Quiz on 'A Simple Act'

In “A Simple Act,” how do Laura and Maurice first meet? Identify the choice that best answers the question.

• Maurice is begging on the street.

• Maurice is playing music on a corner.

• Maurice is running and bumps into Laura.

• Maurice lives on the same block as Laura.

What is the “invisible thread” mentioned in “A Simple Act”? Identify the choice that best answers the question.

• an important family tie

• the course of a person’s life

• an adult’s responsibility to a child

• the connection between two people

In “A Simple Act,” who at first seems to be the only other person besides Laura who believes that Maurice can better himself? Identify the choice that best answers the question.

• his mother

• his teacher

• a panhandler

• Laura’s sister

In “A Simple Act,” what happens after Laura’s friends suggest that she write a book about her experiences with Maurice? Identify the choice that best answers the question.

• She writes the book right away.

• She eventually writes a best seller.

• She writes a magazine article instead.

• She writes the book but does not publish it.

In “A Simple Act,” what does Maurice’s time with Laura most clearly add to his life? Choose three options.

• intelligence

• obedience

• new experiences

• security

• hope

Which of the following is the best definition for connects?

• meets at a preselected time and place

• speaks to an unknown person

• establishes a relationship

• removes a covering

What usually happens when two people influence each other?

• They affect each other.

• They ignore each other.

• They make fun of each other.

• They compete with each other.

If Ashley encouraged Bob, which of these remarks did she most likely make?

• “You’ll never be able to do it, Bob.”

• “I’m sorry I can’t be there for you.”

• “You’re invited to my birthday party.”

• “Come on, Bob, you’re going to be great.”

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A: In “A Simple Act,” what does sharing food most likely represent to Maurice?

• wealth and privilege

• being pitied by others

• an accepting family bond

• exchanging unusual ideas

Part B: Which quotation from “A Simple Act” best supports the answer to Part A?

• [A]nd before she left, she told him to phone her if he was ever hungry.

• Laura introduced Maurice to new places, new ideas, and new possibilities.

• But what amazed him the most was the large dining room table where they all sat down and talked and ate together.

• If you were to visit the family’s apartment, you might notice that there is no couch in the living room.