Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key narrative points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-2

Reading Check

1. Which type of Jewish teaching is Wiesel interested in learning?

2. What is Moishe’s message that people do not believe or listen to?

3. What is a ghetto?

4. What does Wiesel’s family do together on their last night before their expulsion?

5. What is the name of the camp that Wiesel and his family are sent to?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe Moishe the Beadle and his relationship to Wiesel. Why do people like him?

2. Describe the Jewish people of Sighet’s initial reaction to the Nazis’ arrival. Why does this reaction change?

3. Who is Madame Schächter? Describe what happens to her while she is being transported along with Wiesel and his family.

Paired Resources

“Life in Nazi-Controlled Europe: Hungary”

• This source discusses the Nazi invasion of Hungary (where Wiesel’s village of Sighet was located at the start of WWII) as well as the consequences for its Jewish population.
• Connects to the theme of Dehumanization
• Describe the changing political relationship between Hungary and Nazi Germany.