Character Study
From "Manhattan Transfer": Based on paragraphs 1 and 2, what can the reader infer about the young man's attitude toward Bud?
A) He is eager to help Bud find his way in the city.
B) He feels superior to Bud because of Bud's appearance.
C) He is curious about Bud's journey to the city.
D) He is concerned about Bud's physical condition.
B) He feels superior to Bud because of Bud's appearance.
From "Manhattan Transfer": In paragraph 1, the phrase "something warm and tingling shoot suddenly through all his veins" most likely indicates that Bud feels
A) physically ill from the exhausting journey.
B) nervous about speaking to strangers.
C) excited about the possibilities of the city.
D) angry about his difficult circumstances.
C) excited about the possibilities of the city.
From "Radio Girl": Cece's practice of saying "Unique New York" (paragraph 4) is best understood as
A) a way to practice proper pronunciation for radio announcing.
B) an attempt to fit in with local Manhattan residents.
C) her method of overcoming fear of the big city.
D) a prayer for good luck before her audition.
A) a way to practice proper pronunciation for radio announcing.
From "Manhattan Transfer": Which statement best captures a central theme of the "Manhattan Transfer" excerpt? A) Urban environments provide immediate comfort to those from rural areas.
B) Hard work always leads to success regardless of appearance.
C) The city presents both opportunity and challenging realities to newcomers.
D) People should remain in familiar surroundings rather than seek new beginnings.
C) The city presents both opportunity and challenging realities to newcomers.
From "Manhattan Transfer": Which sentence best explains why Bud refuses to give money to the violinist?
A) Bud dislikes music and prefers silence on his journey.
B) Bud cannot afford to give away his limited funds.
C) Bud believes the violinist should find different work.
D) Bud is distracted by the river view and ignores the request.
B) Bud cannot afford to give away his limited funds.
From "Radio Girl": In paragraph 1, the emptying of the skate bag primarily serves to show that Cece is
A) disorganized and impulsive in her actions.
B) deliberately creating a false impression of her plans.
C) concerned about having proper equipment for skating.
D) worried about losing her personal belongings.
B) deliberately creating a false impression of her plans.
From "Radio Girl": The simile comparing waves on the Hudson to "sequins on a radio star's evening gown" (paragraph 3) serves to
A) remind readers that Cece's journey is occurring during evening hours.
B) suggest that natural beauty is superior to manufactured items.
C) connect the physical environment to Cece's entertainment ambitions.
D) imply that Cece is more interested in fashion than in radio.
C) connect the physical environment to Cece's entertainment ambitions.
From "Manhattan Transfer": The advice given to Bud in paragraph 12 reflects which aspect of city life?
A) The importance of personal connections in finding employment
B) The preference for country skills over city education
C) The value of honesty in urban business dealings
D) The emphasis placed on physical appearance and first impressions
D) The emphasis placed on physical appearance and first impressions
From "Radio Girl": Which detail from the passage best indicates that Cece has thoroughly prepared for her audition?
A) She borrows a dollar from her mother's rainy-day jar.
B) She practices tongue twisters and reads Radio Guide.
C) She wears her new school skirt and saddle shoes.
D) She creates a cover story involving roller skating.
B) She practices tongue twisters and reads Radio Guide.
From "Radio Girl": Cece's final action of polishing her shoes before entering the building shows that she
A) is delaying her entry because of growing nervousness.
B) has realized she is underdressed for the prestigious environment.
C) is concerned about making a positive impression.
D) regrets not buying new shoes for the audition.
C) is concerned about making a positive impression.
From "Manhattan Transfer": Which statement best explains the significance of the "trembling" that takes hold of Bud's knees in paragraph 6?
A) Bud is suffering from physical illness after his journey.
B) Bud is experiencing the physical effects of hunger. C) Bud is feeling anxiety about his new surroundings. D) Bud is reacting to the cold weather near the water.
C) Bud is feeling anxiety about his new surroundings.
From "Manhattan Transfer": The description of the river as "bright as knife blades" in paragraph 6 serves primarily to
A) emphasize the beautiful natural scenery of the city.
B) suggest potential danger and harshness of the urban environment.
C) contrast the river with the grimy appearance of the ferryhouse.
D) show how the sunlight reflects differently on water than on land.
B) suggest potential danger and harshness of the urban environment.
From "Radio Girl": The description of Manhattan in paragraphs 5-6 primarily emphasizes
A) the chaotic, overwhelming nature of the urban environment.
B) the architectural beauty of the buildings and streets.
C) the friendly atmosphere that welcomes newcomers.
D) the orderly arrangement of businesses and residences.
A) the chaotic, overwhelming nature of the urban environment.
From "Manhattan Transfer": Based on the excerpt, what does Bud mean when he says he wants to get to "the center of things"?
A) He wants to find the geographical center of Manhattan.
B) He wants to locate the city's main transportation hub.
C) He wants to discover where opportunity and activity exist.
D) He wants to find the most affordable area to live.
C) He wants to discover where opportunity and activity exist.
From "Manhattan Transfer": The cook's response to Bud in paragraphs 9-12 is best described as
A) dismissive and unhelpful.
B) unnecessarily negative and discouraging.
C) overly optimistic and unrealistic.
D) bluntly honest and somewhat helpful.
D) bluntly honest and somewhat helpful.
From "Radio Girl": The statement "I'd never been across the Hudson by myself before, and the freedom of it made me feel like one snappy piece of work" (paragraph 3) reveals that Cece
A) feels a sense of independence and self-assurance.
B) is fearful of traveling alone but pretends to be confident.
C) regrets not bringing a friend along for company.
D) is unaware of the dangers of traveling alone.
A) feels a sense of independence and self-assurance.
From "Radio Girl": The description of the Columbia building as having windows that "were like mirrors, reflecting the even taller skyscrapers all around" (paragraph 7) suggests that
A) the building's design was impractical for a radio station.
B) Cece is disappointed by the appearance of her destination.
C) the radio station wants to blend in with surrounding buildings.
D) the building represents both Cece's aspirations and the competitive environment.
D) the building represents both Cece's aspirations and the competitive environment.
From both passages: Which statement accurately describes a difference in the historical contexts of the two passages?
A) "Manhattan Transfer" features modern transportation while "Radio Girl" shows only older methods.
B) "Manhattan Transfer" takes place during economic prosperity while "Radio Girl" occurs during the Depression.
C) "Manhattan Transfer" depicts a welcoming urban environment while "Radio Girl" shows a hostile one.
D) "Radio Girl" depicts a more crowded and developed Manhattan than "Manhattan Transfer."
B) "Manhattan Transfer" takes place during economic prosperity while "Radio Girl" occurs during the Depression.
From "Radio Girl": The author's detailed description of Cece preparing her appearance in paragraph 1 serves to show that she
A) is overly concerned with fashion rather than talent.
B) wants to hide her family's financial situation.
C) hopes to impress people with her expensive clothing.
D) understands the importance of presentation for her audition.
D) understands the importance of presentation for her audition.
From both passages: Both Bud and Cece seek advice or information from others, but their approaches differ in that
A) Bud asks direct questions of strangers while Cece relies on printed materials.
B) Bud accepts help reluctantly while Cece actively seeks assistance.
C) Bud receives useful advice while Cece is consistently misled.
D) Bud questions multiple people while Cece speaks to no one.
A) Bud asks direct questions of strangers while Cece relies on printed materials.
From "Manhattan Transfer": How does the author's description of Bud's physical appearance in paragraphs 1-2 contribute to the development of his character?
A) It establishes him as a threatening figure in the city environment.
B) It portrays him as indifferent to how others perceive him.
C) It depicts him as stronger than the typical city resident.
D) It presents him as someone who is unprepared for city life.
D) It presents him as someone who is unprepared for city life.
From both passages: The authors of both passages use sensory details to
A) create an immersive experience of the urban environment.
B) emphasize how unpleasant city life is compared to rural areas.
C) show that both characters are particularly sensitive to their surroundings.
D) indicate that the characters are becoming physically ill from city conditions.
A) create an immersive experience of the urban environment.
From both passages: Both passages use descriptions of clothing and physical appearance to
A) provide historical context for the different time periods.
B) indicate the characters' economic and social backgrounds.
C) suggest that fashion was the most important aspect of city life.
D) criticize societal emphasis on superficial characteristics.
B) indicate the characters' economic and social backgrounds.
From both passages: Which statement best captures a central theme that connects both passages?
A) Urban environments provide equal opportunities to all newcomers regardless of background.
B) The pursuit of dreams requires both courage and preparation when facing new challenges.
C) Family support is essential for success in challenging environments.
D) Financial resources determine one's ultimate success in competitive settings.
B) The pursuit of dreams requires both courage and preparation when facing new challenges.
From both passages: How do Bud and Cece's interactions with city people differ?
A) Bud faces hostility, while Cece receives helpful guidance.
B) Bud receives blunt advice from strangers, while Cece mostly observes without direct interaction.
C) Bud seeks help from multiple people, while Cece avoids all conversation.
D) Both find city dwellers equally welcoming to newcomers.
B) Bud receives blunt advice from strangers, while Cece mostly observes without direct interaction.