Persepolis Pre-Assessment

Which of the following words most accurately describes what Marji is feeling in the following passage (page 2, panel 4)?

The three minutes seemed like three days. For the first time, I realized just how much danger we were in.

• shame

• dread

• exuberance

• indifference

Which of the following words best replaces circumspect

as it is used in the passage below (page 3, panel 2)?

“Some people, more circumspect, took shelter in the basements of big hotels, well-known for their safety. Apparently, their reinforced concrete structures were bombproof.”

• optimistic

• circuitous

• cautious

• aggressive

The tone of the following passage (page 8, panel 1) can best be described as ?

When we walked past the Baba-Levy’s house, which was completely destroyed, I could feel that she was discreetly pulling me away. Something told me that the Baba-Levys had been at home. Something caught my attention.

• grim

• sarcastic

• upbeat

• ironic

Based on the text, which of these inferences about life in Tehran during the war is most likely true?

• The missile attacks are worse at night than during the day

• There are very few safe places during missile attacks.

• Leaving the city is more dangerous than staying.

• Tehran is the safest city in Iran.

Which of the following inferences about the Baba-Levy family is best supported by the text?

• They didn’t take the missile strikes seriously.

• They left Tehran the night before.

• They were safe in a shelter under one of the hotels.

• They were in their home during the explosion.

Why is Marji's mother shocked at the price of jeans?

When Marji learns that the missile destroyed their neighbor's house, why does her mother try to change the subject?

Using context clues, write your best definition of the word euphoria as it is used in the text. Describe what clues helped your determine that.

Which of the following best explains how the author uses the plot events of the Iran-Iraq war to develop the complex characters of members of Iranian society?

(Look back at the story if needed)

• Iranians are too scared to help each other, reflecting a fearful society.

• Iranians are inclined to hide, reflecting the damages of war.

• The taxi driver calling for his money reflects Iran’s poverty.

• Iranians have differing responses to war, reflecting the society at a human level.

How does the author develop Marji’s mother as a complex character through her reaction to the key event of the bombing?

• Marji’s mother is an aggressive character because she, despite Marji’s wishes, forces Marji to face violence with courage.

• Marji’s mother is a protective character because she shields Marji from the violent aftermath of the missile.

• Marji’s mother is an innocent character because she does not understand that Marji’s friend has died in the bombing.

• Marji’s mother is a villainous character because she opposes Marji’s attempt to see what lies in the wreckage.