Reading Check questions are designed for in-class review on key plot points or for quick verbal or written assessments. Multiple Choice and Short Answer Quizzes create ideal summative assessments, and collectively function to convey a sense of the work’s tone and themes.

“Big World,” “Abbreviation,” and “Aquifer”

Reading Check

1. What happens to Biggie and the narrator’s van in “Big World”?

2. What is unique about Melanie that Vic Lang obsesses over in “Abbreviation”?

3. How is Vic Lang injured in “Abbreviation”?

4. What happens to Alan Mannering in “Aquifer”?

Multiple Choice

1.  Why is the narrator of “Big World” troubled by the way Biggie treats Meg?

A) It makes him realize that Biggie treats him the same way.

B) It reflects his own behavior toward Biggie.

C) It is cruel in a way he didn’t expect of his friend.

D) It is openly sexual and the narrator feels trapped by that.

2. How is Vic’s uncle Eddie different from Vic’s father Bob?

A) He is more of a troublemaker.

B) He is a rule follower.

C) He is lazy.

D) He is a cheapskate.

3. Why is Melanie sad about the end of her vacation?

A) because her family is normally cruel to her when they’re not on vacation

B) because she will be forced to work on the farm when she returns home

C) because she has no friends at home

D) because she has just moved to a new, unfamiliar town

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