Open Up - Grade 8 - ELA - Module 3 - Mid Unit 1 Assessment - Formative Library | Library

In this assessment, you will answer questions about dialogue, word choice, and tone in Chapter 4 of Maus I.

On page 73, panel 4, what does Vladek’s statement about Art and Mala, below, reveal about his character? (RL.8.3)

“You and Mala! You both think money grows on bushes. I’ll fix it myself.”

He is unloving and disrespectful towards his family

He is independent and anxious about money.

He is doting and gracious towards his family

He avoids work and wants others to do it for him.

RL.8.3

Vladek uses the expression, “Pssh,” on page 73, panel 8. How does this expression impact the tone of his statement? (RL.8.4)

It creates a condescending tone.

It creates a relaxed tone.

It creates an exciting tone.

It creates a disinterested tone.

RL.8.4

What is the meaning of the figurative phrase “like lightning” as it is used on page 76, panel 7? (RL.8.4)

quite dangerously

very brightly

quite quickly

very painfully

RL.8.4

What incident provokes Vladek to keep his son Richieu with him on page 81? (RL.8.3)

Richieu did not play well with Ilzecki’s son.

Richieu wanted to stay with his mother

Vladek’s family refused to part with Richieu.

Vladek’s family did not trust Ilzecki.

RL.8.3

How does the scene described on page 91 provoke Vladek’s father to make a decision? (RL.8.3)

When he sees Fela is sent “to the left” with her four children, he decides to stay on the “good side” with Vladek, Anja, and Richieu.

When he learns that cousin Mordecai will be at the inspection tables, he decides not to go to the stadium and to hide at home instead.

When he learns that cousin Mordecai will be at the inspection tables, he decides to go to the stadium and pass through.

When he sees Fela is sent “to the left” with her four children, he decides to leave the “good side” and instead join his daughter.

RL.8.3

What is the consequence of Vladek’s father’s decision? What does this reveal about Vladek’s father’s character? Write two sentences. (RL.8.3)

RL.8.3

How would you describe the tone the author’s words create on page 93, panel 8, when Mala says: “Wait! Put everything back, exactly like it was, or I’ll never hear the end of it!” What does this reveal about Mala’s character? What evidence makes you think so? (RL.8.1, RL.8.3, RL.8.4)

In your response be sure to include the following: 
• A description of the tone that Mala’s statement
• Evidence from the text that supports your description of Mala’s tone 
• An explanation of what the statement reveals about Mala’s character

RL.8.4

RL.8.3

RL.8.1

Source: Spiegelman, Art. Maus I: A Survivor’s Tale: My Father Bleeds History. Knopf Doubleday, 1986.

Source: Open Up Resouces (Download for free at openupresources.org.)