The Silent Lunch Pail - Literary devices in literary texts (Grade 6)
Passage
•
English
•
6th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What reason does Mercedes give Carlos for saving the leftover stew?
That they will eat it for breakfast.
That the stew is his father's favorite.
That they must save every bit because 'waste not, want not'.
That they are giving it to a neighbor.
Answer explanation
The passage directly states, '“We must save every bit, Carlos,” she said, her voice trying to be cheerful. “Waste not, want not!”'
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
According to the passage, what did Carlos hear his father say about the factory?
That he was taking a long break from work.
That the factory was being rebuilt.
That the factory was a 'ghost town' and there was 'nothing'.
That he was getting a promotion at the factory.
Answer explanation
The text states that Carlos overheard his father whisper, '“The factory is a ghost town, Mercedes,” my father whispered, his voice rough with worry. “There’s nothing.”'
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the meaning of the phrase, 'Silence wrapped around the table like a heavy blanket'?
The family was cold because they did not have a blanket.
The family was comfortable and cozy during dinner.
The quietness felt uncomfortable and suffocating.
Someone had dropped a blanket on the dinner table.
Answer explanation
This is a simile. A 'heavy blanket' suggests something that is weighty and oppressive. It is used to describe the uncomfortable and tense silence at the dinner table, not physical warmth or comfort.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
At the end of the passage, what does the empty lunch pail symbolize for Carlos?
A reminder that his father needs to buy a new one.
The family's quiet trouble and his father's job loss.
The hope that his father will go back to work soon.
The delicious sandwiches his father used to eat.
Answer explanation
Carlos states, 'The empty lunch pail wasn't just a pail anymore. It was a symbol of the quiet trouble that had entered our home.' This shows he now understands it represents the secret problem.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Mercedes tells Carlos that his father is on 'a little break' and 'Everything is fine', what does her 'too bright' voice reveal?
She is genuinely happy and excited about the break.
She is angry at Carlos for asking a question.
She is not used to talking so loudly.
She is trying to hide her worry and pretend things are normal.
Answer explanation
The phrase 'too bright' suggests her cheerfulness is forced or unnatural. This indicates she is not telling the whole truth and is trying to hide the family's problems from Carlos to protect him.
6.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match the character's dialogue or action to the feeling or motivation it primarily reveals.
A sense of defeat and worry
Carlos creeping to the edge of the hallway
Curiosity and suspicion about the secret
The family's silence at the table
An attempt to protect her son from a painful truth
Mercedes saying, 'Everything is fine, mijo.'
A shared, unspoken tension and sadness
Father's 'hushed' and 'rough' voice
Answer explanation
Mercedes's statement is a clear attempt to hide the problem from her son. The father's tone of voice reveals his deep worry. Carlos's action of eavesdropping shows he is suspicious and wants to know the truth. The collective silence shows the tension affecting the whole family.
7.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Sort the following phrases and descriptions from the passage into the correct categories: 'Hiding the Secret' or 'Revealing the Secret'.
Groups:
(a) Hiding the Secret
,
(b) Revealing the Secret
Mercedes saying 'Waste not, want not!'
Saying 'Everything is fine, mijo.'
The family eating supper in silence
Father's whisper that the factory is a 'ghost town'
Father's lunch pail is clean and empty
Mother's 'too bright' voice
Answer explanation
The items in 'Hiding the Secret' are direct attempts by the mother to cover up the truth or act normal. The items in 'Revealing the Secret' are the clues and the direct statement that show Carlos the true situation, even if they are not meant for him to see or hear.
Access all questions and much more by creating a free account
Create resources
Host any resource
Get auto-graded reports
Continue with Google
Continue with Email
Continue with Microsoft
or continue with
%20(1).png)
Apple
Others
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
Already have an account?
