VOCAB 1
What does the word hesitated mean?
To pause before doing something because you are unsure or nervous.
What does the word altered mean?
Changed or made different.
What is the MAIN problem in the story?
Rodney hasn’t done the essay about what he wants to be and risks causing the class to lose the pizza party.
What nickname do other kids call Lucas, and how does it make him feel?
They call him "Mucus," and it makes him embarrassed/teased.
What does uncomfortably mean?
In a way that causes slight pain, awkwardness, or unease.
What does the word inspiration mean?
Something that gives you an idea or motivates you to create or act.
What does the word collapse mean?
To fall down or give way suddenly; to break apart or fall in.
Why was it difficult for Rod to write an essay about what he wants to be when he grows up?
He had no idea what he wanted to be and felt blank and unsure.
What physical reaction does Rodney get when he is nervous?
Hives
What does desperately mean?
Very strongly or with great urgency because you really want or need something.
What does the word advise mean?
To give suggestions or guidance about what someone should do.
What does the word destruction mean?
Serious damage that ruins something.
What do Rod and Lucas have in common?
They are best friends and both have names that can be teased.
What was the assignment Rodney needed to complete?
An essay about what he wants to be when he grows up.
Describe how Rodney shows "inspiration" in the story. What inspired him and what did he do with it?
Rodney was inspired by seeing a girl in class; that inspiration made him invent the job "name expert" and quickly write his essay.
What does the word accountable mean?
Responsible for your actions and possibly required to explain them to others.
What does the word unpredictable mean?
Not able to be predicted; likely to change suddenly.
What profession did Rod choose?
He chose (invented) the job “name expert.”
Where did Rodney go to finish his essay, and why did he choose that time?
He stayed or worked at lunch to write the essay because he had no idea what he wanted to be and needed time to think.
How does Rodney use humor to cope with his dislike of creative writing?
He exaggerates his dislike and invents silly job ideas to make the writing task fun.
What does self-esteem mean?
How confident and proud someone feels about themselves; one’s sense of self-worth.
What does the word crisis mean?
A serious or dangerous situation that needs immediate attention.
How is the school setting connected to the MAIN problem in the story?
The teacher’s rule about no Fs leading to a pizza party makes Rodney’s missing essay a class issue; the school deadlines and peer expectations create the pressure he faces.
Describe how Lucas responds when Rodney reveals his idea for a job. What does that show about their friendship?
Lucas first thinks it’s silly but then supports Rodney, offering to be his partner, shows loyalty and encouragement between friends.
Do you think Rodney’s idea of becoming a "name expert" is kind or unkind?
It can be kind if used to help parents avoid names that could lead to teasing (protecting children’s feelings). It could be unkind if used to mock or shame people for their names. Overall, the story presents it playfully and as a helpful idea.