The Unapproved Canvas - Dystopian Literature (Grade 8)
Passage
•
English
•
8th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
According to the passage, what is the official art assignment Riley is supposed to be working on?
A secret burst of color
Pattern 7: a perfect, simple gray square
A portrait of Director Mallory
A painting that shows her feelings
Answer explanation
The first paragraph explicitly states, 'Today’s was Pattern 7: a perfect, simple gray square.' This is the approved task.
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What does Beau warn will happen to Riley if Director Mallory finds her unapproved painting?
She will be expelled from the center.
She will have to paint gray squares for a month.
She will be sent for re-calibration.
She will be praised for her creativity.
Answer explanation
Beau's dialogue directly warns Riley of this consequence. He says, '...they’ll send you for re-calibration. You’ll come back… empty.'
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What does Beau's dialogue, 'This is how Disorder starts, Riley. With one unapproved color,' mainly reveal about his motivation?
He is jealous of Riley's artistic skill.
He wants to report Riley to the Director.
He genuinely fears breaking the rules and the chaos he believes it will cause.
He thinks Riley's painting is ugly and messy.
Answer explanation
Beau's tone is described as 'genuinely afraid,' and his words connect a simple unapproved color to 'Disorder,' showing he has internalized the society's fear of individuality.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
In the context of the story, what does the 'gray silence' that Riley mentions most likely represent?
A town where no one is allowed to speak loudly.
A rule that all paintings must be gray.
A literal weather forecast for Harmony Glade.
A life without emotion, creativity, or individuality.
Answer explanation
The 'gray silence' is a metaphor for the oppressive, uniform, and emotionless society of Harmony Glade, which Riley is starting to reject in favor of her colorful, expressive art.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What does the subtext of Riley's final statement, 'I’d rather be re-calibrated than be empty,' suggest about her character's development?
She has decided that expressing her identity is more important than her safety.
She does not believe that 're-calibration' is a real threat.
She wants to challenge Beau to a painting competition.
She has given up and is ready to accept her punishment.
Answer explanation
This line shows her coming-of-age moment. She is no longer afraid. She is choosing the risk of punishment ('re-calibration') over the certainty of a life without feeling ('empty'), showing her commitment to her newfound creativity and identity.
6.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Categorize the following items from the passage based on the societal values they represent.
Groups:
(a) Values of Harmony Glade's Society
,
(b) Values of Riley's Rebellion
Re-calibration
Being 'empty'
Order and Predictability
A mess of feelings
Approved Pattern
Defiant yellow
Answer explanation
The society of Harmony Glade values conformity ('Approved Pattern'), control ('Order and Predictability'), and punishment for non-conformity ('Re-calibration'), which results in a state of being 'empty'. Riley's rebellion values emotion ('a mess of feelings') and individuality ('defiant yellow').
7.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match each line of dialogue with the primary intent behind it.
To defend personal expression against conformity
“That’s not an Approved Pattern.”
To plead out of fear for a friend's safety
“Maybe Disorder is better than this gray silence.”
To state a rule and express alarm
“It’s just… me. It’s what I feel.”
To challenge a core belief of the society
“Please, Riley, just put it away.”
Answer explanation
Beau's first line is a statement of fact meant to show alarm. Riley's defense connects her art to her identity. Beau's plea shows his fear and concern for her. Riley's final challenge questions the very foundation of their society's values.
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