"What's So Funny, Mr. Scieszka?"
Quiz by Jennifer Mintz
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- Q1
Read paragraph 1 of the selection.
The voice flew across the room and nailed me to the back of my seat.
The author’s use of figurative language in this sentence —
conveys the narrator’s purpose
creates optimism in the story
shows the narrator’s mood
builds tension in the story
30s - Q2
Choose the phrase that corrects the underlined section in the sentence below.
Tim K. was the funniest boy I knew, but I wish him had waited to tell us the joke.
but I wish she had waited to tell us the joke
but I wish he had waited to tell me the joke
but I wish we had waited to tell you the joke
correct as is
30s - Q3
In paragraph 10, the word apology contains the Greek root word logos, which means “speech.” Which word below contains the same root?
Philosophy
Theology
Logger
Apoplectic
30s - Q4
Choose the phrase that corrects the underlined section in the sentence below.
The teacher made it clear that anyone caught laughing they going to be sent home.
correct as is
am going to be sent home
was going to be sent home
were going to be sent home
30s - Q5
How does the organization of paragraphs 13–16 contribute to the selection?
A comparison is made between potential paths for Jon.
A realistic argument is provided to prove that Jon made the right decision.
A sense of suspense is built as Jon begins to tell his joke.
A description is given of each person Jon sees in the classroom.
30s - Q6
Reread paragraph 25 of the selection. What can the reader infer is the author’s message?
One moment can change the rest of your life.
Sometimes teachers don’t understand students.
One can’t trust their unreliable memories.
Laughter is the most important thing in life.
30s - Q7
The word glorious comes from the Latin word glōria, which means “great praise or honor.” What does glorious mean as it is used in paragraph 25?
Unusual
Magnificent
Confusing
Surprising
30s - Q8
The author wrote this selection most likely to —
inform the reader about an early experience in his life
entertain readers with a humorous story from his childhood
persuade the reader to always be honest when speaking
provide readers with evidence of the strict rules at the school
30s - Q9
This statement supports the overall message of the story.
That day I reached a life-choice fork in the road. (paragraph 7)
false
true
30s - Q10
This statement supports the overall message of the story.
My friend and back-row pal, Tim K. had just told me the funniest joke I had ever heard. (paragraph 8)
true
false
30s - Q11
This statement supports the overall message of the story.
But I do remember the laugh I got. (paragraph 25)
true
false
30s - Q12
Which quotation from the selection best supports the idea that the author made an important decision?
That day I reached a life-choice fork in the road. (paragraph 7)
A good grade in religion class is always a good thing in Catholic school. (paragraph 11)
30s - Q13
Which quotation from the selection best supports the idea that the author made an important decision?
I chose my life’s path. (paragraph 12)
I feel the whole world pause for just a single beat, like it always does before a good punch line. (paragraph 23)
30s - Q14
Which word best describes the mood of paragraphs 1–4 of the selection?
Lighthearted
Uncertain
Fearful
Joyful
30s - Q15
Which sentence supports that the mood of paragraphs 1-4 was lighthearted?
And it had just flown across our fifth-grade religion class at St. Luke’s Elementary School to find me in what I had thought was the safety of the back row.
The voice flew across the room and nailed me to the back of my seat
30s