The Color of Water Test

In what ways does Ruth's perspective in Chapter 1 establish the tone for her narrative? How does this tone contrast with James's voice in his chapters?

• Ruth's perspective is critical and harsh, contrasting with James's supportive and nurturing tone.
• Ruth's tone is indifferent and casual, while James's voice is formal and authoritative.
• Ruth's tone is cheerful and optimistic, while James's voice is emotional and passionate.
• Ruth's tone is resilient and introspective, while James's voice is pragmatic and detached.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Analyze the symbolism of the bicycle Ruth rides in Chapter 4. How does it reflect her resilience and her relationship with James?

• The bicycle symbolizes James's control over Ruth.
• The bicycle represents Ruth's fear of independence.
• The bicycle is a gift from Ruth to James, showing their distance.
• The bicycle symbolizes Ruth's resilience. freedom, and happiness in her new life.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Ruth speaks about her family history in a matter-of-fact tone. How does this approach affect the reader's understanding of her struggles as a Jewish immigrant in the South? (There are two answers)

• Ruth's straightforward tone enhances the reader's understanding of her struggles by highlighting the resilience and reality of her immigrant experience.
• The lack of detail in her tone obscures the challenges she faced.
• Her emotional tone distracts from the reality of her experiences.
• Ruth's tone makes her struggles seem exaggerated and less relatable.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Discuss the role of religion in Ruth's upbringing and her later rejection of Judaism. How does her spiritual transformation shape her identity and her parenting style?

• Ruth's upbringing had no impact on her identity or parenting choices.
• Ruth's upbringing in Judaism shaped her identity, but her rejection of it led to a more open-minded parenting style.
• Ruth's rejection of Judaism led her to adopt a conservative parenting style.
• Ruth embraced Judaism fully and raised her children strictly within its traditions.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In Chapter 7, James describes a turning point in his adolescence. How does this reflect the broader themes of identity and self-discovery in the memoir?

• James's turning point emphasizes the importance of family relationships.
• The chapter focuses on academic achievements rather than personal growth.
• James's experience highlights the role of external validation in shaping identity.
• James's turning point in Chapter 7 illustrates the struggle for identity and the journey of self-discovery, key themes in the memoir.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Explore the relationship between Ruth’s experiences with racism and her parenting philosophy. How does she prepare her children to navigate a racially divided world? (There are two answers)

• Ruth prepares her children to navigate a racially divided world by fostering open communication about race, instilling pride in their identity, and teaching them to confront racism.
• Ruth believes that children should not be exposed to discussions about race until they are adults.
• Ruth avoids discussing race with her children to protect them.
• Ruth teaches her children to ignore racism and focus on their studies.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Analyze how James uses flashbacks to weave together his mother's story and his own. How does this structure impact the reader’s understanding of their relationship?

• James's flashbacks only focus on his childhood, ignoring his mother's past.
• The flashbacks create confusion, making their relationship harder to understand.
• James's story is told in a linear fashion, with no use of flashbacks.
• James's use of flashbacks highlights the interconnectedness of his and his mother's stories, enhancing the reader's understanding of their complex relationship.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In Chapter 12, Ruth describes her father's authoritarian personality. How does this dynamic influence her decision to leave her family and forge a new life?

• Ruth stays with her family to support her father's decisions.
• Ruth leaves to pursue a career in politics influenced by her father's views.
• Ruth leaves her family to escape her father's authoritarian control and to pursue her own identity and freedom.
• Ruth's father encourages her to explore her identity and freedom.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

How does James's exploration of his mother's past parallel his search for his own identity? Provide examples from Chapters 11–15 to support your analysis.

• James's exploration of his mother's past parallels his search for identity by revealing shared struggles and the impact of family legacy on self-understanding.
• James's search for identity is solely based on his career choices.
• His mother's past has no influence on his personal development.
• James finds his identity through friendships rather than family history.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Ruth’s resilience is a recurring theme. How does her ability to adapt and overcome challenges influence James's perception of her in these chapters?

• Ruth's ability to adapt frustrates James and creates distance.
• Ruth's resilience enhances James's admiration and emotional connection to her.
• James believes Ruth's challenges weaken her character.
• Ruth's resilience makes James feel indifferent towards her.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3