8.RL.1.A/8.RL.2.D extra practice

What can be inferred about Eshar’s feelings toward his work?

• He finds it exciting and full of adventure.

• He values it but feels burdened by its responsibilities.

• He dislikes it and wants to quit.

• He is indifferent and does not take it seriously.

How does the author use imagery to develop the setting of ancient Mesopotamia?

• By describing the movement of the merchants in the city

• By painting a sensory picture of the workshop and the festival outside

• By explaining the historical importance of scribes

• By focusing on the physical appearance of Eshar and Lugal

How does the setting contribute to Eshar’s conflict?

• The lively festival outside makes his decision more difficult.

• The silence of the workshop helps him focus on his task.

• The presence of his master encourages him to stay.

• The darkening sky signals that his work is nearly done.

What conclusion can you draw about the role of scribes in Mesopotamian society?

• A) Scribes were seen as unimportant and had little responsibility.

• B) Scribes played a crucial role in maintaining records and order.

• C) Scribes were mainly entertainers who performed at festivals.

• D) Scribes worked only for the king and had no contact with merchants.

Why does Eshar hesitate before making his decision?

• He is afraid that Lugall will be angry with him.

• He does not know how to write cuneiform well enough.

• He is torn between his duty as a scribe and his desire for fun.

• He is unsure if the festival is really happening.

Which sentence best supports the idea that scribes had a high level of responsibility?

• Eshar watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the grand city of Ur.

• Every symbol had to be perfect; one mistake could mean a dispute among traders, or worse, suspicion from the king’s tax collectors.

• There’s a festival in the market—musicians, dancers, even fire-eaters!

• His stylus hovered above the tablet, hesitation pressing down on him heavier than the clay itself.

What does the phrase “hesitation pressing down on him heavier than the clay itself” mean?

• He is physically tired from writing.

• The pressure of his decision is overwhelming.

• The clay tablets are too heavy to carry.

• He is unsure of how to proceed with his work.

Which literary device is used in the sentence, “His stylus hovered above the tablet, hesitation pressing down on him heavier than the clay itself”?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Personification

How does the setting influence Eshar’s internal conflict?

• The quiet, structured workshop reminds him of his responsibilities, while the festival outside tempts him with excitement.

• The market is too far away for him to attend, so he has no real choice.

• The presence of his master forces him to stay and work.

• The city of Ur is dangerous at night, making him afraid to go outside.

What effect does the dialogue between Eshar and Lugal have on the story?

• It introduces Eshar’s master, Sumu, as an important figure.

• It provides historical context about how Mesopotamian scribes were trained.

• It introduces the central conflict between duty and desire.

• It shifts the focus from Eshar’s thoughts to his father’s expectations.