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

BOOK 1: “BEFORE,” CHAPTERS 1-16

Reading Check

1. What is Claire’s job title?

2. What word does Claire’s community use to refer to infants?

3. Where is Claire reassigned after she is dismissed from her original position?

4. What physical mark is Claire left with after childbirth that she realizes none of the other Birthmothers have?

5. What does Claire think the name of her son is?

Short Answer

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

1. What most disturbs Claire about her dream of keeping her baby in a drawer?

2. How is Claire different from the other members of her community?

3. Why is Claire so drawn to the boat and its workers?

4. Why is 36 not assigned to a family?

5. Why does Claire board the workers’ boat at the end of Book 1?

Paired Resource

 “1984: A Guide to Newspeak”

• This 1-minute video by D. K. Books explains “newspeak” in George Orwell’s novel 1984, offering several examples of the language used in Orwell’s novel.
• This resource connects to the theme of The Battle for Control.