Raymond S Run Comprehension Questions

“Raymond’s Run” Comprehension Questions:

1. What nickname do the big kids give Squeaky? Why do they call her that? 6. Do you think Squeaky’s parents have given her too much responsibility for taking care of Raymond? Explain.

2. In the exposition of the story, Squeaky suggests that taking care of Raymond is a big job. Identify the phrase that summarizes her attitude toward 7. Reread lines 30 – 45. How do you think Squeaky this responsibility. Does her attitude change by feels about taking care of her brother? Use a the end of the story? If so, how? quote from the story to support your inference.

8. What is Squeaky’s general attitude toward people? 3. As the narrator, Squeaky reveals her characteristics through what she says and does. What are some of her positive traits? Which qualities might be seen as negative?

9. What experiences in her life might explain this attitude?

4. In what way do Squeaky’s characteristics create conflict in the story? What are some of the 10. What internal conflict does Squeaky face as the conflicts in the story? girls approach?

11. Is there any other point in the story when Squeaky has an internal conflict? Explain.

5. Compare/contrast Squeaky and Gretchen. What are some similarities and difference? Use textual evidence. 12. What conflicts exist between Squeaky and her 19. How do Raymond’s actions change Squeaky’s mother? Provide textual evidence ideas about herself?

13. Why does Squeaky feel the May Pole dance is a 20. Describe Squeaky’s reaction when she sees waste of time? Raymond running parallel to her in the race.

14. What might Squeaky mean when she says, “I am not a strawberry”?

21. What is the climax of the story? Quote a line from the text to support your answer? 15. Does Squeaky run for herself or to win the approval of others? Explain.

16. Why do Mr. Pearson’s comments about the race 22. Would the story’s ending have changed make Squeaky so angry? dramatically if Squeaky had lost the race? Explain.

17. How does competing both provide motivation and demand it? 23. Will Squeaky follow through on her plan with Raymond? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

24. Explain the story’s last sentence. 18. What does Raymond do during the race? What do his actions suggest to Squeaky? 25. Is it ever necessary to fight or use threats to defend someone? Explain

26. Is “Raymond’s Run” an effective title for this story? - if you had to rename the story, what would you choose as a new title and why?