The Waiting Room - Comprehension Questions

What is the best theme of “The Waiting Room”?

• Growing up means giving up all fun.

• Responsibility and empathy go hand in hand.

• Waiting is always boring.

• Adults don’t understand children.

In Paragraph 5, Noah imagines Dr. Chao telling his dad, “I’m sorry, your son is incurably bored.” What does that reveal about Noah’s perspective?

• He thinks Dr. Chao is unkind.

• He believes his punishment is too harsh.

• He wants more homework.

• He dislikes sports magazines.

How does the author show Noah’s change of heart near the end?

• By describing how fast Noah can run.

• By having Diego criticize Noah’s upbringing.

• By showing Noah return the ship and play with the younger boy.

• By explaining Noah’s dad’s work calls.

Which choice best defines “frenzied” as used in Paragraph 6 (“high-pitched, frenzied babble”)?

• Calm

• Orderly

• Wildly excited

• Deep and slow

Which detail supports the inference that Noah misses being younger?

• He scowls at lint and gum.

• He remembers a pirate-themed birthday treasure hunt.

• He practices baseball base-stealing.

• He complains about his mom's laptop use.