Two Kinds

In “Two Kinds,” the mother arranges for the daughter to have piano lessons. The daughter gives the following response.

“Why don’t you like me the way I am? I’m not a genius!”

                Based on this quotation, choose what the daughter most likely believes.

• Because she is not a genius, she must work harder than other people do to succeed.

• If her mother wants her to develop a talent, then her mother must not value her as she is.

• Because she is not a genius, she does not deserve her mother’s efforts to improve her.

• If her mother wants her to develop a talent, then her mother must realize that she is not a genius.

Which situation most clearly shows an example of squabbling? Base your choice on the meaning of squabbling.

• Jamal bores his friends with stories of winning video games

• Jose asks Leila for advice on how to fix his bicycle.

• Kim and Li fight over who gets to go first up the stairs.

• Ed and Ramón discuss their differing opinions about politics.

Which statement best explains why the daughter in “Two Kinds” develops a negative attitude toward her mother’s quizzes?

• She is not interested in geography or math.

• She finds the tests getting harder and harder.

• She sees herself disappointing her mother.

• She wants to play piano instead of taking tests.

In “Two Kinds,” which character trait do the daughter and mother share?

• sensitivity

• stubbornness

• cheerfulness

• peacefulness

Which additional quotation from “Two Kinds” best supports the following statement: "If her mother wants her to develop a talent, then her mother must not value her as she is."?

• It was as if I knew, without a doubt, that the prodigy side of me really did exist. I had no fear whatsoever, no nervousness.

• In all of my imaginings, I was filled with a sense that I would soon become perfect.

• I felt the shame of my mother and father as they sat stiffly throughout the rest of the show.

• “You want me to be someone that I’m not!” I sobbed. “I’ll never be the kind of daughter you want me to be!”

Which situation would most likely cause a person to feel devastated? Base your choice on the meaning of devastated.

• Jon’s younger sister cannot grasp his explanation of chemistry.

• Komal graduates at the top of his high school class.

• No one shows up for Joshua’s thirteenth birthday party.

• Rosa must finish her homework before watching television.

From which point of view is “Two Kinds” written?

• first person, from the daughter’s point of view

• first person, from the mother’s point of view

• third person, from the daughter’s point of view

• third person, from the mother’s point of view

Which of the following is the best definition for lamented?

• showed appreciation for

• expressed sorrow about

• expressed annoyance at

• showed anger about

Which statement best sums up the theme, or message, of “Two Kinds”?

• Determination is more important than genius.

• A happy family requires obedient children.

• Accepting oneself can be more important than success.

• A parent’s expectations inspire a child’s achievements.

The word competent means “able to do a specific job correctly.” The word incompetent is formed by adding the Latin prefix in- to the word competent. Based on your knowledge of in-, choose the most likely meaning of incompetent.

• capable of doing many different jobs

• having a set of skills that apply to various tasks

• lacking the qualities needed to do something well

• unable to maintain focus for long periods of time