"The Definition of Cool" by Varian Johnson

Which character is telling the story?

• dad

• Desmond

• Roosevelt

• DJ Shout

At the beginning of the story, Desmond wants to ....

• be filmed in Kordell's video

• dress like everyone else

• Dad to come to the concert with him and Roosevelt

• wants to be on the jumbotron

Which word has a similar meaning to clamps as used in the sentence,

"He clamps his hand over his mouth, like he was trying to contain a laugh" ?

• flaps

• throws

• presses

• wipes

From the sentence "I glance at the jumbotron, curious to see who they're making fun of," you can conclude that Desmond ________.

• thinks Roosevelt told a funny joke

• saw himself dancing on the big screen

• does not know that Max and Willa are laughing at him

• realizes that Kordell thinks his clothes are embarrassing

Which words best describe Roosevelt at the end of the story?

Choose TWO.

• angry

• happy

• embarrassed

• understanding

What does Kordell do at the end of the story?

• films Desmond

• laughs at Desmond

• dances along with Desmond

• apologizes to Desmond

Which sentence from the story best states the story's theme, or big idea?

• "...I could dance for two hours without breaking a sweat."

• "I wonder if it's too late to go home."

• "They're so busy trying to be hip and cool, they're missing out on all the fun."