How does Uncle Tommy influence the plot of this story? Support your answer with
evidence from the selection.
Question 12
12.
What methods does the author use to characterize Mitchell? Support your answer with evidence from the selection.
The word cryptic comes from the Greek word kryptos, meaning “hidden.” Based on this information, what does cryptic mean as it is used in paragraph 2?
Unclear
Secret
Buried
How does the first-person point of view affect readers’ understanding of Mitchell’s mother?
It reveals how different people view her.
It limits readers to Mitchell’s perceptions of her.
It gives readers direct access to her thoughts and feelings.
The word pathetic comes from the Greek word pathos, meaning “suffering” or “feeling.” Based on this information, what does pathetic mean as it is used in paragraph 3?
Empty
Pitiful
Strange
How does the setting of the baseball field contribute to Mitchell’s conflict in the story?
It forces him to consider his role as the team’s center fielder.
It upsets him to be the reason his team loses almost every game.
It flusters him to be on the field knowing his father cannot see him play.
Based on paragraphs 19–20, what can the reader infer about Uncle Tommy?
He came to the game because Mitchell asked him to.
He is dedicated to supporting Mitchell like a parent.
He is trying to learn more about Mitchell and his mom.
Which sentence from the selection uses Mitchell’s point of view to reveal how his mother
is feeling?
But try to explain to an eager German immigrant mother about stereotyping and American Indians being used as mascots. (paragraph 7)
My mom was smiling and nodding at me, even though she had both fists clenched around her soda can so hard that it looked like an hourglass. (paragraph 14)
It might have been my mom who encouraged Uncle Tommy to stay around and wait for me. (paragraph 20)
What conflict does Mitchell struggle with through most of the story?
The lack of connection to his late father
The need to have others admire him
The interference of his mother
Read the sentence about the story.
It’s too bad Mitchell’s father wasn’t there to see him play that day.
How should the sentence be changed?
Change too to to
Change there to their
No change should be made.
In which two ways does the hawk contribute to the plot?
It teaches a lesson Mitchell can apply to baseball.
It representsthe memories of Mitchell’s home run.
It catches Mitchell’s ball during the baseball game.
It interfereswith Mitchell’s training plans.
What does Mitchell realize that leads to the story’s resolution?
Baseball is important to him because it helps him make friends.
Baseball is important to him because it connects him to his father.
He wants to become a better baseball player to represent his culture.