15 questions
Read the following dictionary entry for the word primitive.
prim·i·tive
/ˈprimədiv/
adjective
Which definition most closely matches the use of the word primitive in paragraph #2?
relating to, denoting, or preserving the character of an early stage in the evolutionary or historical development of something
originating in unconscious needs or desires and unaffected by objective reasoning
relating to or denoting a preliterate, nonindustrial society or culture characterized by simple social and economic organization
having a quality or style that offers an extremely basic level of comfort, convenience, or efficiency
Which words best help the reader to understand the meaning of the word “primitive” in paragraph 2?
“living room”
“October sunlight”
“autumn air”
“mountain camp”
In paragraph 2, what is the most likely explanation for why Judson smiles “grimly”?
He is tired of living in the mountain camp and is ready to return to the city.
He is preparing to poison the Bourbon and is smiling in anticipation.
There is no way to know why he is smiling because the narrator does not explicitly tell us.
He is a cruel person and does not know how to smile in any other way.
In paragraph 3, the word “invitingly” most likely means
seriously
in a tempting manner
dangerously
Read the following dictionary entry of the word vindictiveness, then answer the question that follows.
vindictiveness
/vin·dic·tiv·nəs/
adjective
the quality of having or showing a strong or unreasonable desire for revenge
Which words from paragraph 12 best help the reader understand the meaning of vindictiveness?
“caught her breath”
“one by one”
“held it up”
“watch them dissolve”
In paragraph 10, what is the most likely reason explaining why Mabel narrows her eyes?
She is tired and is having trouble staying awake.
She is concerned because she realizes that Judson is planning to do something cruel.
She is angry with Judson because he is thinking about business while they are on vacation.
She got something in her eyes and is blinking to get it out.
Which sentence best reflects a primary theme of the selection?
When reaching for his boots, Judson stepped upon that acorn.
“No one is going to get hurt who hasn’t got it coming to him.”
“If a man holds me up and robs me of five dollars, it makes me just as sore as if he took a hundred.”
Several minutes later, he began to regain his senses.
Which of the following excerpts from the story is a strong example of foreshadowing?
When reaching for his boots, Judson stepped upon that acorn.
Dazed and half-conscious he drank.
So, leaving the door open, he went to fetch them from the heavy, rustic table on which they stood, along with his bag and top coat.
“I’ve made my pile by taking chances. If I should die, you can do as you please”
What is implied by the last two sentences of the story?
Alec revives Judson with whiskey; Judson then drives back to the city with Mabel.
Judson decides to get drunk instead of driving back to the city.
Judson unknowingly drinks the poisoned bourbon; he dies after the story ends.
Alec gives Judson water in the whiskey glass to make sure that he is hydrated.
Which statement expresses the main theme (moral or lesson) of the story?
It's important to take the opinions of your loved ones into consideration.
There will be consequences if you take justice into your own hands.
No crime is bad enough to warrant another person's death.
If you commit a crime, you will likely be punished in a similar fashion.
How does the conversation between Judson and his wife develop the plot of the passage?
It prompts her to go warn Alec's wife about the poison, which means she is not there to warn Alec about the poisoned whiskey when Judson falls.
It causes her to tell Alec and his wife that her husband has poisoned the whiskey, encouraging Alec to retaliate against Judson.
It causes Judson to be distracted by his wife's obvious distress and not pay attention when he falls or accepts the whiskey from Alec.
It prompts Judson to consider throwing out the poisoned whiskey, which is unable to do before falling and unknowingly drinking it.
How does the resolution contribute to the theme of the passage?
It proves that it's dangerous to take justice into your own hands.
It shows how paranoia can be deadly for some people.
It emphasizes how dangerous it can be to keep secrets from others.
It stresses the importance of always being aware of your surrounding.