The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Chapters 10-11 Quiz

The passage from Chapter 10 of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks describes the author’s arrival in Clover, Virginia. Which of the following best captures the author’s purpose in detailing the town’s abandoned state?

• To argue that Clover’s decline reflects a broader neglect of rural America.

• To establish a vivid setting that contrasts with Henrietta’s vibrant memory.

• To suggest that the town’s isolation prevented progress for its residents.

• To criticize the local government for failing to maintain historical sites.

• To imply that the lack of activity foreshadows the mystery of Henrietta’s cells.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

In the description of Cootie’s house in Chapter 10, the author notes the crooked walls and the use of nails. Which rhetorical choice best supports the author’s portrayal of Cootie’s resilience?

• The use of specific details about the construction process to highlight effort.

• The inclusion of dialogue to reveal Cootie’s emotional attachment to the house.

• The comparison of the house to modern buildings to emphasize its uniqueness.

• The repetition of the word “again” to underscore repeated challenges overcome.

• The focus on the outhouse to illustrate Cootie’s preference for simplicity.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

The phrase “darker than dark” in the context of Sonny’s directions (Chapter 10) serves to:

• Emphasize the physical isolation of Clover to enhance the narrative’s tone.

• Suggest a metaphorical blindness to Henrietta’s legacy among the townsfolk.

• Indicate the author’s fear of navigating an unfamiliar rural landscape.

• Highlight the lack of infrastructure as a barrier to historical research.

• Create a sense of urgency for the author to find Henrietta’s grave quickly.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

In the AP CED (Page 18), the course is described as cultivating skills for “intellectually responsible civic engagement.” Which of the following best aligns with this goal?

• Encouraging students to memorize historical facts about rhetorical strategies.

• Guiding students to analyze and construct arguments for diverse audiences.

• Requiring students to summarize texts without forming personal opinions.

• Teaching students to replicate the writing styles of famous authors exactly.

• Focusing students on creative writing rather than analytical skills.

The author of Chapter 11 uses the detail of Henrietta’s swollen belly to:

• Illustrate the physical toll of her illness to evoke sympathy from readers.

• Suggest a symbolic connection between her body and her growing legacy.

• Criticize the medical staff for their inadequate treatment of her condition.

• Provide a scientific explanation for the spread of her cancerous cells.

• Contrast her appearance with the health of her family members.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In the CED (Page 22), the enduring understanding CLE-1 states that writers often acknowledge opposing arguments. How does Cootie’s discussion of “man-made” or “spirit-made” cells (Chapter 10) reflect this?

• By presenting a scientific claim and dismissing spiritual beliefs outright.

• By offering two possible explanations and leaving the truth unresolved.

• By arguing that doctors alone are responsible for Henrietta’s condition.

• By rejecting local folklore in favor of medical evidence presented later.

• By asserting that spirits caused her illness without considering doctors.

The transition from Clover’s deserted Main Street to Lacks Town in Chapter 10 relies on which organizational strategy?

• Chronological order to trace the town’s historical decline over decades.

• Spatial arrangement to contrast socioeconomic conditions across tracks.

• Cause and effect to link economic decline to Henrietta’s illness.

• Problem and solution to highlight efforts to revitalize the area.

• Comparison and contrast to show differences between the towns.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which of the following additions, if placed before the first sentence of Chapter 10, would most effectively introduce the author’s journey?

• The author had spent months researching Henrietta’s life before visiting Clover.

• Driving from Pittsburgh, the author anticipated uncovering Henrietta’s story.

• Henrietta’s family had long awaited a visitor to document their history.

• Clover’s remote location posed challenges for the author’s research plans.

• The author’s interest in medical ethics led to a trip to southern Virginia.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

The rhetorical situation in Chapter 11 is shaped by Henrietta’s deteriorating health. How does the author use Emmett’s perspective to enhance this?

• By detailing Emmett’s medical expertise to validate Henrietta’s treatment.

• By recounting Emmett’s emotional response to underscore her suffering.

• By describing Emmett’s work history to explain his absence from her side.

• By focusing on Emmett’s donations to highlight the family’s support system.

• By contrasting Emmett’s health with Henrietta’s to emphasize her decline.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

The author’s description of the “headless hog” spirit in Chapter 10 serves to:

• Provide a factual account of local wildlife to ground the narrative in reality.

• Enhance the mystical tone to reflect Cootie’s worldview and fears.

• Offer a historical explanation for the origins of Lacks Town’s cemetery.

• Critique the superstition of rural communities in a satirical manner.

• Suggest a scientific theory about disease transmission in the area.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.1

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1