Gill - Savvas - "The Rockpile"

In “The Rockpile,” what does John do in an effort to keep Roy from going to the rockpile? Choose two options.

• He offers Roy a toy locomotive.

• He invites Roy to help with his drawing.

• He cautions Roy that he may miss his dinner.

• He reminds Roy that Elizabeth said not to go.

• He warns Roy that Gabriel will be home soon.

In “The Rockpile,” what happens to Roy on the rockpile?

• He receives a life-threatening injury when he falls to the street below.

• He receives a serious cut as he fights with the boys who gather there.

• He trips as he flees from the adults who come to break up the fight.

• He nearly drowns when he falls into the river on the other side.

In “The Rockpile,” what does Gabriel most clearly blame John for?

• failing to alert Gabriel that Roy needed help defending himself

• failing to physically restrain Roy from leaving the fire escape

• failing to help Roy fight off the boys who were attacking him

• failing to tell his mother that Roy had gone to the rockpile

In which situation is a mother most likely to feel apprehension about her son’s actions?

• when he behaves kindly

• when he behaves disobediently

• when he does something creative

• when he does something dangerous

What is the clearest symptom of a dog that is paralyzed?

• It is unable to move.

• It is very aggressive.

• It is walking erratically.

• It is whimpering quietly.

If Kylie recoiled after seeing something, what did she most likely feel?

• pity

• pride

• disgust

• excitement

As suggested in this excerpt from 'The Rockpile,' how do the family members most clearly view Gabriel, the father? "What happened?" Gabriel demanded. He stood, enormous, in the center of the room, his black lunch box dangling from his hand, staring at the sofa where Roy lay. John stood just before him, it seemed to her astonished vision just below him, beneath his fist, his heavy shoe.

• They admire his patience.

• They are fearful of his anger.

• They appreciate his hard work.

• They are surprised by his good nature.

1A: In 'The Rockpile,' why does Gabriel most likely treat John unsympathetically while treating Roy kindly?

• John is not his son.

• John lacks courage.

• John is disobedient.

• John protects his mother.

1B: Use your response to 1A to help you answer the following question. Which of these excerpts from 'The Rockpile' best supports the answer to 1A?

• John said nothing. He had not really been spoken to: he was afraid of the rockpile and of the boys who played there.

• “But I expect ... your Daddy’ll make you tell the truth. Your Ma’s way too soft with you.”

• Only John was nameless and a stranger, living, unalterable testimony to his mother’s days in sin.

• “Gabriel, ain’t no sense in trying to blame Johnnie. You know right well if you have trouble making Roy behave, he ain’t going to listen to his