The Stray

Which excerpt below does NOT include details about the setting?

• Icicles hung three feet or more from the eaves of houses...

• In January, a puppy wandered

• Mr. Lacey was at the table, cleaning his fingernails with his pocketknife.

• Doris, whose school had been called off because of snow...

Which excerpt from the story best shows how Mrs. Lacey felt about allowing the stray to stay in the basement?

• "Where did that come from?" Mrs. Lacey asked as soon as Doris put the dog down in the kitchen.

• She thought it might have some shepherd in it.

• "I don't know where it came from," he said mildly, "but I know for sure where it's going."

• He agreed to let it sleep in the basement while Mrs. Lacey grudgingly let Doris feed it table scraps.

Why won't Mr. and Mrs. Lacey allow Doris to keep the stray?

• The Laceys can't afford a dog.

• Doris's brother is allergic to dogs.

• No one is home during the day to care for the dog.

• Mr. and Mrs. Lacey do not like animals.

What did Mrs. Lacey say to Doris after Mr. Lacey opened the trunk of his car?

• "You try to act more grown-up about this."

• "It will be time for dinner soon."

• "Go and clean the mess that dog left in the basement."

• "Your father doesn't have a choice."

What connotation does the underlined word have in the following sentence?

He agreed to let it sleep in the basement while Mrs. Lacey grudgingly let Doris feed it table scraps.

• positive

• negative

• neutral

• hesitantly

What is the denotation of the underlined word in the following sentence:

Her face was wet and red, her eyes full of distress.

• delight

• negative

• neutral

• extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain

Which sentence best describes the plot of the story?

• Doris wanted to keep the abandoned puppy she found, but her parents would not allow it.

• Doris's father made so little money that pets were out of the question.

• Doris did not name the puppy, even though she'd had it for a week.

• On Saturday, the sun was shining and the roads were plowed.

What was the first sign in the story that Mr. Lacey is sensitive to the dog's feelings?

• Mr. Lacey did not take the dog to the pound right away.

• Mr. Lacey allowed the dog to sleep in the basement.

• Mr. Lacey admitted the dog was well-behaved.

• Mr. Lacey did not leave the dog at the pound.

Which excerpt below does NOT include evidence that life was difficult for the Laceys?

• The woman was sensitive about throwing out food.

• Outside, she heard the trunk of the car slam shut, one of the doors open and close, the old engine cough and choke and finally start up.

• "I wouldn't leave an ant in that place," he said.

• Mrs. Lacey shook her head, "You know we can't afford a dog, Doris."