Excerpt from Anne of Avonlea

"That old nuisance of a Rachel Lynde was here again today, pestering me for a subscription towards buying a carpet for the vestry room," said Mr. Harrison wrathfully.

What is the meaning of the word nuisance as it is used in the sentence above?

• a nosy person

• an irritating person

• a respectful person

• an intelligent person

Read the sentence from paragraph 1.

“She can put a whole sermon, text, comment, and application, into six words, and throw it at you like a brick.”

How does this statement impact the plot of the passage?

• It describes the conflict between Mrs. Lynde and Anne.

• It shows how the other characters are affected by Mrs. Lynde.

• It defines the problem Mrs. Lynde faced.

• It explains how Mr. Harrison and Anne come to a resolution over Mrs. Lynde.

What does Mr. Harrison imply by calling Mrs. Lynde “an acquired taste” in paragraph 4?

• Mrs. Lynde reminds Mr. Harrison of things he dislikes.

• Mrs. Lynde involves herself in other people’s business.

• Mr. Harrison may learn to like Mrs. Lynde if he gets to know her.

• Mr. Harrison refuses to be around Mrs. Lynde because of his dislike for her.

Part A: Reread paragraph 12.

“I suppose she has some good qualities,” conceded Mr. Harrison grudgingly. “Most folks have. I have some myself, though you might never suspect it.”

What word means the same as grudgingly as it is used in the sentence?

• disrespectfully

• gratefully

• suspiciously

• unwillingly

Part B: Which word from the paragraph helps define grudgingly as it is used in the sentence in Part A?

• conceded

• never

• qualities

• suspect

Which paragraphs from the passage represent the contrasting points of view of Mr. Harrison and Anne?

• paragraphs 1 and 2

• paragraphs 7 and 8

• paragraphs 3 and 4

• paragraphs 9 and 10

Part A: Based on the passage, what can be inferred about Anne’s feelings toward Mrs. Lynde?

• Anne feels adoration toward Mrs. Lynde.

• Anne feels compassion toward Mrs. Lynde.

• Anne feels scornful toward Mrs. Lynde.

• Anne feels resentful toward Mrs. Lynde.

Part B: Which quotation from the passage supports the answer to Part A?

• “And as for Mrs. Lynde being a busybody, perhaps she is.” (paragraph 11)

• “I detest that woman more than anybody I know.” (paragraph 1)

• “…I understand that she is a confirmed busybody and I told her so.” (paragraph 4)

• "I didn’t like Mrs. Lynde at first either; but as soon as I came to understand her I learned to.” (paragraph 3)

Which quotation from Mr. Harrison suggests he agrees with Anne about Rachel Lynde?

• “Well, well, I’ll try and not mention it again since you’re so sensitive.” (paragraph 10)

• “And as for understanding her, I understand that she is a confirmed busybody and I told her so.” (paragraph 4)

• “Mrs. Lynde may be an acquired taste with some folks….” (paragraph 4)

• “It was truth and I believe in telling the truth to everybody.” (paragraph 6)

What is a theme of the passage?

• People's opinions are not easily changed.

• People should strive to see the good characteristics in others.

• Always speaking the truth is impolite.

• Gossiping about others can lead to hurt feelings.