Vocabulary Challenge: Rotten Redhead

Which word from "My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother" best describes Richard's attitude when he challenges Patricia, and why?

• Indifferent, because he doesn't care about the outcome.

• Competitive, because he always wants to outdo Patricia and prove himself.

• Generous, because he wants Patricia to win.

• Confused, because he doesn't understand the challenge.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

In the context of the story, what does the word "rotten" most likely mean when Patricia describes her brother, and what evidence from the text supports your answer?

• Spoiled, because he gets everything he wants.

• Mischievous, because he teases and challenges Patricia in playful but annoying ways.

• Sick, because he is unwell.

• Absent, because he is never around.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

Analyze the use of the word "triumph" in the story. What does it reveal about Patricia's feelings after the carnival contest, and how does it affect her relationship with Richard?

• She feels embarrassed and distant from Richard.

• She feels victorious and proud, which makes her feel equal to Richard.

• She feels confused and unsure about her abilities.

• She feels angry and resentful toward Richard.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

The word "challenge" is used several times in the story. Based on the events, what deeper meaning does "challenge" take on for Patricia and Richard?

• It means a simple game they play.

• It represents their ongoing rivalry and desire to prove themselves to each other.

• It refers to a school assignment.

• It means a physical obstacle in their yard.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Consider the word "determined" as it applies to Patricia. How does her determination influence the outcome of the story, and what evidence supports this?

• She gives up easily, so nothing changes.

• Her determination leads her to keep trying until she finally wins a contest, showing her perseverance.

• She ignores her brother, so they stop competing.

• She becomes angry and refuses to participate.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

Examine the word "tease" as used in the story. How does Richard's teasing affect Patricia's actions, and what does this suggest about sibling relationships?

• It makes her ignore him completely.

• It motivates her to compete and try harder, showing that teasing can push siblings to challenge themselves.

• It causes her to cry and give up.

• It makes her want to move away.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

The word "proud" is used to describe how Patricia feels at one point. What event leads to this feeling, and how does it change her view of herself?

• She feels proud after losing a contest, which makes her feel less confident.

• She feels proud after finally beating Richard, which boosts her self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

• She feels proud when Richard teases her, making her feel embarrassed.

• She feels proud when she avoids a challenge, making her feel relieved.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Analyze the meaning of "affection" as it develops between Patricia and Richard by the end of the story. What evidence from the text supports this change?

• They become enemies and stop talking.

• Their affection grows as they realize they care for each other, especially when Richard helps Patricia after she gets hurt.

• Their affection decreases as they compete more.

• Their affection is only shown through teasing.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Consider the word "rivalry" in the context of the story. How does the rivalry between Patricia and Richard drive the plot, and what does it reveal about their personalities?

• The rivalry makes them avoid each other, showing they are both shy.

• The rivalry pushes them to challenge each other, revealing their competitive and determined natures.

• The rivalry is unimportant to the story.

• The rivalry makes them both give up easily.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

The word "support" takes on new meaning after Patricia's accident. How does Richard's support change the dynamic between the siblings, and what does this suggest about family?

• Richard's support makes Patricia feel embarrassed, suggesting family is unimportant.

• Richard's support shows that, despite rivalry, family members care for each other in times of need.

• Richard's support leads to more arguments.

• Richard's support is ignored by Patricia.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3