Dear Mr. Winston Comprehension

Why does Cara keep repeating the words I am truly genuinely sorry in her letter?

• because she's worried that Mr. Winston will never return to work

• because she is very apologetic and wants Mr. Winston to know it

• because she's afraid Mr. Winston will ban her from the library

• because her dad said the apology must sound genuine

Read this sentence from the passage.

My parents say that what I did was wrong, even thought the cardboard box was shut most of the time, and there was no way the snake could have escaped if you hadn't opened the box and dropped it on the floor.

What conclusion can you draw from the sentences above?

• Cara blames Mr. Winston for what happened.

• Cara blames the snake for what happened.

• Cara blames her mom for what happened.

• Cara knows that what she did was wrong.

What does the reader learn about Mr. Winston from Cara's letter?

• He is very unfair to children.

• He is very afraid of snakes.

• He enjoys receiving letters.

• He is a very smart man.

Wara suggests that Mr. Winston watch I Galactic Patrol while while he is home. Why is this suggestion humorous?

• Galactic Patrol is the show Cara can't watch until she apologizes.

• Galactic Patrol is a show that Mr. Winston used to be on.

• Galactic Patrol used to be Mr. Winston's favorite show.

• Galactic Patrol is a frightening show about snakes.

Which sentence BEST describes Cara's character?

• She is an obedient girl who respects her parents and teachers.

• She is a dangerous girl who puts other people at risk.

• She is a troublemaker who never follows the rules.

• She is a curious girl who likes to prove a point.

Read this sentence from the passage.

If you had left the box on the table and maybe even sat down next to it, then maybe the box would have been all right when you screamed and fainted.

Why is the sentence above humorous?

• It blames Mr. Winston for what happened even though it is supposed to be an apology.

• It shows that Cara really knows she did something wrong.

• It shows a clear understanding of cause and effect.

• It exaggerates the truth of what really happened.

What conclusion can you draw about Cara's parents?

• They are jealous that Mr. Winston works in a library.

• They are angry because Cara caused trouble.

• They are thrilled that Cara has a new pet.

• They are sad that Cara has lost her pet.

What conclusion can you draw about the snake in the passage?

• Cara's parents donated it to a zoo.

• It is now in a cage i n Cara's room.

• It is still on the loose somewhere.

• Cara sold it back to her friend.

Read these sentences from the passage.

Maybe it crawled into one of your pockets or up your sleeve and rode with you to the hospital. Wouldn't that be funny?

Why are the sentences above humorous?

• Instead of showing concern for Mr. Winston, Cara is probably making him feel worse.

• Instead of caring about the library, Cara is more concerned about the hospital.

• Instead of writing a boring apology, Cara shows she has a vivid imagination.

• Instead of worrying about the snake, Cara is worrying about Mr. Winston.

What generalization can you make about Cara's feelings about apologies?

• She feels that she should not apologize if something isn't really her fault.

• She feels that an apology should always include reasons and excuses.

• She feels that people can usually tell when an apology is not sincere.

• She feels that children should always be forced to apologize.