WorksheetsBALL HAWK
Total questions: 13
Worksheet time: 7mins
The word cryptic comes from the Greek word kryptos, meaning “hidden.”
Based on this
information, what does cryptic mean as it is used in paragraph 2?
Unclear
Secret
Buried
Forbidden
How does the first-person point of view affect readers’ understanding of Mitchell’s mother?
It reveals how different people view her.
It limits readers to Mitchell’s perceptions of her.
It gives readers direct access to her thoughts and feelings.
It prevents Mitchell from revealing anything about her past.
The word pathetic comes from the Greek word pathos, meaning “suffering” or “feeling.”
Based on this information, what does pathetic mean as it is used in paragraph 3?
Angry
Empty
Pitiful
Strange
How does the setting of the baseball field contribute to Mitchell’s conflict in the story?
It makes him feel insecure about his athletic abilities.
It forces him to consider his role as the team’s center fielder.
It upsets him to be the reason his team loses almost every game.
It flusters him to be on the field knowing his father cannot see him play.
Based on paragraphs 19–20, what can the reader infer about Uncle Tommy?
He likes baseball better than the other sports Mitchell plays.
He came to the game because Mitchell asked him to.
He is dedicated to supporting Mitchell like a parent.
He is trying to learn more about Mitchell and his mom.
Which sentence from the selection uses Mitchell’s point of view to reveal how his mother
is feeling?
My mother had gotten it into her head that being an Indian I should of course not just play
baseball but excel at it. (paragraph 6)
But try to explain to an eager German immigrant mother about stereotyping and American
Indians being used as mascots. (paragraph 7)
My mom was smiling and nodding at me, even though she had both fists clenched around
her soda can so hard that it looked like an hourglass. (paragraph 14)
It might have been my mom who encouraged Uncle Tommy to stay around and wait for me.
(paragraph 20)
What conflict does Mitchell struggle with through most of the story?
The lack of connection to his late father
The need to have others admire him
The interference of his mother
The need to be the best player
Read the sentence about the story.
It’s too bad Mitchell’s father wasn’t there to see him play that day.
How should the sentence be changed?
Change It’s to Its
Change too to to
Change there to their
No change should be made.
In which two ways does the hawk contribute to the plot?
It teaches a lesson Mitchell can apply to baseball.
It represents the memories of Mitchell’s home run.
It catches Mitchell’s ball during the baseball game.
It interferes with Mitchell’s training plans.
It shows how Mitchell learns about his roots.
What does Mitchell realize that leads to the story’s resolution?
Baseball is important to him because it helps him make friends.
.
Baseball is important to him because it connects him to his father
He wants to become a better baseball player to represent his culture.
He wants to become a better baseball player to make his mom happy.
How does Uncle Tommy influence the plot of this story? Support your answer with
evidence from the selection.
Sample Answer: Uncle Tommy helps
Mitchell resolve his internal conflicts. After
the baseball game, Uncle Tommy waits for
Mitchell, and they sit together talking on
the bleachers. Instead of telling Mitchell
what to do, Uncle Tommy just asks a few
questions. By doing this, he helps Mitchell
realize he wants to play baseball to stay
connected to his father. Once Mitchell
decides to keep playing, Uncle Tommy
says, “We’ll start tomorrow,” and he helps
Mitchell practice and perfect his skills.
no
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
The main conflict throughout much of the selection occurs between —
Mitchell and himself
Mitchell and his mother
Mitchell and his teammates
Mitchell and Uncle Tommy
Part B
Which quote from the selection best supports the answer to Part A?
My mother had gotten it into her head that being an Indian I should of course not just play
baseball but excel at it. (paragraph 6)
The Hurleytown pitcher smiled when he saw me come up to the plate. (paragraph 13)
“Because the other guys won’t let me quit. No . . . because my mom wants so bad for me to
play baseball.” (paragraph 45)
“Mitchell, maybe your mind is getting clear now, but you still need to train your eye,” he
said as we pulled in the drive. (paragraph 57)
