Examination Day Themes and Conflicts

Part A Which best describes the conflict between Dickie and his parents on Examination Day? B) Dickie is curious about the test, but his parents try to hide its true nature out of fear.

• A) Dickie wants to skip the test, but his parents insist because it is a family tradition.

• B) Dickie is curious about the test, but his parents try to hide its true nature out of fear.

• C) Dickie wants to learn more about the test, but his parents believe he should focus on his birthday.

• D) Dickie enjoys learning, but his parents discourage him because they value obedience over intelligence.

Which of the following interactions from the text best supports the answer in Part A?

• A) “His mother looked at the tablecloth. ‘It’s just a sort of Government Intelligence test they give children at the age of twelve.’”

• B) “‘I know Dad. I hope—’” “‘Now, it’s nothing to worry about. Thousands of children take this test every day.’”

• C) “‘What stuff to drink?’ Dickie said.” “‘It’s nothing. It tastes like peppermint.’”

• D) “His father, now slumped into an armchair with the Government newspaper, rattled the sheets in vexation. ‘Because it just did, that’s all. Rain makes the grass grow.’”

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

“Dickie puckered his brow. ‘What makes it green, though? The grass?’ ‘Nobody knows,’ his father snapped, then immediately regretted his abruptness.” How is the phrase “nobody knows” used in the story?

• A) as imagery

• B) as foreshadowing

• C) as hyperbole

• D) as personification

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The themes of parental fear and government control are central to Examination Day. Which of the following best describes how tone is used to convey these themes?

• A) The parents’ tone is calm and reassuring, while the government officials’ tone is cold and indifferent.

• B) The parents’ tone is nervous and tense, while the government officials’ tone is detached and procedural.

• C) The parents’ tone is apathetic, while the government officials’ tone is warm and comforting.

• D) The parents’ tone is panicked and frantic, while the government officials’ tone is casual and dismissive.

4. Which universal theme of “Examination Day” is most influenced by the setting?

• A) Family bonds are tested by societal expectations.

• B) Curiosity about the unknown often leads to discovery.

• C) Intelligence should always be celebrated and nurtured.

• D) Government control limits personal freedom and individuality.

5. Read this sentence from paragraph 31 of "Examination Day": "The room was as cold and official as a courtroom, with long benches flanking metal tables." Based on context clues in the sentence, what does the word official most likely mean?

• A) Unfriendly and formal

• B) Authorized and genuine

• C)Related to government work

• D)Rigid and unchangeable

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CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4