Vocabulary
Genre
Setting
Change
Central Idea
100

What is an excerpt?

A short piece of writing taken from a larger one.

100

What genre is this story?

Historical fiction

100

How long ago does this story take place?

In 1927: about a hundred years ago

100

Who is the narrator of the story?

Margaret, a photography student in college

100

What does stellar mean?

Really good or excellent

200

What is a Cornell Alumni?

Former graduates of the school.

200

What is a curator of herpetology?

Person at the museum in charge of snake collections.

200

What does imminent mean?

About to happen.

200

What is an alma mater?

A former school you graduated from.

200

What did the narrator want to be encouraged to do in college?

To specialize in architectural photography.

300

What did the narrator mean in paragraph 3 when she said, "My future hangs in the balance?"

She was unsure if she would get a job that she loved or that was safe in her field.  

300

Why would the narrator be considered persistent?

She kept trying to get Mr. Moskowiz's attention even though he kept telling her he had a train to catch.

300

What best expresses a theme in paragraphs 6 through 8?

Thinking ahead and making plans is important.

300

How does the dialogue in paragraphs 19 and 20 propel events in the story?

It shows Mr. Moskowitz is impressed by Margaret's photographs.

300

Which quote shows a direction of change in the story?

"Never mind Mr. Chester.  We don't need you now."

400

Which event from the story most affects the narrator's change in career?

Several experts claim she has a talent for photography.

400

What affect do the shifting attitudes of the switchboard operator and Mr. Moskowitz have on the story?

They create a mood of suspense.

400

What does the expression mean "put all your eggs in one basket?"

Don't put all of your opportunities into just one thing.

400

What's the big change in the story?

The narrator goes from being unsure to confident.

400

What message do you think the author wants you to walk away with?

Never give up on your dreams.

500

What's Mr. Moody's catch phrase?

"Get your mind right!"

500

What common breakfast that Mr. Moody loves did his brother use to steal from him when he was a kid?

Pop Tarts

500

What college did both Mr. Russell and Ms. Schaeffer attend and graduated with a bachelo'sr degree from?

Stony Brook

500

What year will you 8th graders be graduating with a Bachelor's degree?

2034

500

Who are Ms. Schaeffer's favorite students?

Elly and Nichole