Dear Mr. Winston Comprehension

Why does Cara keep repeating the words I am truly genuinely sorry in her letter?

• because her dad said the apology must sound genuine
• because she's afraid Mr. Winston will ban her from the library
• because she is very apologetic and wants Mr. Winston to know it 
• because she's worried that Mr. Winston will never return to work

Read this sentence from the passage:
My parents say that what I did was wrong, even though the cardboard box was shut most of the time, and there was no way the snake could have escaped if you hadn't opened the box and dropped it on the floor.
What conclusion can you draw from the sentences above?

• Cara knows that what she did was wrong.
• Cara blames her dad for what happened.
• Cara blames the snake for what happened.
• Cara blames Mr. Winston for what happened. 

What does the reader learn about Mr. Winston from Cara's letter?

• He is a very smart man.
• He enjoys receiving letters.
• He is very afraid of snakes.
• He is very unfair to small children. 

Cara suggests that Mr. Winston watch Galactic Patrol while he is home. Why is this suggestion humorous?

• Galactic Patrol is a frightening show about snakes.
• Galactic Patrol used to be Mr. Winston's favorite show.
• Galactic Patrol is a show that Mr. Winston used to be on.
• Galactic Patrol is the show Cara can't watch until she apologizes.

Which sentence BEST describes Cara's character?

• She is a curious girl who likes to prove a point.
• She is a troublemaker who never follows the rules.
• She is a dangerous girl who puts other people at risk.
• She is an obedient girl who respects her parents and teacher. 

Read the sentence from the passage:
If you had left the box on the table and maybe even sat down next to it, then maybe the box would have been all right when you screamed and fainted.
Why is the sentence above humorous?

• It exaggerates the truth of what really happened.
• It shows a clear understanding of cause and effect.
• It shows that Cara really knows she did something wrong.
• It blames Mr. Winston for what happened even though it is supposed to be an apology. 

What conclusion can you draw about Cara's parents?

• They are sad that Cara has lost her pet.
• They are thrilled that Cara has a new pet.
• They are angry because Cara caused trouble.
• They are jealous that Mr. Winston works in a library. 

What conclusion can you draw about the snake in the passage?

• Cara sold it back to her friend.
• It is still on the loose somewhere.
• It is now in a cage in Cara's room.
• Cara's parents donated it to a zoo.

Read these sentences from the passage:
Maybe it crawled into one of your pockets or up your sleeve and rode with you to the hospital. Wouldn't that be funny?
Why are the sentences above humorous?

• Instead of worrying about the snake, Cara is worried about Mr. Winston.
• Instead of writing a boring apology, Cara shows she has a vivid imagination.
• Instead of caring about the library, Cara is more concerned about the hospital.
• Instead of showing concern from Mr. Winston, Cara is probably making him feel worse.

What generalization can you make about Cara's feelings about apologies?

• She feels that children should always be forced to apologize.
• She feels that people can usually tell when an apology is not sincere.
• She feels that an apology should always include reasons and excuses.
• She feels that she should not apologize if something isn't really her fault.