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  5. The Riddle Of The Attic Box Comparing And Contrasting Characters (grade 8)
The Riddle of the Attic Box - Comparing and contrasting characters (Grade 8)

The Riddle of the Attic Box - Comparing and contrasting characters (Grade 8)

Assessment

Passage

•

English

•

8th Grade

•

Practice Problem

•

Hard

Created by

Angela Lock

FREE Resource

8 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the main difference in how Stella and Norman first react to the locked box?

Stella is scared of it, while Norman is excited.

Stella wants to open it immediately, while Norman is cautious and worried.

Both are uninterested and want to leave the attic.

Norman wants to break the lock, while Stella wants to solve the riddle.

Answer explanation

The passage shows Stella immediately trying to tug the lid open, while Norman says, 'Wait, Stella!' and worries it might be 'trapped'. This highlights their contrasting initial reactions.

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Norman's line, 'Solving it is the right way to do this. It's safer,' primarily reveals that he...

is not interested in what is inside the box.

prefers logical problem-solving over taking risks.

thinks Stella is not smart enough to solve the riddle.

is certain the box contains something dangerous.

Answer explanation

This line shows Norman's core personality. He sees the riddle not just as a game, but as the 'safer' and 'right' method, contrasting with Stella's desire to use force. This demonstrates his preference for a methodical approach to avoid the unknown.

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What specific detail does Norman notice on the box that Stella overlooks at first?

The tarnished brass straps

The smell of old wood

A riddle carved into the lid

The heavy weight of the box

Answer explanation

The text explicitly states that Norman is the one who points out the riddle, saying, 'No, look closer... There's writing here. It's a riddle.' Stella had been focused only on opening the box.

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How are Stella's and Norman's personalities contrasted through their dialogue about the riddle?

Stella is curious and patient, while Norman is bored and dismissive.

Stella is creative but illogical, while Norman is logical but not creative.

Stella is impatient and action-oriented, while Norman is analytical and cautious.

Stella is fearful and hesitant, while Norman is brave and direct.

Answer explanation

Stella's dialogue, 'Who has time for that? Let's just break the lock,' shows her impatience. Norman's dialogue, 'the riddle is the key... Solving it is the right way,' shows his analytical nature. This contrast is central to their interaction.

5.

CATEGORIZE QUESTION

1 min • 1 pt

Categorize the following descriptions and actions based on which character they belong to.

Groups:

(a) Stella

,

(b) Norman

Prefers a safer, methodical approach

Points out the writing on the lid

Exclaims that the box might hold treasure

Is initially impatient with the riddle

Wants to use force to open the box

Suggests the box might be trapped

Answer explanation

The items are sorted based on the actions and dialogue of each character in the story. Stella is characterized by her impulsive, action-oriented behavior, while Norman is characterized by his cautious, analytical thinking.

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

By the end of the passage, how has Stella's approach to the problem changed?

She gives up on the box and decides to leave the attic.

She becomes more fearful than Norman and refuses to touch anything.

She gets angry at Norman for making the process too slow.

She accepts the puzzle and joins in the search for a book.

Answer explanation

After Norman helps solve the riddle, Stella's attitude shifts. The passage states her 'impatience replaced by a new kind of excitement' and that she 'grabbed a large leather-bound book,' showing she has joined the puzzle-solving effort.

7.

MATCH QUESTION

1 min • 1 pt

Match each character's line of dialogue to the attitude it reveals.

Dismissal of potential danger

"Think about it logically. What holds stories but doesn't speak?"

An analytical and methodical mindset

"Wait, Stella! Don't just yank it open..."

Impatience with puzzles

"A riddle? That's it? Who has time for that?"

Caution and fear of the unknown

"Trapped? Don't be silly, Norman."

Answer explanation

Each line of dialogue is a clear example of the character's core personality trait. Norman's first line shows his caution. Stella's response shows her dismissive attitude. Her next line shows impatience. Norman's final line shows his logical thinking.

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