Vocabulary
The word biohazard contains a prefix from the Greek root that means “life.” Based on this information, what does the word biohazard mean as it is used in line 23?
danger to health
Based on the events that take place at the end of the play, what will Horatio and Caitlin do next?
Caitlin will watch as Horatio adds more flour to the jar.
What key idea about Horatio is supported by the details in Scene 2?
Horatio regrets having been careless about an important task.
Which line of dialogue from Scene 1 shows that Caitlin thinks Horatio’s treatment of the sourdough starter is exaggerated?
CAITLIN: OK, but I'm still not sure what the big deal is. It's just dough. (line 14)
Which phrase from the play helps the reader understand the meaning of descendant in line 13?
“original dough”
Read the dictionary entry.
nurture (verb)
Which meaning of nurture is used in line 15?
to care for and encourage growth
Why are lines 18–23 important?
Part A – What is the main reason these lines are important?
They introduce the problem that the sourdough starter has mold.
What does the reader learn about Caitlin from line 36?
She supports her friend even when he makes mistakes.
Which idea should be included to complete the summary of Scene 1?
Horatio declares that he will keep the sourdough starter alive for a long time.
What does Horatio’s reaction in Scene 2 reveal about his character?
He is determined to fix his mistake and take responsibility.
The word heirloom is used in line 15. What does heirloom most nearly mean as it is used in the play?
something passed down through generations
Part B – Which detail from the play BEST supports this?
Detail: They introduce the problem that the sourdough starter has mold.
“[Panic spreads across his face.] Oh no!” (line 20)
What does Horatio’s promise to “nurture it like my grandmother did before me” (line 15) reveal about him?
He is proud of his family’s traditions and wants to continue them.
How do Caitlin’s responses to Horatio in Scene 1 help develop the plot?
They prompt Horatio to make a commitment he will struggle to keep.
Which detail BEST supports the idea that Caitlin is a supportive friend?
She agrees to remind Horatio to care for the starter.
Read this sentence from the play.
“Yeast is resilient.” (line 28)
What does the word resilient most nearly mean?
able to recover quickly
How is the conflict in the play resolved?
Horatio and Caitlin agree to work together to care for the starter.
How does Caitlin’s reaction to the mold on the sourdough starter (line 23) help the audience understand her character?
She is willing to support her friend even in a messy situation.
Which line from the play BEST shows that Horatio feels guilty about his mistake?
“Maybe I’m not cut out to care for a living substance.” (line 33)
Which event from the play shows a turning point in the story?
Horatio discovers mold on the sourdough starter.
Which sentence from the play BEST helps the reader understand the meaning of nurture in line 15?
“You create new dough by feeding it flour and water and letting it expand.”
How does the problem with the sourdough starter contribute to the overall message of the play?
It shows that responsibility requires ongoing effort and sometimes support from others.
How does Horatio change from Scene 1 to Scene 2?
He learns that caring for something important requires consistent effort.
Which detail from the play BEST supports the idea that Horatio feels overwhelmed by responsibility?
“Maybe I’m not cut out to care for a living substance.” (line 33)
Part A - What message about responsibility is BEST developed in the play?
Part B – Which detail from the play BEST supports this message?
A- Responsibility requires consistent effort and sometimes support from others.
B- “I’ll remind you to feed it, and you will bake bread for me.” (line 36)