Vocab
Vocab 2
Plot
Characters
Theme
100

Reluctant

a. eager

b. unwilling or hesitant

c. excited and prepared

d. afraid or nervous

b. unwilling or hesitant 

100

Indignities

a. actions or words that make someone feel respected or uplifted

b. celebrations or honors

c. actions or words that make someone feel disrespected or insulted

d. mistakes or accidents

c. actions or words that make someone feel disrespected or insulted

100

What is the effect of President Eisenhower sending troops to protect the students?

a. It shows the federal government’s support for integration

b. It creates more tension with the community

c. It results in Melba leaving Central High

d. It makes integration unnecessary

a. It shows the federal government’s support for integration 

100

How does Grandma India react when Melba says she wants to kill herself?

a. She makes her tea

b. She tells her to trust in God

c. She tells her she should do it

d. She prays

c. She tells her she should do it

100

How does the closing of Little Rock’s high schools after Melba’s year at Central affect the story’s message?

a. It highlights the lengths some people will go to prevent change

b. It shows that integration was fully successful

c. It suggests that the struggle for equality was no longer needed

d. It emphasizes that Melba’s work was complete

a. It highlights the lengths some people will go to prevent change 

200

Initiate

a. to ignore something

b. to finish something

c. to start or begin something

d. to study something closely

c. to start or begin something 

200

Precedent

a. a new rule that no one understands

b. an example used as a model for future situations

c. a surprising event that no one expected

d. an action that confuses people

b. an example used as a model for future situations 

200

How does Thurgood Marshall’s support affect Melba?

a. His support makes her worried that integration efforts will stop

b. His support doesn’t change Melba’s determination

c. His support makes her concerned that things will get more dangerous in Little Rock

d. His support gives her confidence that integration will happen

d. His support gives her confidence that integration will happen

200

What does Link’s internal conflict represent in the context of societal change?

a. The challenges people face when questioning societal norms

b. The ease of supporting change

c. The unimportance of friends’ opinions

d. The resistance to stand up for one’s beliefs

a. The challenges people face when questioning societal norms 

200

Describe a moment when Melba shows courage in the face of danger.

Sample answer: When she faces a mob of angry white students at Central High School, choosing to calmly smile and politely respond with "thank you" to their verbal abuse, effectively defusing the situation and refusing to let their aggression control her actions.

300

Composure

a. the ability to stay calm and in control

b. to act with great excitement

c. to feel extremely tired

d. to stand tall and firm

a. the ability to stay calm and in control 

300

Immerse

a. to participate in something

b. to be fully involved in something

c. to watch others do something

d. to ignore something

b. to be fully involved in something 

300

On her 16th birthday, Melba realizes all of the following EXCEPT:

a. Her old friends are scared to be seen with her

b. Integration had stolen the joy from her birthday

c. Vince doesn’t want to be her boyfriend anymore

d. Vince would rather be at a different party than Melba’s party

c. Vince doesn’t want to be her boyfriend anymore 

300

How do Melba’s diary entries enhance our understanding of her experiences?

a. They show her hobbies

b. They reveal her fears, hopes, and growth over time

c. They show she doesn’t care about school

d. They discuss her family’s daily life

b. They reveal her fears, hopes, and growth over time 

300

Why is Melba’s story an important part of the Civil Rights Movement?

Sample answer: As one of the "Little Rock Nine," she bravely integrated a previously all-white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, facing extreme violence and intimidation, thus serving as a powerful symbol of the struggle for racial equality and highlighting the harsh realities of segregation in the American South; her personal account in "Warriors Don't Cry" provides a first-hand perspective on the challenges and sacrifices made during this pivotal time in history.

400

Adamant 

a. to be easily influenced by others

b. to act shy

c. to feel unsure or confused

d. not willing to change one’s mind

d. not willing to change one’s mind

400

Write a sentence using the word seldom correctly. (must show clear understanding of the word)

Answers will vary

400

What strategy does Melba eventually adopt to cope with her daily experiences at Central High?

a. Ignoring everyone

b. Smiling and saying thank you

c. Fighting back physically

d. Seeking help from teachers

b. Smiling and saying thank you 

400

Why does Melba continue to go to Central despite the danger?

a. She has no other choice

b. Her friends are all there

c. Her mother and grandmother insist she must go

d. She wants to help make a positive change

d. She wants to help make a positive change

400

How does Melba’s story show the impact of family support and guidance when facing difficult situations?

Sample answer: Grandma India taught Melba to rely on her faith and not let fear control her, empowering her to stand up to the threats and abuse she encountered. Melba's mother, Lois, also served as a positive example by being one of the first Black students to attend the University of Arkansas, inspiring Melba to fight for racial equality.

500

Evident

a. hard to see

b. clear or easy to see

c. impossible to believe

d. hidden or unknown

b. clear or easy to see 

500

Write a sentence using the word tedious correctly. (must show clear understanding of the word)

Answers will vary

500

How does Link help Melba at Central High?

a. He gives her tips on how to avoid dangerous situations

b. He defends her in front of other students

c. He invites her to lunch

d. He helps her with school assignments

a. He gives her tips on how to avoid dangerous situations 

500

What career does Melba eventually pursue as an adult?

a. Lawyer

b. Teacher

c. Civil rights leader

d. Writer and journalist

d. Writer and journalist

500

How does Melba’s experience at Central High shape her views on justice and equality?

Sample answer: Her experience shapes her by exposing her to the brutal realities of racism and segregation, forcing her to develop a deep commitment to nonviolent resistance and a strong belief that true equality requires actively challenging unjust systems, even when facing extreme adversity. She learns that achieving justice often means enduring immense personal hardship while maintaining dignity and composure in the face of hatred.

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