Ted and Olly: Understanding Themes and Perspectives

Part A: What is the best meaning of “full-time proposition” as it is used in Paragraph 3?

• Large, unaffordable expense

• Loyal, devoted friend

• Time-consuming project

• High-quality education

Part B: Which phrase from Paragraph 3 best supports your answer to Part A?

• “... if you had the cash, son…”

• “But you’re in school most of the year…”

• “... somewhere between a smile and a frown.”

• “... you... ought to comprehend.”

How does the phrase “can’t pull its own weight” in Paragraph 1 impact the reader’s understanding of the conflict?

• It emphasizes that Ted’ father can’t afford an animal that doesn’t earn him any money.

• It highlights that Olly is getting too old and can no longer provide riding lessons for Ted.

• It contrasts the expectations that Ted’s mother and father have for the animals on the stable.

• It suggests that there are multiple problems facing Olly, including his obesity and overeating.

Part A: Which theme is addressed in the story?

• With family, life can get complicated.

• Money comes before relationships.

• Great friends are hard to find and keep.

• With determination, anything is possible.

Part B: Which TWO pieces of evidence best support the theme you selected in Part A?

• “He’s a good horse, Olly is,” Ted retorted. “So what if little kids can’t manage him?” (Paragraph 2)

• At dinner, the debate dragged on, Mom shaking her head while Pops and Ted argued at full volume. (Paragraph 4)

• He inquired about washing cars and walking dogs, but by the end of the month Ted had no job offers or any way to earn extra money. (Paragraph 5)

• “It seems like people will always pay for riding lessons, even if times aren’t so great.” (Paragraph 9)

• “... And in return, you could come early mornings, three times a week, say, and help out in the orchard? That seems like an advantageous bargain for both of us, wouldn’t you agree?” (Paragraph 17)

How does the information in paragraph 2 most help the reader understand Ted’s point of view toward Olly?

• It demonstrates Ted’s confusion over his priorities.

• It demonstrates Ted’s devotion to keeping Olly.

• It shows the anger of Ted toward his father.

• It shows that Ted knows Olly is mischievous.

How does the information in paragraph 5 help the reader understand Ted’s perspective?

• The reader learns that Ted is ready to give up on his goal.

• The reader learns that Ted’s hometown has no work.

• The reader learns that Ted won’t give up on his goal.

• The reader learns that Ted has found a job in town.

How does the difference between Ted’s point of view and his father’s point of view create tension?

• Ted’s father believes that Olly is more expensive than he’s worth, while the reader understands Ted would do anything to keep Olly.

• Ted’s father believes that Ted is too lazy to take care of Olly, while the reader understands that Ted actually is a hard worker.

• Ted’s father wants Ted to concentrate on school and work around the house, while the reader knows that Ted is disinterested in school.

• Ted’s father wants Ted to train Olly so that he can make the family money, while the reader understands that Ted wants Olly all to himself.

What is revealed about Ted and how does the author portray this aspect of the character?

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