The Circuit

In “The Circuit,” what is the one constant thing in Panchito’s life?

• his house

• his school

• his family

Answer explanation

It is only Pnchito's family that is not changing in his life.

Which sentence from “The Circuit” most helps the reader understand that Panchito likes to learn?

• We did not want to get in trouble for not going to school.

• During recess I went into the rest room and opened my English book to

• I walked up to him and asked if he could help me with the new words.

Answer explanation

why does Panchito ask for help with his English?

He wants to do his best in school.

What theme is implied at the end of “The Circuit” when Panchito discovers the packed boxes?

• Few things in life are lasting.

• Always expect the best outcome.

• Good things come to those who wait

Answer explanation

Whenever the family moves they always have to get out the cardboard boxes and pack them. Seeing the cardboard boxes always brings tears to Panchito's eyes and causes him to be sad again.

In “The Circuit,” what does Mr. Lema do that causes Panchito to feel dizzy?

• Mr. Lema asks Panchito to read from an English book.

• Mr. Lema tells Panchito to introduce himself to the class.

• Mr. Lema suggests that Panchito is not in the right classroom.

Answer explanation

What was Panchito's reaction when Mr. Lema asked him to read?

When Panchito's teacher, Mr. Lema, asks him to read aloud in English on his first day of school, Panchito feels awkward.

The following extract from ‘The Circuit’ shows that Panchito’s work in the field was easy for him.

 

“My body ached all over. I felt little control over my arms and legs. This feeling went on every morning for days until my muscles finally got used to the work.”

• True

• false

The following extract from ‘The Circuit’ shows that even though Panchito’s family has very little provisions, appreciate what little they have:

“After the man went in, Mama clasped her hands and hurried back to the car. “We have work! Mr. Sullivan said we can stay there the whole season,” she said, gasping and pointing to an old garage near the stables.”

• True

• False

Write a summary of ‘The Circuit’ to confirm your understanding of the story.

Answer explanation

Write in 3-5 sentences:

1. The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez discusses the difficulties that migrant workers face.

3. They constantly live in confusion about life and make just enough to survive.

5. It discusses the isolation that the displaced children feel.

7. It also discusses difficult emotions caused by their English-speaking peers as they never include them.

At last, it speaks about how contented we can live with the little provisions we have.

Which sentence best describes the short story "The Circuit"?

• It is a story about the narrator's experience as a migrant farm worker.

• It is a story about the narrator's conflicts with his family members.

• It is a story about the narrator's visit to the United States.

Answer explanation

They really love one another and take time to find joy in the midst of their difficult lives

Why does the family move at the beginning of the story?

• Panchito and his brother want to go to a new school.

• They want to move closer to their extended family.

• Strawberry season is over, so they must find other work.

Answer explanation

In this story, the narrator, Panchito, tells of his difficult early years as part of a family of migrant farm workers. They are farm workers who pick crops and follow the harvest. They were looking for new work because strawberry season was over

A school bus arrives while Panchito and Roberto are working in the fields. How do they react?

• They run away and hide.

• They watch the bus wistfully.

• They shout and make faces.

Answer explanation

Because not going to school and doing work instead is illegal. But the family gets paid by how much they pick so the more people working the more money they get paid.