Plot
Which words in paragraphs 1–2 of “The First Day of School” shows that John is sorry summer is over?
"Summer was over, when the gracious oncoming of morning light and the stir of early breezes promised that time was a luxury."
Match the sentence type to the definition:
1. Simple 2. Compound 3. Complex
A. An independent clause + a subordinate clause
B. 2 independent clauses combined by a conjunction
C. 1 independent clause (subject + predicate)
1. Simple = C
2. Compound = B
3. Complex =A
What is the meaning of serene?
(sə-rēn´) adj. If you are serene, you are calm and unflustered.
The conversation between John and his mother reveals that today is not like other first days of school because it is clear that he feels ________________________.
John feels worried about going to his first day of school/John does not want Audrey to go to the first day of school for some reason.
Reread this sentence from paragraph 33 of the text:
"They laid him off on account of us."
What kind of sentence is this?
A simple sentence because it is made up of a subject ("They") and a predicate ("laid him off").
Which on of these can be described as poised?
A. A beautiful sunset
B. A student who studied well before taking a test
C. A person who is very nervous about their first sky diving jump out of an airplane.
A student who studied well before taking a test is likely going to be confident (poised) when taking their test.
What are the two conflicts that are at the center of “The First Day of School.”
Internal (John V his own fears)
External (John V society)
Reread the following sentence from paragraph 13 of the text:
"He heard the tap of heels on the stairs, and his sister came down into the kitchen."
What kind of sentence is this?
This is a compound sentence because it joins 2 independent clauses together with a coordinating conjunction ("and").
Use the word "resentment" in a sentence.
She felt resentment toward the person she used to consider a friend after he betrayed her.
The flashback in paragraphs 27–28 of “The First Day of School” affects the story by —
A. reflecting John’s fear of what is to come.
B. telling how Audrey feels toward John.
C. showing that John’s mother gives wise advice.
D. explaining why John disagrees with his mother
The Flashback reflects John’s fear of what is to come.
Reread the following sentence from paragraph 31:
"As soon as they were alone, he took Audrey’s bare arm in his hand and pinched hard."
What kind of sentence is that?
Complex sentence because there is one subordinate clause ("As soon as they were alone,") and one independent clause ("...he took Audrey’s bare arm in his hand and pinched hard.")
Use the word "stealthily" in a sentence.
The cat snuck stealthily into the room, so his owner didn't even know that he was in the house.
Complete the Plot Mountain diagram based on the following paragraphs.
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 31
Exposition = Paragraph 2
Climax = Paragraph 31
Resolution = Paragraph 43
Read the sentences.
John does not want Audrey to go to school. She convinces him to change his mind.
Combine the two simple sentences into a complex sentence (HINT: Use the sentence starter "even though")
Even though John does not want Audrey to go to school, she convinces him to change his mind.
Read paragraph 25 of "The First day of School." What is the best synonym for the word "lingered" as it is used in paragraph 25?
A. Remain
B. Dwaddle
C. Hang around
D. Survive
A. Remain: The mother let her hand remain on Audrey's shoulder to comfort/reassure her.