Number The Stars Reading Comprehension Worksheet With Answers (Page 3 of 3) in pdf

19) Whose “voice” is the reader supposed to be hearing in the Afterword section of the novel? (In other

words, who is speaking to the reader?)

Although the majority of this novel is told from a third-person omniscient point of view

(meaning the narrator is an outsider looking in…and they are aware of the thoughts and feelings

of all characters), the Afterword is different. Lois Lowry tells the details of that section from her

own perspective, explaining how she came up with some of her ideas and revealing what‟s fact

versus fiction.

Cause and Effect Relationships:

20) This test will include a chart that shows some cause and effect relationships. Though you'll have to wait

until the test to find out what details you'll be asked about, here’s a reminder of how those types of

relationships work.

One event leads to another event; it's like a row of dominos - knocking down the first one

CAUSES all the other dominos to fall (EFFECT).

Literary Elements:

21) On one of the visits Peter makes to the Johansen’s home, he brings some seashells for the girls. What

do the seashells symbolize/represent?

The seashells represent several things. A shell „hides‟ something to protect it. Many of the

characters in the story have to hide things/people in order to protect them. In addition,

because shells are a protective cover for sea creatures, they are full of surprises, as you never

really know what is inside of them. Similarly, the characters in our novel have to offer

protection for one another and some are also full of surprises as they determine what treasures

they actually have inside of themselves.

22) Which literary element is most likely revealed through the multiple mentions of the “loose step” outside

of Uncle Henrik’s home?

Lois Lowry mentions the presence of this loose step several times prior to us learning of its

true importance…so there‟s foreshadowing present. The fact that a detail that seems so

unimportant is mentioned so often gives the reader a clue about the fact that this step will be

important later…which turns out to be the case. Because he tripped over the loose step, Mr.

Rosen fell a little, causing the “mystery package” to fall out of his jacket pocket. Since that

package is such an important element in the story, we‟re able to realize why the step was

worthy of being mentioned so often.

Plot Structure:

You will be given a few specific details from the story and expected to identify which portion of the plot line

those events would fall under. Reviewing the following definitions will help you with those questions.

Plot – The series of events in the story; basically, it’s the “story line” of a fictional piece of writing.

Exposition – In fiction, the beginning part of the plot (it sets the tone, establishes the setting,

introduces the characters, and gives the readers background info).

Rising action – The conflicts and problems that the main characters face in a story

Climax – A story’s point of greatest interest or suspense; usually serves as a “turning point” for one or

more characters.

Falling action – Part when loose ends are tied up and the story is coming to a close; characters have

gotten past problems.

Denouement – Sometimes called resolution, it’s the final outcome or ending point of a fictional story.

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