The Dog of Pompeii historical fiction by Louis Untermeyer
Directions 1. Preview the questions you ll be asked first. Make notes of them on your CBT worksheet. 2. Read the selection, The Dog of Pompeii. While you are reading, take any notes on your CBT worksheet that will help you answer the questions. Aim to use shorthand instead of writing excessively. 3. Answer the questions.
Question 1 As the setting of the story is introduced, what evidence from the text helps suggest it would be difficult to be blind while living on the streets in Pompeii? Select all that apply. A. fireworks B. laughing crowds C. lively with shining chariots D. see more with his ears and nose, than they could with their eyes E. sham battles and athletic sports
Question 2 Read the details about the forum. What does the description tell you about life in Pompeii? A. The fact that everyone gathers shows that Pompeii has many different classes and professions and that they all meet together in the forum. B. The forum was the precursor to news media. Being an ancient city, people had to gather centrally, daily and listen to verbal updates about what was going on in the city. C. Life in Pompeii was centered around religion. The forum was exclusively for sacrifices. D. There is a sharply divided class system and people from different levels of wealth or power do not get along. The forum sets apart the elite from the poor.
Question 3 Describe what it means to be hurried by fear drawing on evidence from the text to support your answer.
Question 4 The author uses several similes and metaphors to describe the volcano erupting and the reaction of the people. What is the effect of using figurative language rather than just stating what is happening?
Question 5 Part A -- What attitude do you think the people of Pompeii have about their city? A. Accusatory B. Critical C. Haughty D. Jovial Part B What evidence from the text supports your answer to part A? Select all that apply. A. ambitious to rival Naples, and even Rome B. Naples commits the crimes and Pompeii pays the price. C. they had seized the opportunity to rebuild the whole town. D. very well my confident friends E. What do you think he meant by that?
Question 6 Which details show you how the eruption has affected the forum and the town? Select all that apply. A. falling houses B. If the smoke had increased, no one saw it in the dark. C. The ground of the forum beginning to rock, then to pitch, then to split D. the sounds of crashing, crackling, roaring, and exploding E. when it flattens out, it s sure to be foggy
Question 7 Choose the three best options from the answer bank below to summarize the story. Answer Bank Tito, a blind orphan, is living on the streets of Pompeii with his trusted dog and companion, Bimbo. After Mt. Vesuvius erupts, Bimbo guides Tito out of the city and delivers him to safety. A stranger visits the town and warns against hubris saying those who do not learn, will be taught by the gods. Architects later discover Bimbo s remains and do not realize the reason behind his sacrifice. The two go through daily life together and help one another out in different ways. The city gets swept up in a celebration and misses the early signs of the volcano eruption. First -- Second --- Third -- Summary
Question 8 Label the different elements of the plot, using the options listed below. Multiple events can go in a box. Answer Bank One day, Tito and Bimbo overheard some men discussing the volcanic eruption that took place 12 years ago. A stranger warns the people against being overlyconfident. In the city of Pompeii, a boy named Tito lived with his dog Bimbo. Since Tito is a blind, orphan it is good that he has a faithful, canine companion by his side. The next morning, Mt. Vesuvivus erupted and Bimbo urges Tito to escape. Tito is struggling to continue. Desperate to help him, Bimbo bites Tito. Hundreds of years later, scientists discover a dog s remains at an excavation site. They cannot fathom why the dog (Bimbo) would have been there at the time (to get Tito s favorite snack and revive him after he fainted, during this scary ordeal.) This makes Tito wonder, but is quickly forgotten that night as the city celebrates Ceasar s birthday with grand festivities. By every means possible, Bimbo gets Tito to the boats, but the two are separated. Summary Exposition -- Conflict -- Rising Action -- Climax -- Falling Action -- Resolution --
Question 9 Part A --What is an explicit theme for the text? A. A true friend remains loyal even when times are rough B. Beware of pride C. Loyalty D. Never give up Part B What evidence from the text supports your answer to part A? Select all that apply. A. Bimbo! he wailed, Bimbo! Bimbo! B. He coaxed He licked Tito s hands the boy did not stir. Then Bimbo did the last thing he could the last thing he wanted to do. He bit his comrade. C. Those who will not listen to men must be taught by the gods. D. Tito was in despair, but Bimbo was determined.
Question 10 Part A --What is an implicit theme for the text? A. A caution against hubris B. A true friend remains loyal even when times are rough C. Beware of pride D. Loyalty Part B What evidence from the text supports your answer to part A? Select all that apply. A. Bimbo forces Tito to go to the sea gate during the disaster B. Bimbo goes to get food for Tito after they arrive at the beach, even though his own life is in danger C. The warning from the stranger D. Tito finds food for Bimbo everyday E. Tito does not give up looking for Bimbo and continuously calls out for him
The Dog of Pompeii historical fiction by Louis Untermeyer