Soft Rains Quick Check

What date does the automated house repeat throughout the story?

• July 4, 2026

• August 4, 2026

• August 5, 2026

• September 1, 2026

What meal does the house prepare at the beginning of the story?

• Pancakes and sausage

• Toast, eggs, bacon, coffee, and milk

• Oatmeal and fruit

• Cereal and juice

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.1

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

What eventually happens to the dog that enters the house?

• It escapes through the back door.

• The house takes care of it.

• It dies inside the house.

• It runs away frightened.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the house do after the dog dies?

• Leaves it in the parlor

• Buries it in the garden

• Incinerates the body

• Cleans it with robot mice

What ultimately destroys the house?

• An earthquake

• A fire caused by a falling tree limb and solvent

• A nuclear blast

• The dog’s actions

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What do the five silhouettes on the house symbolize?

• The house’s security system

• The family’s survival

• The instant death of the family in a nuclear blast

• Shadows cast by the sun

The phrase “altar with ten thousand attendants” (paragraph 16) suggests:

• Technology was worshipped by humans

• The house was a place of prayer

• The family had a large household staff

• The house was under construction

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Why does the house continue its daily schedule even though no humans are present?

• It is trying to find survivors.

• It is programmed to function automatically.

• It has developed emotions.

• It is waiting for the family’s return.

The story suggests that technology without people is:

• Meaningless

• Stronger than humans

• A gift from nature

• A perfect replacement for humanity

What does Bradbury imply about nuclear technology through the story?

• It guarantees safety and peace.

• It is the only way to end war.

• It threatens human survival.

• It improves the quality of life.