The Radium Girls Multiple Choice Assessment

In Scene 1, what does the phrase “painting with sunshine” symbolize when Margaret says, “We’re painting with sunshine, girls!”?

• The workers believe they are spreading happiness through their job.

• It reflects the workers’ understanding that radium is healing and nutritious.

• It shows the irony of the situation, as something beautiful is actually harmful.

• It shows that the girls understand they are risking their lives for patriotism.

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Based on both texts, what is the MOST accurate statement about the United States Radium Corporation’s actions?

• They were unaware of the dangers of radium exposure

• They deliberately misled workers about safety risks

• They provided proper safety equipment to all workers

• They immediately compensated workers who became ill

Read this excerpt from the Reader’s Theater Script: "Grace Fryer: (dipping her brush) Lip, dip, paint… (hesitates) But isn’t the paint dangerous? It glows in the dark. That can’t be good for us." What can you infer about Grace from this statement?

• A) She is afraid of the dark

• B) She dislikes her job at the factory

• C) She has suspicions about workplace safety

• D) She is trying to get other workers to quit

Which TWO central ideas are developed throughout both texts about the Radium Girls’ experience?

• Corporate negligence led to worker suffering

• The discovery of radium was a scientific breakthrough

• The women’s fight for justice led to lasting safety reforms

• Luminous watches were essential military equipment

• Radium was widely used in beauty products

Read this excerpt from the informational text: "The Radium Girls tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers within industrial workplaces and the importance of protecting workers' rights."

What is the author’s purpose in using the word “sobering” in this context?

• To suggest the women were intoxicated at work

• To emphasize the serious and cautionary nature of the event

• To create a sad tone throughout the article

• To contrast with the “glowing” properties of radium

How did the “lip-pointing” technique impact the Radium Girls’ health?

• It caused their lips to glow in the dark

• It resulted in respiratory problems

• It led to the ingestion of radioactive material

• It caused their hands to develop calluses

Which statement BEST summarizes how the court case affected workplace safety?

• It immediately shut down all watch dial factories in America

• It raised awareness and led to stricter safety regulations

• It resulted in massive financial compensation for all workers

• It led to the arrest of company executives

Which piece of dialogue best supports the idea that the company misled the girls about the dangers of radium paint?

• “We sure do.” – Catherine

• You're doing your part for America.” – Company Manager

• “Radium is perfectly safe. It's even used in medicine to heal.” – Company Manager

• “We need answers. And if no one will help us, we'll help ourselves.” – Grace Fryer

Based on the informational text, what is the relationship between Marie Curie’s discovery of radium and the Radium Girls tragedy?

• A) Marie Curie warned about radium’s dangers but was ignored

• B) Marie Curie worked with the Radium Girls in the factory

• C) A scientific discovery with beneficial potential led to harmful industrial applications

• D) Marie Curie testified against the United States Radium Corporation

What does the structure of the Reader’s Theater Script, with its progression through different scenes, reveal about the development of the Radium Girls’ story?

• It shows how quickly the company responded to health concerns

• It emphasizes how the women’s health declined over time while their resolve grew

• It focuses primarily on scientific explanations for radium poisoning

• It presents multiple perspectives but avoids taking sides