Main Idea/ Details
What coudl be another title for this story?
... vary
Who are the three characters who arrive at the radio station together?
Dennis, Mac, and Anna.
What did Pete create?
A machine that sends a special sound into people’s brains.
How did the characters probably feel when they realized they were in danger?
Frightened or scared.
What does “trapped in a nightmare” mean?
The characters felt frightened and helpless in a terrible situation.
What did Pete’s machine do to people
It sent a special sound into their brains that disrupted signals controlling their movement and thoughts.
Where does the story take place?
At an abandoned radio station.
What did Pete want people to do?
Follow his plan.
Why did Anna press the button even though she was weak?
She wanted to help everyone and stop the machine.
What does Pete mean by creating a “new beginning”?
A: He wants to create a different situation or way of life by changing people’s behavior.
What was the main problem in the story?
Pete’s machine was affecting people’s ability to control their bodies and thoughts.
What is the main problem the characters face?
Pete’s machine is affecting their movement and thoughts.
How did the characters feel when Pete explained his machine?
Nervous.
What can you infer about Pete’s intentions?
He wanted to control people’s behavior and make them follow his plan.
What does “dodged a bullet” mean?
They narrowly escaped danger.
What did Anna do to help solve the problem?
She pressed the button that shut off the machine.
What action helps solve the problem?
Anna presses the button that shuts off the machine.
Why couldn’t the characters stop Pete at first?
The machine had already affected them.
What might have happened if Anna had not pressed the button?
The machine might have continued affecting the characters and possibly other people.
“trapped in a nightmare” literal or figurative? Explain your answer.
Figurative. The characters are not necessarily asleep; they feel as if they are experiencing something terrifying.
What is the main idea of the story, and which event best supports it?
The main idea is that Dennis, Mac, and Anna work together to stop Pete’s dangerous machine. Anna pressing the button is the event that helps save them.
Describe the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
The characters arrive at the radio station and discover Pete’s machine. Pete explains what it does, and Anna presses the button to stop it. The sound stops, and the characters prevent Pete from affecting anyone else.
What did the machine disrupt?
Brain signals that control movement and thoughts.
What does Anna’s decision tell us about her personality?
She is brave, determined, and willing to help others.
After the machine stopped, Mac said, “I can finally breathe easy!” What does “breathe easy” mean in this context?
Mac feels relieved because the danger is over. He does not necessarily mean that he had trouble breathing.