“The Luckiest Time of All” Quiz
Study Guide
by: Lucille Clifton
Story Summary: In the story “The Luckiest Time of All” Elzie, a great grandmother,
tells her granddaughter Tee about her “luckiest time of all” when she met her future
husband Amos Pickens. Elzie and her friend Ovella wanted to join the Silas Green show.
Elzie and Ovella began watching a dancing dog. Elzie throws her luckiest stone at him as
he danced. The dog then started to chase them throughout the show grounds until Amos
Pickens threw a lasso around the dog. Amos picked up the dog and cradled him to make
sure he was ok. After such a long day, Amos walked both of the girls home.
Know the difference between major characters – the one on whom the story focuses
and minor characters – play minor roles in the development of the story.
Be able to recognize a vivid verb. (See your notes on verbs and the following examples.)
Examples: boring/dull verb
walk
talk
write
vivid verb
stroll, pace
whisper, shout
scribble, jot
Be able to apply the definitions of the following words:
Word
Definition
Discouragement
the feeling of despair in the
face of obstacles
Adventurous
willing to undertake or
seeking out new and daring
enterprises
Encouragement
the expression of approval
and support
Gentleness
mildness of manners or
disposition
generosity
the trait of being willing to
give of your money or time
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