Don’t Just Sit There Like a Punk - Comprehension Questions

Which statement best describes the narrator in “Don’t Just Stand There Like a Fool”?

• a. a skilled basketball player who lacks confidence

• b. an inexperienced basketball player who needs training

• c. a successful basketball player who does not trust other players

• d. an overconfident basketball player who needs a lesson in modesty

Tags

KS.ELA.RL.7.6

Why does the narrator in “Don’t Just Stand There Like a Fool” go to the gym regularly during the summer?

• He plans to create his own team.

• He wants to make new friends.

• He hopes to be allowed to play.

• He wants to find a mentor.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

In “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Fool,” what happens when Dante confronts the narrator?

• The narrator feels embarrassed and apologizes to Dante and the others.

• The narrator feels embarrassed and begs Dante to let him play in a game.

• The narrator says he wants to play and Dante gives him his spot in a game.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

In “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Fool,” what happens as a result of Dante’s challenge to the narrator?

• The narrator is given the opportunity to play on the varsity team.

• The narrator proves to be the best player in the gym.

• Others see the narrator’s skills and invite him to play.

• Others see the narrator’s weakness and feel sorry for him.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.W.7.9A

Which of the following situations would most likely make a person astonished?

• being chosen to meet a celebrity after their concert

• doing well on a test after studying for weeks

• buying something special after saving up for it

• attending a local performance of a favorite play

Tags

RL7.4

If you found the exit of a maze by instinct, which of the following options must be true?

• You tried several paths.

• You had a compass to look at.

• You found the exit without thinking.

• You prepared by studying mazes for months.

Tags

RL7.4

Which of the following options best describes an intense look?

• clearly amused

• somewhat angry

• slightly distracted

• extremely focused

Tags

RL7.4

In the following passage from “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Fool,” the narrator reflects on his interaction with Dante.

You might think this is the beginning of a meaningful mentorship, but it won’t be. In fact, Dante won’t speak to you for the rest of the summer. Not even when you ask him a direct question. But over time you’ll start to see the power of his silence. And surprisingly, it will remind you of your old man’s silence.

Which message from “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Fool” is best supported by this passage?

• It’s important to know your place.

• Anyone can improve with practice.

• You can’t expect people to change.

• Actions are more important than words.

Tags

RL7.2

Which statement best describes Dante's point of view in “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Fool”?

• Dante believes it is important to challenge yourself.

• Dante believes you have to create your own opportunities.

• Dante believes that talking makes it too difficult for a person to think.

• Dante believes that experienced players should not help new players.

Tags

RL7.6

Which quote from “Don’t Just Sit There Like a Fool” most clearly supports the answer to the previous question?

• "Nobody thinks you’re good enough to play, you understand?"

• "If you want to get into the games, don’t just sit there like a fool, right?"

• After the game you’ll go up the crowded stands looking for him, but he’ll already be gone.

• Maybe the words would only steal your freedom to think for yourself.

Tags

RL7.6