The Censors

After Juan writes his letter to Mariana, he becomes very worried that

• he will not get a job as a censor if the letter is read.

• something will happen to Mariana because of the letter.

• the contents of the letter will prevent him from getting promoted.

• Mariana will refuse to read the letter.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What can you infer about the reason Mariana moved to Paris?

• She felt lonely and hoped to meet new friends.

• She was unemployed and needed a job.

• She wanted to escape her country’s oppressive regime.

• She could not get an apartment in her country.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

When the narrator says in lines 29–30 that “you’ve got to beat them to the punch” and “sabotage the machinery,” it means that Juan must

• figure out a way to intercept the letter.

• turn in coworkers who pose a threat.

• not allow colleagues to beat him up.

• stop writing suspicious letters to friends.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

After Juan is promoted to Section E, the narrator says that “his noble mission blurred in his mind.” This means that Juan

• works so hard to maintain his edge that he becomes exhausted

• forgets that his duty as a censor is to serve the government

• tries to turn in other workers but finds that he cannot

• loses sight of the fact that he is supposed to intercept the letter

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Juan is shocked at “the subtle and conniving ways employed by people to pass on subversive messages” (lines 70–71). What can you infer about the letters Juan is reading?

• They likely contain no hidden meaning at all

• They were written by people who are desperate

• They can be understood only by skilled censors

• They are attempts to overthrow the government

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Through much of the story, the narrator tells the reader what Juan thinks and feels. However, after explaining that Juan is swiftly promoted, the narrator says, “We don’t know if this made him happy.” This statement is an example of

• pacing

• metaphor

• foreshadowing

• hyperbole

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does subversive mean?

• having the ability to go underwater

• intending to overthrow those in power

• providing additional money or support

• attempting to speak in quiet tones

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Who is the protagonist in The Censors?

• Juan

• The Censorship Division

• Luisa

• Mariana

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.W.9-10.9

Who is the antagonist in The Censor?

• Mariana

• Juan

• The Censorship Division

• Luisa

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.W.9-10.9

What is it called when one fails to take proper care in doing something?

• Albeit

• Censor

• Negligence

• Foe

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4