Comprehension 1
What did Cara do that she has to write an apology? P. 262
She took a snake in a box into the library.
Why is it important to the story that the book Cara wanted to use for the research was a reference book? P. 265
If the book Cara wanted to use for her research had not been a reference book, she could have checked out the book and taken it home. Reference books have to stay inside the libraries.
Looking back at the illustrations throughout the selection. How do they add to the story? P. 271
The illustrations are cartoonish.They reveal strong emotions. They add to the humor of the story.
Responsibility for a mistake or an offense.
Fault
Of a certain limited area or place.
Local
Do you think Cara is “truly, genuinely sorry”? Explain. P. 262
No. She says her parents are making her write the letter; she seems to think that she was right to take the snake into the library.
What does Cara keep repeating to Mr. Winston? P. 265
She is genuinely sorry that she brought the snake into the library.
To get from someone else with the understanding that what is gotten will be returned or replaced.
Borrow
To make an apology. Say one is sorry.
Apologize
From what point of view is “Dear Mr. Winston” written? P. 262
First person point of view.
Does Cara seem genuinely sorry? Why or why not?
Cara does not seem genuinely sorry because she gives many excuses for her behavior. She seems to blame Mr. Winston for what happened.
A book such as an encyclopedia or dictionary that gives special information arranged according to a plan or system.
Reference
Evidence of truth or accuracy.
Proof
How does the point of view in this story compare to the point of view in “Me and Uncle Romie? p. 262
Both stories are written from the first person point of view.
What text evidence do you have that Cara is not genuinely sorry? P. 265
Cara says that her parents made her write the letter. She says that the snake would not have gotten away if Mr. Winston had not opened the box, and that her only option for doing research was to bring the snake into the library.
To lose consciousness for a short time.
Fainted
Like slime in appearance or texture.
Slimy
How does the point of view affect your experience of the story events?
We see everything from Cara’s point of view.
Cara makes excuses for her behavior. What text evidence of this can you cite? P. 266
Cara says that she didn’t ask for help and she didn’t mean for Mr. Winston to see the snake. She seems to blame Mr. Winston for ignoring the people in the library who needed his help when she did not need help. She says the snake was harmless.
Sincere; honest.
Genuine
To demand.
Insisted