Word Choice
Key Themes
Character Analysis
Plot Points
Reading Comprehension
100

Using context clues in Paragraph 1, what is the meaning of the word "massive"?

Very large or big
100

Which of the following is a theme of the passage?

A) Sometimes, it's better for you to ignore fear, so you won't feel scared.

B) Being brave is acknowledging your fear, but having the courage to move through it for the sake of others. 

B) Being brave is acknowledging your fear, but having the courage to move through it for the sake of others.

100

Which character in the passage exemplifies bravery through their words and actions?

The mother

100

What is Trey worried about? 

His mother leaving for Japan, where a disastrous tsunami just struck, and getting hurt

100

Where are Trey and his mother from? 

The United States; Atlanta, Georgia

200

What are the context clues listed in Paragraph 1 for the word "massive"? 

*Hint: There are two phrases. 

"damage created by a tsunami" and "disaster area"

200

Which sentences from Paragraph 7 support the theme of the passage? 

*Hint: There are two. 

1. "I'm scared, too"

2. "But I know you'll be careful, and I know you'll help a lot of people." 

200

Which character learns to accept their fears, but is willing to be brave in spite of them? 

Trey

200

Which detail from the passage signals a shift in Trey's perspective about his mother leaving? 

"I'm scared, too, ... But I know you'll be careful, and I know you'll help a lot of people." 

200

Based on the information in the passage, what is a tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of massive waves that flood lands, typically causing a lot of destruction and damage in its aftermath. 

300

What phrase in Paragraph 3 helps readers understand the meaning of the word "monstrous"?

"buildings knocked down"

300

Which sentences from Paragraph 8 support the theme of the passage? 

*Hint: There's only one. 

"This one is to keep you safe, this one is to keep you brave, and this one is because I love you."

300

What are the key traits or characteristics of Trey? 

Nervous and concerned, which leads him to worry

300

Which of Trey's actions showcase that he is choosing to be brave in spite of his fear? 

*Hint: Check Paragraphs 8 and 9.

He pretends to give his mother shots; he takes a deep breath and smiles back at her

300

How did the tsunami in the story affect Japan? 

*Hint: Check Paragraphs 3 and 4.

Buildings collapsed, flooded the land, lack of clean water, frightened people, people were hurt, diseases

400

Using context clues in Paragraph 8, what is the meaning of the word "inoculations"?

Vaccinations or injections of medicine

400

Which sentences from Paragraph 9 support the theme of the passage?

*Hint: There are two. 

1. "Trey didn't want her to let go, but he took a deep breath and smiled back"

2. "His mother was brave, and he would be brave, too" 

400

In what way does Trey show that he cares for his mother?

*Hint: Check Paragraph 8.

Pretends to give her three shots: one to keep her safe, one to keep her brave, and one to let her know she's loved

400

How does Trey asking his mother, "Are you scared?" advance the plot of the story? 

Leads the mother to admitting that she is also scared

400

Why did the mother have to leave for Japan? 


*Hint: This question may require you to make an inference. 

She is a medic that can help save people from diseases caused by the floodwaters.

500

What are the context clues in Paragraph 8 for the word "inoculations"?

*Hint: There are two phrases. 

"poked her arm" and "three shots"

500

How does the author develop the theme of the passage? 

In what way does the author get his message across? What is his method of delivery?

Through the interactions and dialogue between Trey and his mother

500

How does Trey's nervousness influence his actions? 

What does this eventually lead to? What occurs because of his nervousness? Does it stop something from happening or does it get something going? 

Trey and his mother admit that they are scared, but also express their understanding of her needing to go. 

500

What resolution occurs at the end of the story? 

*Hint: It's the theme. 

Trey chooses bravery, accepting the fact that his mother has to leave in order to help others. 

500

Which details from the passage suggest that Trey's mother is a medic?

*Hint: There are three. You only have to find one. 

1. "... her medical bag in the other."

2. "... she could help people who had been hurt when buildings collapsed."

3. "She could help fight the diseases that would spread ..."

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