Plot & Structure
This event causes the main problem in the story.
What is the citywide blackout?
The story is told from this point of view.
What is first-person? ❌ → Correct answer: What is third-person limited?
A major theme of the story is helping others during difficult times.
What is kindness or community?
The noise is compared to a “groan of a giant monster.” This is a simile or metaphor?
What is a simile?
The mood at the beginning of the story is tense and worried.
What is anxious or stressful?
The story is mostly told in this story structure (chronological, flashback, or compare/contrast).
What is chronological order?
This character shows concern for others by giving up the cab.
Who is Addy?
This theme is revealed when strangers give free pizza.
What is generosity?
This phrase helps describe how hot and uncomfortable the walk was.
What is “dense August heat”?
The mood changes near the end to this feeling.
What is peaceful or hopeful?
This part of the story shows Addy offering the cab to the elderly man.
What is the rising action?
Zelda’s presence helps resolve Addy’s biggest worry. Explain how.
What is that Zelda is safe, easing Addy’s concern?
Addy’s biggest worry shows this theme about family.
What is caring about family safety?
Word choice that helps you imagine the city during the blackout.
What is “crowding the sidewalks” or “packed buses”?
The description of the stars helps create this mood.
What is magical or calm?
The climax happens when Addy realizes her main worry is not about the audition.
What is the climax?
Addy changes from the beginning to the end of the story in this way.
What is she becomes calmer and more thoughtful?
Explain how the blackout helps reveal the theme.
What is that challenges bring people together?
Explain how figurative language helps set the mood.
What is it makes the situation feel tense or overwhelming?
Explain how the setting affects the mood.
What is darkness and silence change the feel of the city?
Explain how the ending resolves the main conflict.
What is Addy making it home safely and finding peace with her family?
Cite one action that shows Addy’s character trait of empathy.
What is giving the cab to the elderly man?
State the theme and support it with one piece of text evidence.
Sample answer using evidence from the text
Find one example of descriptive language and explain its effect.
Student-supported response
Compare the mood at the beginning and end of the text.
Student explanation