"The Pearl" by John Steinback

[Paragraph 1] Select the adjectives that can be applied to the oyster that Kino found:

• Melodious

• Gigantic

• Ancient

• Clumsy

• Shiny

[Paragraph 2] What is Kino's occupation?

• Farmer

• Dealer

• Pearl fisher

• Village chief

[Paragraph 2] How did the townpeople feel upon discovering the news of the great oyster's pearl? (Clue: "the nerves of the town were pulsing and vibrating with the news")

• Sad

• Nervous

• Energetic

• Excited

[Paragraphs 3-4] What was Juan Tomas' (the dealer) reaction to the news of the pearl?

• Unimpressed

• Excited

• Angry

• Confused

[Paragraphs 2-4] Which of these phrases suggest that Kino was extremely thrilled to have discovered the pearl?

• "I have a pearl"

• "a pearl"

• "Pearl of the World"

[Paragraph 5] Which of these sentences suggest that the dealer was actually impressed by the pearl?

• "The face did not change, but the tapping of his fingers skipped a beat on the table that almost went unnoticed."

• "Instantly, his eyes went to the dealer's face."

• "However, there was no sign, no movement."

• "Lifting his right hand from under the table, his forefinger touched the great pearl, rolled it on the black velvet, and brought it near to his eyes."

[Paragraphs 6-7] And yet, how did the dealer respond?

• He gave Kino a good price of fifty thousand pesos.

• He tossed the pearl back into the tray and insulted it.

• He stole the pearl from Kino.

• He polished the pearl again to reassess its value.

[Paragraph 9] The dealer described the pearl differently from Kino. Which word did he use?

• Ugly

• Dull

• Dead

• Clumsy

[Paragraph 10] Kino's face is said to grow "dark and dangerous" after hearing the dealer's cheap offer and dismissal of the pearl. What do you think he is feeling now?

• Confused

• Angry

• Gloomy

• Joyful

[Paragraph 11] Do you think the dealer will stick to his cheap offer of a thousand pesos at the end of the story? (Clue: "It was then that the dealer felt a slight tremor of fear.")

• Yes

• No