"What's So Funny, Mr. Scieszka?"

How does the author's word choice in the first sentence of the story contribute to the mood?

• The personification establishes fear.

• The personification produces sympathy.

• The personification creates optimism.

• The personification builds tension.

Which phrase from paragraph 23 helps the reader understand the meaning of the word pause?

• feel the whole world

• just a single beat

• like it always does

• a good punch line

In paragraph 8, the pronoun it refers to--

• the reason Jon is laughing

• the secret Jon just heard

• the person who told the joke

• the note that was passed

Based on paragraphs 5-8 of the story, what can the reader infer about Jon Scieszka when he was a fifth grader?

• He stayed out of trouble as long as he did not talk to classmates.

• He was a class clown who knew how to get out of trouble.

• He was serious student who got distracted by friends.

• He often got into trouble and was disliked by teachers.

How does the organization of paragraphs 13-16 contribute to the selection?

• A sense of suspense is built as Jon begins to tell his joke.

• A comparison is made between Jon's potential paths.

• An argument is made to prove that Jon made the right decision.

• A description is given of the classroom and of the people in it.

In paragraph 10, the apology contains the Latin root word apo-, which means-

• a reason or cause

• before, in front of

• wonder, amazement

• get away from, separate from

The author wrote this selection most likely to

• inform the reader about an early experience in his life

• persuade the reader to always be honest when speaking

• entertain readers with a humorous story from his childhood

• provide evidence of the strict rules at the school he attended