Fiction Reading Skills Quiz

What strange pattern does Janelle notice about the streetlight in front of the Wilcox house?

• It was always off and nobody ever changed the lightbulb.

• It only turned on during the day.

• It was always flickering just before midnight.

• It was not turning on at the correct time.

Why does Janelle want to investigate the Wilcox house instead of ignoring it like most kids do?

• She saw a mysterious figure.

• The flickering was too regular to be coincidence.

• She loved mysteries and wanted to be a detective.

• Her father told her to.

What does Marcus’s reaction to Janelle’s concern reveal about his personality or outlook?

• He is not a very curious individual.

• He trusts the police.

• He is a bad friend.

• He trusts adults to solve his problem for him.

What theme or message might this story be beginning to explore? What evidence tells you this?

• Fear. Janelle's friend was afraid of the house and didn't want to investigate.

• Curiosity. Janelle wanted to know the answer even when other people thought it wasn't important.

• Curiosity. Janelle asked questions, and questions are the basis for curiosity.

• Fear. Other people crossed the street to avoid the house with the weird light.

How does the author use descriptions to build suspense in this story?