The Case of the Ruined Volcano - Supporting details of the theme (Grade 7)

Why did Avery initially suspect Robert was involved?

• Zadie told her that Robert did it.

• Robert's project was right next to Knox's.

• Robert seemed angry and defensive when she approached him.

• Robert was seen running from the gymnasium.

Answer explanation

The passage states that Robert snapped at Avery and acted defensively, which made her suspicious before she learned more information.

What was used to ruin Knox's volcano project?

• Water

• Paint

• Glue

• Soda

Answer explanation

The first paragraph explicitly states that Knox's volcano model sat in a 'puddle of sticky, white glue.'

According to Zadie, what did Robert do right after looking at the volcano with the glue?

• He poured the glue on the project.

• He hid the glue bottle in his backpack.

• He talked to Knox about the project.

• He shook his head and put the glue back.

Answer explanation

Zadie's dialogue directly states this sequence of events. 'Then he shook his head, put the bottle back on the craft table, and walked away.'

Which statement best describes the main consequence Robert faces in the story?

• He is disqualified from the science fair.

• He gets into a fight with Knox.

• His own project gets ruined.

• He becomes the main suspect for something he chose not to do.

Answer explanation

The passage concludes by explaining that even though Robert made the right choice in the end, his earlier actions led to the consequence of being the 'number one suspect.'

What reason does Robert suggest for why people might suspect him?

• Because his project was also good.

• Because he was friends with Knox.

• Because he was near the craft table.

• Because he doesn't like volcanoes.

Answer explanation

In his defensive dialogue with Avery, Robert says, 'Just because my project is good?' This shows he believes his status as a competitor is the reason for the suspicion.

Match the dialogue from the story to the feeling or motivation it reveals.

• Upset and disappointed

• “Why is everyone looking at me? Just because my project is good?”

• Providing an eyewitness account

• “I saw Robert walk over... He looked at the volcano for a long time.”

• Defensive and frustrated

• “This is a disaster! My project is ruined!”

• Explaining the story's theme

• “But his earlier choice... had led to this consequence: he was the number one suspect.”

Answer explanation

Knox's dialogue shows he is upset. Robert's question shows he is defensive. Zadie's statement is a factual eyewitness account. The narrator's final thought directly explains the theme of choices and consequences.

Categorize the following events from the story as either a 'Character's Choice' or a 'Consequence of a Choice'.

Groups:

(a) Character's Choice

,

(b) Consequence of a Choice

• Robert puts the glue bottle back on the table.

• Robert is questioned by a teacher.

• Avery decides to investigate the incident.

• Robert picks up the bottle of glue.

• Knox's project is ruined.

• Avery becomes suspicious of Robert.

Answer explanation

The items are sorted based on whether they are actions taken by a character (a choice) or the results of those actions (a consequence). For example, Robert picking up the glue was a choice, and being questioned by a teacher was a consequence of that and other actions.

Robert chose not to ruin the project but still faced the consequence of being a suspect. Think of a different real-life school situation where a student might make a poor choice but then change their mind (like almost telling a secret but stopping). Based on the passage, what consequences might that student still face? Explain your answer using details about Robert's experience.

Answer explanation