Reading Check

What is the intended effect of irony in "Zoo"?

• to create a humorous situation

• to build suspense throughout the story

• to explain the differences among species

• to establish a somber mood

What are the main events in the story? Write a brief outline of them.

What did you like best about the story?

What did you like least about the story?

What is most closely the meaning of the word timbre as it is used in the following passage (paragraph 4)?

Bridges has a beatific gospel timbre that suggests church-choir experience — but he was too insecure to actually audition. "I didn't think I could sing," says Bridges. "I knew I could do stuff here and there, but didn't think I was good enough to fit."

• rattle

• religion

• melody

• tone

The following passage (paragraph 7) adds to the development of the text mainly by showing _________.

• that Bridges enjoyed slow-dancing

• why Bridges preferred playing guitar

• the origins of Bridges’ love of soul music

• how difficult it is to be discovered at open mics and small shows

The final paragraph adds to the development of the text mainly by showing ___.

• that Bridges has always wanted to be famous

• that Bridges’ main priority with his songs is whether they’ll become a big hit with his audiences

• that Bridges thinks pop stars are sell-outs

• that Bridges is most concerned with the authenticity and emotions evoked by his songs

Which of the following selections is best supported by the paragraph below (paragraph 6)?

• As a child, Bridges wished he could leave Texas.

• Bridges’ earliest musical interests were much different than the music he makes now.

• Bridges only listened to hip-hop as a kid.

• Bridges didn’t like any of the music that his peers listened to, preferring to listen to the music of his parents’ generation instead.

What is the meaning of the word pariah as it is used below: He describes his childhood persona in much the same way—as a pariah.

• genuine

• shy

• outcast

• joyful

What is the primary theme of the short story 'The Gift of the Magi'?

• A) Sacrifice and love

• B) Wealth and power

• C) Adventure and discovery

• D) Betrayal and revenge