Common Core Standards Assessed:
-Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from
the text.
-Determine the central idea of a text and analyze its
development over the course of the text; provide an
objective summary of the text.
-Analyze how particular elements of a story interact.
-Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of
view of different characters or narrators in a text.
Name:
32 points
Inference Test- “Lamb to the Slaughter”
1. At the beginning of the story, how does Mary feel about her husband?
A. She doesn’t trust him.
B. She is very much in love with him.
C. She thinks he doesn’t work hard enough at his job.
D. She is worried he doesn’t love her.
2. Describe the story’s setting. How is the setting important to the story? Give an example of how it
affects the characters or the plot. 4 pts
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3. Before the husband breaks the news, what are three clues that this particular evening is going to be a
break in the routine? 3pts
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4. Which of these is not an example that supports that Patrick is feeling nervous and perhaps ashamed?
A. He was late coming home.
B. He made himself a strong drink.
C. He told Mary he was tired.
D. He won’t answer Mary about what he would like for dinner.
5. What point of view is the story written in, 1st or 3rd? How do you know this? How does this point of
view affect what we know about the characters thoughts and feelings? 3pts
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6.
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6. If you read a story with an omniscient narrator, which word below would best describe this type of
narrator?
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A.
B.
C.
D.
Understanding
All knowing
Reliable
Jealous
7. Describe a conflict in this story. Would you say this is an example of Character vs Character, Character
vs Himself, or Character vs Nature? Explain why. 3 pts
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8. Why does Mary go to the store to purchase groceries?
A. She wants to make a good dinner.
B. They were out of important ingredients.
C. She needs someone to prove she wasn’t home.
D. The officers will need fed.
9. Summarize the plot of your story in five sentences or less. 4 pts
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10. The writer does not tell us Mr. Maloney’s news. What news do you think it is?
the story to support this. 2 pts
Give evidence from
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11. Why does Mary offer the leg of lamb to the officers as their dinner?
A. She doesn’t want it to go to waste.
B. They keep saying how good it smells.
C. She appreciates the investigating that they are doing.
D. She wants to get rid of the weapon.
12. The theme of a story deals with
A. Character development and how they deal with other characters
B. Why the setting is important to the plot of the story
C. The big idea about life the author wants us to understand about the story
D. Cause and effect relationships between plot events
14. Which best describes the theme of this story?
A. Courage comes when you least expect it
B. Overcoming Obstacles
C. Revenge leads to tragedy
D. Responsibility is valued by others
Read each of the following paragraphs and answer the questions.
Health clubs have undergone a major transformation that can be described in three words: mind, body, and
spirit. Loud, fast, heart-thumping aerobics has been replaced by the hushed tones of yoga and the controlled
movements of Pilates. The clubs are responding to the needs of their customers who are increasingly looking
for a retreat from their hectic lifestyles and a way to find a healthy balance in their lives by nurturing their
whole selves.
15. From this paragraph, you can infer
a.
b.
c.
d.
Exercise is less important now than it once was.
Health clubs are much less popular now than they were ten years ago.
Many health clubs will go out of business because of the decline in traditional exercise.
People’s desire to nurture all aspects of themselves has contributed to big changes for health
clubs.
Sushi, the thousand-year-old Japanese delicacy, started small in the United States, in a handful of restaurants
in big cities. Today, sushi consumption in America is 50% greater than it was ten years ago and not just in
restaurants. Sushi is also sold at concession stands in sports stadiums, university dining halls, and in
supermarkets throughout the country.
16. From this paragraph, you can infer
a.
b.
c.
d.
Sushi is now a fast food as popular as hot dogs, burgers, and fries.
More sushi is sold in restaurants than in supermarkets.
Americans are more adventurous eaters than they were in the past.
Sushi wasn't always widely available in the United States.
Kyle ran into his house and slammed the door behind him. He paused with his back to the wall and tried to
catch his breath. The puppy in his coat struggled to get out. Kyle looked out the window worriedly, but he saw
that nobody was coming. Then he let the puppy out of his jacket. The puppy yelped while Kyle took the collar
off of him. He threw the collar in an old soup can in the trash, carefully flipping over the can. The dog looked
around nervously.
17. What are three inferences you can make from this paragraph? Support one of them with details from
the text. 4 pts
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