1. Mrs. Flowers is considered "aristocratic" because

     a. she refuses to carry her own packages home from stores

     b. she is well dressed and in perfect control of herself.

     c. she looks down on people who do common labor

     d. her home is large and filled with valuable objects

 

2. Which of the following statements best explains why Marguerite is so pleased when Mrs. Flowers reads A Tale of Two Cities aloud to her?

     a. Marguerite's favorite character is in the book.

     b. It is one of Mrs. Flowers' favorites.

     c. Its fancy red leather cover reminds Marguerite of library books.

     d. Mrs. Flowers makes the words sound like poetry.

 

3. How does Mrs. Flowers arrange to have an opportunity to talk with Marguerite?

    a. Mrs. Flowers requests that Marguerite carry her groceries home.

    b. Mrs. Flowers reprimands Marguerite for neglecting her studies.

    c. Mrs. Flowers asks Marguerite to bring books for her.

    d. Mrs. Flowers asks Marguerite to read to her.

 

4. Mrs. Flowers tells Marguerite she will loan her some books, but she warns

     a. that she will accept no excuse for books that are returned damaged

     b. that Marguerite will just want to read more

     c. that reading will strain Marguerite's eyes

     d. that she will test Marguerite about their content.

 

Determining the Main Idea (30 points; 10 points each) Write the letter of the best answer to each of the following items.

 

5. Which of these statements best summarizes the main idea of the story?

     a. Marguerite is not a good student.

     b. Marguerite meets someone who makes her feel special.

     c. Mrs. Flowers does not like ignorance.

     d. Children should be seen, but not heard.

 

6. The main idea in this selection is conveyed through

     a. a question-and-answer format

     b. the narrator's direct statements

     c. comparing and contrasting the narrator's experiences with her brother's

     d. flashback sequences.

 

7. The main idea revolves around

     a. the difference reading makes

     b. the importance of good manners

     c. the difference feeling special makes

     d. the importance of loving one's family

 

Literary Element: Imagery (10 points; 5 points each) Write the letter of the best answer to each of the following items.

 

8. Which of these images from "Mrs. Flowers" appeals mainly to the sense of hearing?

 

     a. "They were flat round wafers, slightly browned on the edges and butter-yellow in the center."

     b. "Her voice slid in and curved down through and over the words."

     c. "It seemed she had a private breeze which swirled around, cooling her."

     d. "Freshly done curtains pushed against themselves and against the wind."

 

9. Which is the best interpretation of Maya Angelou's image "I wanted to gobble up the room entire..."?

 

Vocabulary (15 points; 3 points each) On the line before each sentence, write the Word to Own that has the same meaning as the italicized word or phrase in the sentence.

 

benign

illiteracy

infuse

intolerant

taut

 

___ 10. While reading for Marguerite the first time, Mrs. Flowers' voice seems to fill the air with music.

 

___ 11. Mrs. Flowers' skin appears smooth but not stretched tight.

 

___12. Mrs. Flowers' kind and warmhearted smile makes Marguerite feel welcome.

 

___ 13. Mrs. Flowers, unaccepting of ignorance, encourages wisdom.

 

___14. The inability to read or write is not the same as ignorance.

 

Grammar Link: Its or It's (10 points, 2 points each) Read the following sentences and choose the word in parentheses that correctly completes each sentence.

 

____ 15. (It's, Its) gratifying to have someone appreciate you as an individual.

 

____ 16. Despite (it's, its) difficulties, reading is worthwhile.

 

____ 17. Marguerite thinks (it's, its) fun to visit with Mrs. Flowers.

 

____ 18. The dog chewed on (it's, its) leash.

 

____ 19. Mrs. Flowers said, "(It's, Its) time to go."

 

Essay (15 points)

 

20. At the beginning of the story, Marguerite says that Mrs. Flowers "threw me my first lifeline." Discuss how Mrs. Flowers' actions are like a lifeline to the silent child, Marguerite. Include at least two specific examples from the story to support your ideas. Use complete sentences.