Dog Determination Reading

Which of the following is NOT a reason why Bobby’s parents have denied him a dog?

• He is not responsible enough.

• He is not old enough.

• They need a bigger house first.

• He hasn’t behaved well enough.

Why do you think Bobby’s parents are so reluctant to get a dog?

• They seem to hate animals.

• They seem to be having money troubles.

• They are planning on moving out soon.

• They don’t want Bobby to have any more responsibility.

Which of the following is NOT a sign that Bobby has gotten more mature?

• He listens to his parents fight all the time.

• He does everything his parents say to show how responsible he is.

• He’s going behind his parents’ back to complain about them.

• He decides to make the dog his own responsibility.

Why does Bobby end up talking to his grandfather on the phone?

• He calls him to complain.

• He calls him to ask for a dog.

• His parents call him to settle their fight and he interjects.

• His parents can’t hear the phone ringing.

Which of the following quotes best show that Bobby is close to his granddad?

• “Not now.”

• "Maybe, maybe not."

• “Think about what I said.”

• “Still no dog?”

Answer explanation

Bobby's grandpa knows he's wanted a dog for a long time.

Why is it funny that Bobby’s grandfather says “Sometimes your kids don’t listen”?

• Because Bobby doesn’t listen to him either.

• Because his grown son, Bobby’s dad, is the one not listening (and not the kid).

• Because he’s giving bad advice.

• Because he never gave his son advice.

Why would Bobby’s grandfather’s advice be good for Bobby’s dad too?

• Dad may choose to be more responsible with money.

• Because his dad could use a dog as well.

• Because he isn’t earning anything.

• His dad could join Bobby working.

What “deduction” does Bobby make after getting his grandfather’s advice?

• He figures that he should earn more money by dropping out of school and getting a full-time job.

• He realizes that his grandfather was lying.

• He realizes that there are odd jobs he could do to buy the dog.

• He understands that his dad is a failure.

Based on the information in the story, what’s something that Bobby might do to earn money?

• He might train dogs for a living.

• He might sell food from a garden.

• He might babysit the neighbors’ children.

• He might work in the neighbors’ yards.

How does Bobby make it clear that he’ll still be following rules as he earns money?

• He says he’ll never run in the house while working.

• He says he’ll always be home for dinner.

• He voluntarily gives up phone privileges.

• He begins to train a dog not to bark in the house.