"Joking" and "In the Kitchen" 6.7A

Paragraphs 7 and 8 contribute to the plot by —

• A. providing a flashback that describes Bradley and Mina's daily exchanges

• B. revealing actions that show how Bradley and Mina resolve their differences

• C. showing how Bradley and Mina interact with one another after their disagreement

• D. emphasizing the turning point of Bradley and Mina's conflict

Answer explanation

These paragraphs provide information regarding previous interactions between Bradley and Mina.

The author includes figurative language in paragraphs 2 and 3 to —

• A. provide descriptions of Bradley's and Mina's physical appearance

• B. stress the importance of participating in classroom activities

• C. provide clues about how Bradley and Mina interact

• D. offer facts about how the classroom is organized

Answer explanation

The figurative language “as routine as a required fire drill” communicates clues about the way that Bradley and Mina interact each

day.

How does Bradley's response to Mina's dialogue in paragraph 11 affect the plot?

• A. Bradley understands that Mina's jokes will become more difficult.

• B. Bradley recognizes that Mina no longer wants to be his friend.

• C. Bradley accepts that Mina wants him to tell the next joke.

• D. Bradley realizes that he enjoys solving Mina's jokes.

Answer explanation

Bradley thinks through his feelings about his interactions with Mina each day and realizes how much he looks forward to their

exchanges.

In paragraph 14, the word tentative means -

• A. quiet

• B. hesitant

• C. excited

• D. admiring

Answer explanation

The phrase “slowly floated” provides context that the word “tentative” means “hesitant.”

Which sentence from paragraph 1 shows that Justin is a careful person? Select ONE correct answer.

Justin lived in the kitchen—metaphorically, that is. He, of course, lived in his family’s whole

apartment, but he felt most at home in the kitchen. Cooking was peaceful, and it made sense.

Recipes provided step-by-step plans, taking uncertainty out of every situation, specifying this pan,

that utensil, this ingredient, that exact amount.

• A. Justin lived in the kitchen—metaphorically, that is.

• B. He, of course, lived in his family’s whole

  apartment, but he felt most at home in the kitchen.

• C. Cooking was peaceful, and it made sense.

• D. Recipes provided step-by-step plans, taking uncertainty out of every situation, specifying this pan, that utensil, this ingredient, that exact amount.

Answer explanation

Justin is not interested in the “wacky techniques” (paragraphs 2, 3) or the “trial and error” (paragraph 4) that Lucy suggests. His

desire to adhere to the recipe, as demonstrated by this sentence shows that he is a careful person (paragraph 1).

The next time Justin is cooking, he will most likely -

• A. allow Lucy to assist him

• B. try new cooking techniques

• C. make a mess in the kitchen

• D. keep Lucy out of the kitchen

Answer explanation

Based on the playful interaction Justin has with Lucy, the reader can predict that he will likely include his sister the next time he is

cooking.

Which statement expresses a main theme of the text?

• A. Conflict can lead to misunderstandings.

• B. Hobbies are meant to be shared with others.

• C. Unexpected situations can lead to greater understanding.

• D. Humorous events can cause disruption and confusion.

Answer explanation

Justin does not expect Lucy to interrupt his cooking, but it allows him to better understand his sister and that she would like to

spend time with her brother.

The word ridiculous comes from the Latin root rid, which means “laugh."

What does ridiculous mean in paragraph 8?

• A. Giggle

• B. Happy

• C. Lucky

• D. Silly

Answer explanation

The Latin root rid, meaning “laugh,” helps the reader determine that the word “ridiculous” means “silly” in this context.

Based on both texts, what is one way Justin in “In the Kitchen" differs from Bradley in "Joking"?

• A. Justin displays less patience than Bradley does.

• B. Justin changes his attitude more quickly than Bradley does.

• C. Justin takes more pride in his abilities than Bradley does.

• D. Justin has fewer demands on his time than Bradley does.

Answer explanation

It takes Bradley two weeks to figure out he actually enjoys Mina’s jokes, while Justin overcomes his annoyance with Lucy almost

immediately.

What theme is shared by both texts?

• A. Humor eases tension.

• B. Laughter is the best medicine.

• C. Friends will support you.

• D. Arguments destroy relationships.

Answer explanation

At the end of the text, when Bradley scribbles a knock-knock joke to Mina, he wants to show Mina that he enjoys their humorous

interactions. When Justin acts like the pancake is a hat on his head, he shows Lucy that he isn’t upset about her actions.