Lab Activity 4: The Reading Process: After Reading

Chapter 1: A Reading System for Effective Readers
Lab Activity 4: The Reading Process: After Reading

Objective:
To read and review a short story.

Directions: After reading "The Bargain" in the Student Lab Manual and the conclusion below, answer the following questions.

As he said it, they passed under the shadow of a lilac bush, and he leaned forward hopefully. But she drew back.

"What about your poor wife?" she asked. "What does she get out of this—this—experiment?"

"Oh," he told her, "she can kiss any man she wants. Just once. That's part of the bargain."

She looked at him. "Tell me," she said, "does your wife have to inform her—victim—that she is married too?"

"No," he said, "she doesn't. But she does have to take off her wedding ring before she kisses him. I was quite firm about that."

The girl looked down at her own hands, pale in the moonlight. "And are you quite sure you want to share this—ah—extramarital kiss with me? After all, you're allowed only one. Weren't there any other girls that took your fancy?"

"There was a blonde," he admitted candidly. "She was beautiful. But you were the prettiest. That was the bargain."

She turned to him suddenly and put her arms around his neck. He bent his head. Around them the katydids shrilled louder than ever, but the universe stood still. Slowly, reluctantly, they drew apart. They looked at each other.

"Thank you," he said finally.

"Thank you," she answered gravely. "Shall we go back in now?"

"I think not," he said. "I have a better idea." He kissed her again. "Put your ring back on," he said. "We're going home."

— Gordon, A. Through Many Windows, Guideposts, 1983, pp. 144–146.

3. The term stag line probably refers to a

a. group of male deer waiting to feed in a pasture.

b. group of hunters waiting for the opening of deer season.

c. group of women hoping a man will ask them to dance.

d. group of men deciding which woman to select for a dance.

4. "Never use 'em, thanks." What would an effective reader conclude about the man after reading this reply?

a. He is nervous about being at the country club.

b. This is his first country club dance.

c. He is very confident in the setting.

d. He does not have confidence in his knowledge of etiquette.

5. "Don't look so annoyed," he said. "We've met, I'm sure. Several incarnations ago, probably." After reading this comment, an effective reader might conclude the speaker sounds

a. hostile.

b. smooth.

c. humble.

d. insecure.

6. "Perhaps if you come out on the veranda with me, I'll be able to refresh your memory." After reading this comment, an effective reader might conclude the speaker is

a. trying to be persuasive.

b. feeling disappointed.

c. acting suspicious.

d. being hesitant.

7. "My memory is perfect," she said. From this comment, an effective reader would conclude the woman feels

a. indignant.

b. unguarded.

c. foolish.

d. motherly.

8. She was smiling a little, now. "You think I'm the prettiest one?" After reading this comment, an effective reader might conclude the speaker is

a. sad.

b. humorous.

c. regretful.

d. hopeful.

9. Which line hints most at the story's outcome?

a. "Abruptly he made up his mind."

b. "The girl looked down at her own hands, pale in the moonlight."

c. "'There was a blonde,' he admitted candidly."

d. "Slowly, reluctantly, they drew apart."

10. Which is the best restatement of the last paragraph?

a. The handsome man, once again, charmed a pretty woman.

b. The handsome man used his charm to win another pretty woman.

c. The handsome man successfully charmed the pretty woman, but he will probably break her heart after the dance.

d. The man and woman are happily married to each other.