The Shared Garden - Making Inferences in Literary Text (Grade 8)

Based on his dialogue, why does Sterling prefer using pesticide?

• It is better for the environment.

• It is required by the community garden rules.

• It is faster and more effective in his opinion.

• It was recommended to him by Astrid.

Answer explanation

The reader can understand Sterling's motivation from his own words. He says, 'I use pesticide. It’s faster and it works.' This shows he values speed and perceived efficiency over natural methods.

What specific plant does Astrid tell Sterling is for the monarch butterflies?

• Marigolds

• Milkweed

• Corn

• Tomatoes

Answer explanation

This is stated directly in the text when Astrid defends the plant. She says, 'It’s not a weed, Sterling... It’s milkweed. It’s for the monarch butterflies.'

What reason does Astrid give for being concerned about Sterling's plan to build a wall?

• It will block the sun from her corn.

• It will be too expensive for him to build.

• It is against the community garden rules.

• It will attract more pests to her garden.

Answer explanation

This is stated directly in the text. When Sterling announces his plan, Astrid says, 'But Sterling, a tall wall will block the morning sun from my corn.'

What can the reader infer from Sterling's final line, 'Maybe... maybe you were right about the bees'?

• He is angry that Astrid's garden did better than his.

• He plans to report Astrid for having a messy garden.

• He is going to build an even taller wall between their plots.

• He is beginning to realize his methods were wrong and that nature's harmony is important.

Answer explanation

Sterling's quiet tone and the fact that his own plants failed to produce fruit suggest he is reflecting on his actions. His comment about the bees shows he is connecting their absence to his failed harvest, inferring a change of heart.

What is the first negative effect Astrid notices after Sterling sprays his chemicals?

• Her corn stalks fell over.

• Her carrots stopped growing.

• There were fewer bees and her tomato plants looked wilted.

• The milkweed patch completely disappeared.

Answer explanation

The passage explicitly states, 'Within a week, Astrid noticed fewer bees buzzing around her flowers. A few of her tomato plants closest to Sterling’s side looked yellow and wilted.'

Match each character's statement to the underlying motivation it reveals.

• A desire for strict order and fear of chaos

• “It’s for the monarch butterflies.”

• A belief in supporting a balanced ecosystem

• “I use pesticide. It’s faster and it works.”

• An understanding of interconnectedness

• “Those bees pollinate your squash plants, too.”

• A preference for efficiency over natural harmony

• “Those weeds are going to invade my vegetables.”

Answer explanation

Each statement reveals the character's inner thoughts. Sterling's fear of 'invasion' shows his need for control. Astrid's comment about butterflies shows her ecosystem-focused view. Sterling's defense of pesticide highlights his value of speed. Astrid's warning about the bees shows she understands how everything is connected.

Categorize the following items based on whether they represent Astrid's philosophy of 'Harmony' or Sterling's philosophy of 'Destruction/Control'.

Groups:

(a) Represents Harmony (Astrid)

,

(b) Represents Destruction/Control (Sterling)

• Planting milkweed for butterflies

• Using chemical pesticides

• Valuing neatness over natural processes

• Understanding that bees pollinate all plants

• Planting marigolds to deter pests

• Building a wall that blocks the sun

Answer explanation

The items are sorted based on the two opposing viewpoints in the story. Astrid's actions and beliefs focus on working with nature (harmony), while Sterling's focus on forcing order and using artificial solutions (destruction/control).

The story shows a conflict between two different approaches in a garden. Think about a group project at school. How could Sterling's initial 'destructive' approach (wanting control, using quick fixes) cause problems in a team? Based on the story's moral, what 'harmony' approach could lead to a better outcome for the group? Use details from the passage to support your answer.

Answer explanation