Leading men

10 In paragraph 17, Carson gasps most likely because he is —

• A. nervous from being crowded by so many students in the hall

• B. disappointed that his friends received small parts

• C. excited that his friends get to be in the chorus together

• D. shocked that he was given the lead role

12 Read this sentence from paragraph 15. After all the bantering, I am relieved that we can have this moment. Which text evidence from the story best helps the reader understand the meaning of the word bantering?

• A. Most of the younger roles are just parts in the chorus. (paragraph 6)

• B “You know I always get the best parts.” (paragraph 8)

• C Atticus and I always seem to be in direct competition. (paragraph 12)

• D “You know I’m joking, right?” (paragraph 14)

13 How does the use of a flashback help develop the plot of the story?

• A It reveals that Atticus and Saul have been in competition for years.

• B It shows why Saul is unconcerned about getting the lead role.

• C It shows that Atticus and Saul prefer acting as dinosaurs.

• D It reveals why Saul sees himself as similar to the Artful Dodger.

14 Based on his thoughts throughout the story, how will Saul most likely feel after congratulating Carson?

• A Relieved that he will not have to learn the role of Oliver, but troubled that Carson may have difficulty learning his part

• B Proud to have gotten any part in the high school play, but worried about having to sing in his role of Boy 4

• C Concerned that Atticus did not get the lead, but hopeful that the play will be a hit

• D Saddened that he will not get to play the role of Oliver, but happy that it was Carson who got the lead this time

15 How does the author use irony at the end of the story?

• A By having Carson earn the lead role instead of Atticus or Saul

• B By having Saul pretend to be happy when he did not earn the lead role

• C By having Saul and Atticus compete to see who will be nicest to their friend

• D By having Carson react casually when he sees his name on the list

16 Which sentence from the story best supports why Saul thinks of himself as similar to the character of Oliver?

• A “We’ll just see whose name is on the board.” (paragraph 4) door, the page that will tell us who got which part. (paragraph 16)

• B Yes, yes, he had been the Tyrannosaurus rex, and I had been some herbivore whose name I can’t remember and could never pronounce correctly. (paragraph 11)

• C Then I add sincerely, “You would be great too.” (paragraph 15)

• D We are jostling to get ahead, eager to see the page hanging on the wall outside the auditorium

17 How does Atticus and Saul’s behavior help resolve the conflict of the story?

• A They both remember competitions between them from the past.

• B They each admit that they will be happy if the other gets the part.

• C They each decide to try out for the parts of the Artful Dodger and Oliver.

• D They both congratulate Carson before the other students can.