A Pet for Calvin (Comprehension)

What was Calvin's problem at the beginning of the story?

• He did not have any friends to talk to at school.

• He was a new student at Homer Applegate Elementary.

• He was the only fourth grade student without a pet.

• He had a kooky grandmother.

Why wasn't Calvin able to have a pet of his own?

• His house was too small for any type of pet to live there.

• He had a serious allergic reaction to different type of animals.

• He had always wanted a specific type of pet and had not found it yet.

• His parents did not allow him to have a pet because they did not like animals.

What happened when Calvin's parents tried to get him a dog as a pet?

• He got run over by the neighbors.

• It was not the type of dog that Calvin wanted so they returned him.

• The dog attacked Calvin so he had to be returned.

• Calvin's eyes closed up and couldn't breathe because of his allergies.

What can you infer about Calvin's grandmother based on how she reacts every time Calvin has a problem?

• She is always looking out for Calvin's well being.

• She is not aware of anything that happens to Calvin.

• She does not care what happens to Calvin.

• She is upset that Calvin wants a pet.

What can you conclude were Calvin's feeling toward the worm because he put him on the shelf above his bed?

• He didn't have any space anywhere else.

• He wanted the worm to feel the warmth of the light.

• He placed all his important things above his bed so this was the perfect place.

• The worm decided this would be the best place.

What was Calvin's parents reaction to the worm?

• They both agreed that it was the best thing for Calvin.

• His dad loved the idea but his mom did not agree so Calvin let the worm go.

• They both said to go find a better pet because the worm was too small.

• They both called Grandma to buy Calvin a pet because this was too much.

After letting the worm go, how did Calvin recognize his worm again?

• Calvin had tied a string around the worm's neck.

• Calvin recognized the different colors that it had.

• Calvin had left an ink mark the first time he touched it.

• Calvin knew he was the only worm in his backyard.

What will Calvin have that no other student will have at Homer Applegate Elementary?

• He will have a grandmother that will have a snake for a pet.

• He will have a brand new breed of dog that no other student has.

• He will name his pet Spot.

• He will be the only student with a worm for a pet.

What identifies "A Pet for Calvin" as realistic fiction?

• It has sound effects.

• It has lines and stanzas.

• It has factual information.

• It has imaginary, but believable, characters and events.

What's the major conflict in the selection?

• Because his parents are poor, Calvin can't have a pet.

• Because his father has allergies, Calvin can't have a pet.

• Because Calvin is allergic to animals, he can't have a pet.

• Because his grandmother hates animals, Calvin can't have a pet.