Assessment–LL
Play, pages 11-16
October 2015
®
THE LANGUAGE ARTS MAGAZINE
Name: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________________
The Spider Curse Quiz
Directions: Read The Spider Curse. Then answer the questions below.
1.What is Arachne’s MAIN problem in the play?
AShe’s worried that Lyra is more talented.
BShe believes Athena receives too much credit
for her (Arachne’s) talent.
CAthena turns her into a spider.
DIdmon tells her that it’s important to show
respect to the gods.
2.Which line best reveals the problem you chose in
question 1?
AMerchant: “I will buy both, as well as anything
else made by this extraordinary young woman.
She has clearly been blessed by Athena.”
Arachne:
“I’m just saying that when people look
B
at my work, all they talk about is Athena.”
Arachne:
“Father, who is this Lyra? Is she better
C
than I am?”
Athena:
“Stupid, stupid girl! I hope you enjoyed
D
weaving that monstrosity, for it was the last
thing you shall ever weave!”
3. At the end of Scene 3, Calista tells Arachne,
“The gods do not like it when their gifts are not
appreciated.” What gift did Athena give Arachne?
Aa gorgeous tapestry
Bturning Arachne into a spider
Ca magical loom plus beautiful yarn
Dweaving lessons
4.In Scene 4, Arachne says that Athena turned a
woman into a monster with snakes for hair. Why
does Arachne say this?
Ato warn Calista what Athena might do
Bto support her statement that the gods are not
perfect
Cto show that Athena is meaner than Zeus
Dto explain why she is afraid of Athena
5. Which word best describes Athena’s reaction to
the tapestry Arachne makes during the contest?
Aangry
Bdisappointed
C impressed
D confused
6. Which detail in Scene 6 helps you understand
how Athena feels about Arachne’s tapestry?
A“Athena’s gray eyes narrow as they sweep over
Arachne’s tapestry.”
B“She takes two quick strides, rips the tapestry
from Arachne’s hands, and dashes it to the
ground.”
Athena
says, “Stupid, stupid girl! I hope you
C
enjoyed weaving that monstrosity, for it was the
last thing you shall ever weave!”
Dall of the above
Constructed-Response Questions
Directions: Write your answers to the questions below on the back of this paper or type them up on a computer.
7. Athena disguises herself as an old woman
and gives Arachne a chance to take back her
disrespectful comments. Why do you think Athena
does this? Explain.
8. How is the idea that it’s important to respect the
gods developed in the play? Use text evidence to
support your answer.
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