The Experiment
Where does the experiment take place?
Inside a concrete cell.
Who is the author and main character of the memoir?
John Leguizamo
Who is the main characters of Building Bridges?
Bebe/ Mama Lil
What is a setting?
The time and place where a story happens.
What is the main conflict in Building Bridges?
Bebe wants to work on the bridge, but Mama Lil refuses to give her permission.
How much time does the man have to escape?
He has 3 hours to escape
What did John enjoy doing to make his classmates laugh?
Making Jokes and being funny
What does Bebe want to do during the summer?
Work on a Brooklyn Bridge renovation project.
What is the conflict of a story?
The Main problem or struggle that the characters face.
What type of writing is The Right Words at the Right Time?
A memoir, which is a nonfiction account of events from the author's life.
What object does the man use to try to escape?
Metal prongs from the light bulb's shield.
Who gave John advice that changed his life?
Hi Math teacher, Mr. Zufa
What does Bebe want to become?
An Engineer
What is the exposition of a story?
The beginning of the story where the characters, setting, and background information are introduced.
How are Bebe and John Leguizamo similar?
Both face obstacles while pursuing their dreams. Both receive guidance or support from an important adult.
What happens to the man's tools as he tries to escape?
All three metal prongs eventually break.
What career did Mr. Zufa encourage John to consider?
Becoming a Comedian
Why does Mama Lil originally refuse to sign the permission form?
She thinks bridge work is dangerous and worries about Bebe's safety. She also believes engineering is not a suitable career for her.
What is the climax of a story?
The turning point or most intense moment of the story.
Why is the ending of The Experiment surprising, and what does it teach the reader?
The ending is surprising because the door was unlocked the entire time. The man wasted his time trying to escape because he assumed it was locked. This teaches readers not to make assumptions without checking the facts.
What is the biggest mistake the man makes during the experiment?
He assumes the door is locked without checking it. The door was actually unlocked.
Why was Mr. Zufa's advice a turning point in John's life?
It helped John recognize that his humor was a talent he could use to build a career.
How does Bebe help change Mama Lil's mind at the end of the story?
Bebe explains why her dream is important and offers to help Mama Lil read the permission form. Mama Lil eventually signs it.
What is the resolution of a story?
The ending of the story where the conflict is resolved or the outcome becomes clear.
How does the title of Unit 1, Think Again, connect to all three stories?
All three stories show the importance of changing how we think. The man assumes the door is locked, John discovers a new way to use his humor, and Mama Lil changes her mind about Bebe's future.