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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6