Trivia: The Watsons Go To Birmingham Novel Quiz!
Have you ever read “The Watsons Go to Birmingham? ” It is a historical fiction novel by Christopher Paul Curtis. It was published in 1995, and it was reprinted in 1997. It tells the story of an African-American family. One of the sons starts getting into trouble. On their way to taking their son to his Grandma’s, tragedy ensues. If you want to find out more about the Watsons, try this quiz.
- 1.
What did Byron do that made Kenny think he was part of the "weird Watsons"?
- A.
Byron dressed up like a bear.
- B.
Byron put his lips on the cold mirror and they got stuck.
- C.
Byron sang in the shower.
- D.
Byron shaved his head.
Correct Answer
B. Byron put his lips on the cold mirror and they got stuck.Explanation
Byron put his lips on the cold mirror and they got stuck. This action made Kenny think that Byron was part of the "weird Watsons" because it was a strange and unusual thing to do. It demonstrated Byron's willingness to take risks and do things that others might find odd or unconventional. This behavior is characteristic of the Watson family, who are known for their eccentricities and unique quirks.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Where does the story begin?
- A.
Birmingham, Alabama
- B.
Chicago, Illinois
- C.
Flint, Michigan
- D.
New York, New York
Correct Answer
C. Flint, MichiganExplanation
The story begins in Flint, Michigan.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What did Kenny's mother remind his mother about why Birmingham was not friendlier than their home town?
- A.
There are "colored only" bathrooms in Birmingham.
- B.
People in Birmingham didn't speak English.
- C.
People in their home town threw the Watsons a parade.
- D.
People in Birmingham did not welcome strangers.
Correct Answer
A. There are "colored only" bathrooms in Birmingham.Explanation
Kenny's mother reminded him about the existence of "colored only" bathrooms in Birmingham to explain why Birmingham was not friendlier than their home town. This suggests that the racial segregation and discrimination in Birmingham made it difficult for people of color to feel welcome and accepted.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who was Larry Dunn?
- A.
He was the school teacher.
- B.
He was Kenny's cousin.
- C.
He was the school bully.
- D.
He liked to read poetry with Kenny.
Correct Answer
C. He was the school bully.Explanation
Larry Dunn is described as the school bully in the given options. This implies that he was someone who used intimidation and aggression to exert power and control over others. Being a bully often involves engaging in harmful behavior towards others, such as physical or verbal abuse.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What does Kenny mean when he says, “I knew God had finally sent me my personal saver!”?
- A.
Kenny found a life preserver in the garage.
- B.
Byron saved Kenny from the bully's attack.
- C.
Kenny found new toys at a garage sale.
- D.
Rufus and Cody wear worn clothing and will be teased more than Kenny.
Correct Answer
D. Rufus and Cody wear worn clothing and will be teased more than Kenny.Explanation
Kenny means that he believes Rufus and Cody wearing worn clothing will divert attention and teasing away from him, acting as a personal savior for him.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who won the greatest dinosaur war ever?
- A.
LJ
- B.
Rufus
- C.
Kenny
- D.
Byron
Correct Answer
A. LJ -
- 7.
According to Byron, why do garbage trucks have wide back doors?
- A.
To hide the children who are skipping school.
- B.
To haul away all the garbage that piles up near the school.
- C.
To take the radioactive dinosaurs away.
- D.
Children from the South have thin blood and when they freeze easily the garbage trucks take their frozen bodies.
Correct Answer
D. Children from the South have thin blood and when they freeze easily the garbage trucks take their frozen bodies. -
- 8.
What did Kenny's mother want to do to Byron when she found out he was playing with matches?
- A.
She wanted to forgive him, but father didn't want to.
- B.
She wanted to burn him with matches so he wouldn't do it again.
- C.
She wanted to ask Larry Dunn to punish him.
- D.
She wanted to make him learn poetry with Kenny.
Correct Answer
B. She wanted to burn him with matches so he wouldn't do it again. -
- 9.
The book is written through the eyes of which character?
- A.
Byron
- B.
Mrs. Watson
- C.
Kenny
- D.
Joetta
Correct Answer
C. KennyExplanation
The book is written through the eyes of Kenny.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who is Poindexter?
- A.
The name of Kenny's dog.
- B.
The name of Kenny's school
- C.
Kenny's nickname for Joetta
- D.
Byron's nickname for Kenny
Correct Answer
D. Byron's nickname for KennyExplanation
Poindexter is Byron's nickname for Kenny.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What does Byron do to trick Kenny into keeping the secret about the "free food"?
- A.
He shares the swedish creams with Kenny.
- B.
He beats Kenny up.
- C.
He threatens to hurt Kenny's bird.
- D.
He calls Larry Dunn up to scare Kenny.
Correct Answer
A. He shares the swedish creams with Kenny.Explanation
Byron tricks Kenny into keeping the secret about the "free food" by sharing the Swedish creams with him. This act of sharing creates a sense of camaraderie and friendship between the two, making Kenny more inclined to keep the secret in order to maintain their bond.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What did Byron do after he killed the dove?
- A.
He took it home and showed his parents that he did a bad thing.
- B.
He did nothing-he just walked away.
- C.
He buried it and put a cross on top.
- D.
He made Kenny bury it.
Correct Answer
C. He buried it and put a cross on top.Explanation
After killing the dove, Byron chose to bury it and placed a cross on top. This action suggests that he felt remorse for his actions and wanted to give the dove a proper burial as a sign of respect. By putting a cross on top, he may have also been symbolizing his acknowledgement of the wrong he had done and seeking forgiveness.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Why didn't Byron want to sign for the groceries at the store?
- A.
He didn't know how to write his name.
- B.
He thought that signing for groceries meant they were on welfare.
- C.
He thought that signing for the groceries was stealing.
- D.
He was afraid that Larry Dunn would steal the groceries.
Correct Answer
B. He thought that signing for groceries meant they were on welfare.Explanation
Byron didn't want to sign for the groceries at the store because he believed that signing for groceries meant they were on welfare. This suggests that Byron had a negative perception of welfare and didn't want to be associated with it.Rate this question:
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- 14.
How did Mrs. Watson feel about Byron's "conk".
- A.
She thought it looked great!
- B.
She thought he should go into town and show everyone.
- C.
She hated it and wanted Byron to be punished.
- D.
She took a razor and shaved Byron immediately.
Correct Answer
C. She hated it and wanted Byron to be punished.Explanation
The answer is "She hated it and wanted Byron to be punished." This can be inferred from the statement "She thought he should go into town and show everyone." If Mrs. Watson thought Byron's "conk" looked great or if she had shaved him immediately, there would be no reason for her to suggest that he go into town and show everyone. Therefore, it can be concluded that she disliked his "conk" and wanted him to face consequences for it.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What did Mr. Watson decide Byron's punishment would be for the conk?
- A.
He had to go to church every Sunday.
- B.
He had to clean the garage.
- C.
He had to shave his head.
- D.
He had to take Kenny to the gym with him.
Correct Answer
C. He had to shave his head.Explanation
Mr. Watson decided that Byron's punishment for the conk would be shaving his head.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What do they call the Watson's car?
- A.
The lean green machine
- B.
The Ultra Glide
- C.
The green hornet
- D.
The brown bomber
Correct Answer
D. The brown bomberExplanation
The correct answer is "The brown bomber." This suggests that the car belonging to Watson is referred to as "The brown bomber."Rate this question:
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- 17.
What is the Ultra Glide?
- A.
The name of the Watson's car.
- B.
The name of the Watson's dog.
- C.
The record player in the car.
- D.
The kind of bike that Kenny rides.
Correct Answer
C. The record player in the car.Explanation
The Ultra Glide refers to the record player in the car. This suggests that the car is equipped with a record player for listening to music while driving. The other options such as the name of Watson's car, the name of Watson's dog, and the kind of bike that Kenny rides are unrelated to the Ultra Glide.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Why do the Watson's decide to go to Birmingham?
- A.
To go to the beach.
- B.
To have Grandma Sands watch Byron and help him shape up.
- C.
To visit Rufus.
- D.
To see Martin Luther King.
Correct Answer
B. To have Grandma Sands watch Byron and help him shape up.Explanation
The Watson's decide to go to Birmingham because they want Grandma Sands to watch Byron and help him improve his behavior. This suggests that Byron may have been causing trouble or misbehaving, and the family believes that Grandma Sands can provide the necessary guidance and discipline to help him "shape up". Going to Birmingham serves the purpose of seeking Grandma Sands' assistance in addressing Byron's behavior.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The gift that Joetta received was a (n)___________
Correct Answer
angel, AngelExplanation
Joetta received an angel as a gift.Rate this question:
- 20.
What was the surprise that Kenny and Byron found at the rest stop in Ohio?
- A.
A stray dog
- B.
There were outhouses
- C.
A lost girl
- D.
Money
Correct Answer
B. There were outhousesExplanation
Kenny and Byron were surprised to find outhouses at the rest stop in Ohio. This suggests that they were not expecting to see such facilities at the rest stop, which could indicate that they were in a remote or unexpected location. The presence of outhouses may have also surprised them because it is not a common feature at modern rest stops, where indoor bathrooms are typically available.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What was the trademark that Kenny saw inside Joetta's shoe
- A.
Buster Brown
- B.
Elmo
- C.
Mickey Mouse
- D.
Dumbo the elephant
Correct Answer
A. Buster BrownExplanation
Kenny saw the trademark "Buster Brown" inside Joetta's shoe.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Why does Kenny say, "If this was a movie there would be loud, scary organ music playing right now"? pg. 145
- A.
He is very nervous about being in the South.
- B.
He doesn't understand why there are so many stars.
- C.
He thinks the surrounding mountains are very frightening.
- D.
He thinks the pump looks like a deformed space robot.
Correct Answer
C. He thinks the surrounding mountains are very frightening.Explanation
Kenny says, "If this was a movie there would be loud, scary organ music playing right now" because he believes that the surrounding mountains are very frightening. This statement implies that Kenny finds the mountains to be so intimidating that they would be portrayed as scary in a movie, with dramatic music to emphasize their ominous nature.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What is the most likely reason Kenny draws the conclusion that the two new boys will be his "savers"?
- A.
The boys are very friendly, and Kenny believes he will finally have friends.
- B.
The boys talk "country", so Kenny thinks they are not as smart as him.
- C.
The boys are very friendly, so Kenny believes they will sit with him on the bus.
- D.
The boys are dressed raggedy, talk "country", and are overly friendly, so Kenny thinks they will be new targets for bullies.
Correct Answer
D. The boys are dressed raggedy, talk "country", and are overly friendly, so Kenny thinks they will be new targets for bullies.Explanation
Kenny draws the conclusion that the two new boys will be his "savers" because they are dressed raggedy, talk "country", and are overly friendly. Kenny believes that these characteristics will make the boys new targets for bullies, and as a result, they will divert attention away from him and potentially protect him from being bullied.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which of the following would be the best title for chapter five?
- A.
Byron Directs a Movie
- B.
Byron Gets Burned
- C.
Momma Becomes a Snake
- D.
Joetta, the Traffic Cop
Correct Answer
B. Byron Gets BurnedExplanation
The best title for chapter five would be "Byron Gets Burned" because it suggests that something significant happens to Byron in this chapter. This title creates intrigue and implies that there may be a major event or conflict involving Byron that will be explored in this chapter.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following best shows why Momma is mad about the Ultra Glide?
- A.
"Kenneth, you stop playing and move that towel this minute!" Momma said. pg. 109
- B.
"I knew Dad was kind of disappointed by the way Momma had acted." pg. 110
- C.
"...if Momma had stayed and hadn't gone off mumbling about money." pg. 110
- D.
"She really hurt his feelings by walking off like that." pg. 110
Correct Answer
C. "...if Momma had stayed and hadn't gone off mumbling about money." pg. 110 -
- 26.
Why does Mr. Alums tell the class how "vital it is that one be able to read well"? pg. 23
- A.
He was excited to have Kenny read in front of his brother's class.
- B.
He was emphasizing the need for literacy in a "hostile" world.
- C.
He was the meanest teacher at Clark Elementary.
- D.
He was impressed with how advanced Kenny was as a second grader.
Correct Answer
B. He was emphasizing the need for literacy in a "hostile" world.Explanation
Mr. Alums tells the class how "vital it is that one be able to read well" because he wants to emphasize the importance of literacy in a "hostile" world. This suggests that Mr. Alums believes that being able to read well is crucial for navigating and understanding the challenges and difficulties that exist in the world. By highlighting this, he is likely trying to motivate and encourage his students to prioritize their reading skills and recognize the value of being literate in order to succeed and thrive in the world around them.Rate this question:
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- 27.
"I couldn't believe how sad I got. It's funny how things could change so much and you wouldn't notice. All of a sudden I started remembering how lunchtime under the swing set alone wasn't very much fun, all of a sudden I started remembering that before Rufus came to Flint my only friend was the world's biggest dinosaur thief, LJ Jones, all of a sudden I remembered that Rufus and Cody were the only two kids in the whole school (other than Byron and Joey) that I didn't automatically look at sideways." pg. 45 Kenny's realization in the above passage is a result of which conflict?
- A.
Kenny versus all of the kids at school
- B.
Kenny versus Byron
- C.
Kenny versus Rufus
- D.
Kenny versus Joetta
Correct Answer
C. Kenny versus RufusExplanation
In the given passage, Kenny realizes that Rufus and Cody were the only two kids in the whole school (other than Byron and Joey) that he didn't automatically look at sideways. This suggests that Kenny had a conflict with Rufus, which caused him to view him differently from the other kids at school. Therefore, the correct answer is Kenny versus Rufus.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Which of the following is not one of Byron's early personality traits in Flint?
- A.
Sensitive
- B.
Conceited
- C.
Arrogant
- D.
Mean
Correct Answer
A. SensitiveExplanation
Byron's early personality traits in Flint are described as conceited, arrogant, and mean. However, the answer "sensitive" is not one of his early personality traits. This suggests that Byron lacks sensitivity in his early character development in the novel.Rate this question:
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- 29.
"Larry Dunn was king of the kindergarten to fourth grade only because Byron didn't care about them. Larry was the king of Clark...but Byron was a god." pg. 20 The above passage is an example of which of the following?
- A.
Imagery
- B.
Simile
- C.
Hyperbole
- D.
Personification
Correct Answer
C. HyperboleExplanation
The passage is an example of hyperbole because it exaggerates the idea that Byron is a god in comparison to Larry being the king. This statement is not meant to be taken literally, but rather emphasizes the extreme difference in status between the two characters.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which senses best describe the following example of imagery: "About a million fingers pointed at the new kids and a million laughs almost knocked them over." pg. 30
- A.
Sight and smell
- B.
Touch and hearing
- C.
Sight and hearing
- D.
Taste and sight
Correct Answer
C. Sight and hearingExplanation
The example of imagery in the given sentence describes a visual and auditory experience. The phrase "a million fingers pointed" creates a visual image of many people pointing at the new kids. The phrase "a million laughs almost knocked them over" creates an auditory image of the loud laughter. Therefore, the senses that best describe this example of imagery are sight and hearing.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Which of the following traits does not describe Grandma Sands?
- A.
Shy
- B.
Tiny
- C.
Frail
- D.
Ancient
Correct Answer
A. ShyExplanation
Grandma Sands is not described as shy because the question asks for a trait that does not describe her. The other traits, such as tiny, frail, and ancient, could potentially describe Grandma Sands, but shy does not fit her character.Rate this question:
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- 32.
What causes Kenny to walk quickly and quietly from the church?
- A.
He hears Joetta's voice.
- B.
He hears people screaming.
- C.
He sees Joetta's ghost.
- D.
He sees the Wool Pooh.
Correct Answer
D. He sees the Wool Pooh.Explanation
Kenny walks quickly and quietly from the church because he sees the Wool Pooh.Rate this question:
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- 33.
What causes conflict between Kenny and Rufus?
- A.
Rufus does not have enough food to eat.
- B.
Kenny's lazy eye
- C.
Rufus makes fun of Kenny.
- D.
Kenny laughs at Larry's joke about Rufus.
Correct Answer
D. Kenny laughs at Larry's joke about Rufus.Explanation
The conflict between Kenny and Rufus is caused by Kenny laughing at Larry's joke about Rufus. This suggests that Kenny's laughter at the expense of Rufus is hurtful and disrespectful, leading to tension and conflict between the two.Rate this question:
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- 34.
The Wool Pooh symbolizes, stands for, all of the following except
- A.
Fear
- B.
Rebirth
- C.
Evil
- D.
Death
Correct Answer
B. RebirthExplanation
The Wool Pooh symbolizes fear, evil, and death, but it does not symbolize rebirth. This means that the Wool Pooh does not represent a new beginning or a fresh start. Instead, it is associated with negative aspects such as fear, evil, and death.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Kenny realizes that what he learned while staying in the World-Famous Watson Pet Hospital is that he was ashamed of himself. What is his reason for feeling ashamed?
- A.
He thought he should have gone to Sunday School with Joetta.
- B.
He felt like he should have not gone in the church after the bomb exploded.
- C.
He was embarrassed because he was crying uncontrollably in front of Byron.
- D.
He felt like he should have fought the Wool Pooh like Byron did.
Correct Answer
D. He felt like he should have fought the Wool Pooh like Byron did.Explanation
Kenny feels ashamed because he believes that he should have fought the Wool Pooh like his brother Byron did. This suggests that Kenny feels inadequate and weak compared to his brother, as he believes that he should have been brave and courageous like Byron.Rate this question:
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- 36.
"Even though none of us kids got hurt by the bomb they acted like they were worried about us. They weren't too worried about Byron and weren't worried at all about Joey, we'd all agreed not to tell her what happened at the church and had left Birmingham that night, before she had a chance to find anything out. I was kind of surprised because the way Momma and Dad were talking I could tell they were most worried about me. They came out of the kitchen and sat on the couch. I knew they were talking about me again. Momma said, 'He's been disappearing, Daniel. Hours go by and I don't know where he is.' 'What's he say when you ask him where he's been?' 'He tells me he hasn't been anywhere, he says I shouldn't worry. It's so strange, I call him and he's nowhere to be found but a few minutes later he just pops up.' 'Doesn't Byron know where he goes?' 'He says he doesn't.' 'He is being awfully quiet.' What information in the passage best supports Kenny's conclusion that Momma and Dad were most worried about him?
- A.
Kenny pops up and surprises Momma after she has been calling for him.
- B.
Kenny agreed with the family not to tell Joetta what happened at the church.
- C.
Kenny overhears Momma and Dad discussing his disappearances.
- D.
Kenny thought they should be happy that no one in the Watson family was hurt by the bomb.
Correct Answer
C. Kenny overhears Momma and Dad discussing his disappearances.Explanation
Kenny concludes that Momma and Dad are most worried about him because he overhears them discussing his disappearances. This suggests that they have noticed his frequent absences and are concerned about his whereabouts. This information directly supports Kenny's conclusion that his parents are most worried about him.Rate this question:
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- 37.
When Kenny discovers Byron stuck to the rear view mirror, he runs inside to get help. Which of the following statements best shows why the family finally believed Kenny?
- A.
"He was as stuck as a fly on flypaper." pg. 13
- B.
"Really! He's froze to the car." pg 13
- C.
"Help! He's crying!" pg. 13
- D.
"Momma, please hurry up!" p. 13
Correct Answer
C. "Help! He's crying!" pg. 13Explanation
The statement "Help! He's crying!" on page 13 is the best evidence to support why the family finally believed Kenny. This statement indicates that Byron is in distress and crying for help, which would be a clear sign that he is indeed stuck to the rearview mirror. The family would be more likely to believe Kenny's claim if they heard Byron crying and realized the seriousness of the situation.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Why does Momma seem so upset about Mr. Robert?
- A.
Mr. Robert is too old for Grandma Sands.
- B.
Mr. Robert is not married toGrandma Sands.
- C.
Mr. Robert doesn't pay rent to Grandma Sands.
- D.
Mr. Robert is mean to Grandma Sands.
Correct Answer
B. Mr. Robert is not married toGrandma Sands.Explanation
Momma seems upset about Mr. Robert because he is not married to Grandma Sands. This suggests that Momma believes Mr. Robert should be married to Grandma Sands, possibly because she values traditional marriage or believes it would provide Grandma Sands with stability and support. Momma's upset may stem from a concern for Grandma Sands' well-being or a desire for her to have a committed partner.Rate this question:
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- 39.
"Hel' me! Keh--ee! Go geh hel'! pg 13 "You gonna do this here admittin' in front of little Homer he--uh?" pg. 151 "Wunnerful, wunnerful!" Dad said. pg. 113 Why does the author include misspelled words in the dialogue between characters?
- A.
The misspelled words help the readers improve their spelling because readers have to fix the spelling in order to understand what is written.
- B.
The misspelled words help readers "hear" the way the characters talk so the conversation is more realistic.
- C.
The misspelled words make the readers laugh at the jokes.
- D.
The misspelled words are an oversight in the editing of the book.
Correct Answer
B. The misspelled words help readers "hear" the way the characters talk so the conversation is more realistic.Explanation
The author includes misspelled words in the dialogue between characters to help readers "hear" the way the characters talk so the conversation is more realistic.Rate this question:
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- 40.
"Byron started walking toward Momma in slow motion, sliding his feet on the linoleum. He pulled off his hat and stood there looking down like his shoes were all of a sudden real interesting." In this passage, the word linoleum means
- A.
The doorway where Byron was standing.
- B.
The type of shoes Byron was wearing.
- C.
A new hair style.
- D.
Washable floor covering.
Correct Answer
D. Washable floor covering.Explanation
The passage describes Byron walking on the linoleum and sliding his feet on it. This suggests that linoleum is a type of floor covering that allows for smooth movement. Additionally, the passage mentions that Byron stood there looking down, implying that he found his shoes interesting because of the linoleum. Therefore, the correct answer is washable floor covering.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Which is a personification expressed in the story?
- A.
"...you kids were popping up like prairie dogs..."
- B.
"The warm air and the highway noise and the Brown Bomber's seat and the way Joey was breathing all pushed me back to sleep.'
- C.
"...it stuck straight up like porcupine stickers...'
- D.
"These guys couldn't have hurt me if they'd thrown me off the Empire State Building!"
Correct Answer
B. "The warm air and the highway noise and the Brown Bomber's seat and the way Joey was breathing all pushed me back to sleep.'Explanation
The correct answer is "The warm air and the highway noise and the Brown Bomber's seat and the way Joey was breathing all pushed me back to sleep." This is personification because it gives human qualities (the ability to push someone) to non-human things (the warm air, the highway noise, the seat, and Joey's breathing).Rate this question:
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