship

• Fear and suspicion can destroy communities

• Trust and unity are powerful

• Technology is dangerous

Which character represents logic and reason throughout the play?

• Steve Brand

• Charlie

• Tommy

• Les Goodman

How does the setting of the play contribute to the growing tension?

• It is in a remote, isolated location

• It is a familiar suburban neighborhood

• It is on a military base

• It is set in the future