The Memory Box - Irony in literary text (Grade 7)
Passage
•
English
•
7th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Margo first sees Adrian with the box, what does he say it is?
A collection of memories
Something he was checking
Just junk he was about to throw out
A box of fragile glass
Answer explanation
This is a direct recall question. In the passage, Adrian tells Margo, "Oh, this? It's just junk. I was about to throw it out," to hide his true feelings.
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Margo says, "Wow, you're doing a great job cleaning," what does she most likely mean?
She is impressed with how clean his room is.
She is gently teasing him for not making any progress.
She wants him to hurry up so she can use the room.
She thinks the box he is holding is part of the trash.
Answer explanation
This is an example of verbal irony. Margo says the opposite of what she means. The passage states, "Adrian hadn't moved in ten minutes," indicating he was not cleaning, so her comment is meant to be playful and ironic.
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Why does Adrian claim he was "checking if it still worked" when he takes the controller back?
He genuinely thought it might still be functional.
He was angry that Margo was touching his things.
He wanted to test the controller one last time before throwing it out.
He was embarrassed and trying to hide his emotional attachment to the item.
Answer explanation
Adrian's statement is an excuse. The passage notes, "He knew it didn't," and describes him putting it back "as if it were fragile glass," which shows he values it emotionally and is trying to cover up those feelings.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What specific item from the box does Margo pick up?
A faded baseball cap
A stack of silly drawings
The cracked video game controller
A photo of Adrian and Jesse
Answer explanation
The passage explicitly states, "Margo walked over and picked up the cracked controller." This is a direct detail from the text.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the most likely reason Margo's final suggestion helps Adrian let go of the box?
It allows him to honor his friendship while still moving forward.
He is afraid Margo will throw the box away if he doesn't agree.
He realizes the items in the box are just junk after all.
He is tired of cleaning and wants to finish the task quickly.
Answer explanation
Margo's suggestion is a compromise. It addresses Adrian's fear of 'throwing away the memories' by allowing him to keep one important item. This helps him let go of the rest because the core memory is preserved.
6.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Categorize Adrian's statements and actions based on whether they hide his true feelings or reveal them.
Groups:
(a) Hiding True Feelings
,
(b) Revealing True Feelings
Saying he was 'checking if it still worked'
Placing the photo on his desk
Claiming he was 'about to throw it out'
Admitting he feels like he's 'throwing away the memories'
Saying the box is 'just junk'
Putting the controller back 'as if it were fragile glass'
Answer explanation
This question asks students to analyze the irony and subtext in Adrian's behavior. His words often contradict his actions and eventual confession. The first category includes statements he makes to hide his sadness, while the second includes actions and words that show his true emotional attachment and his process of moving on.
7.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match each character's statement to the underlying intent or meaning behind it.
An attempt to dismiss the importance of something special.
"Oh, this? It's just junk."
An honest confession of fear and sadness.
"Why not just keep one thing?"
A kind and practical compromise to solve an emotional problem.
"It just feels like if I throw this stuff away, I'm throwing away the memories, too."
A sarcastic but gentle way to point out someone is distracted.
"Wow, you're doing a great job cleaning."
Answer explanation
Each statement's literal meaning is different from its true purpose. Adrian's first statement is ironic because he feels the opposite. Margo's statement is verbal irony. Adrian's confession reveals his true feelings. Margo's final question offers a solution, showing her understanding.
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