Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Based on the text, which of the following words best describes Steven’s homelife?

A) Stable

B) Abusive

C) Neglectful

D) Frantic

2. Which of the following words best describes the narration style of the text?

A) Dismissive

B) Relatable

C) Pompous

D) Formal

3. In comparing his two female peers, Steven says, “It wasn’t the first time I noticed this—how Renee kind of swished around in a cloud of perfume, and Annette just popped up like some spastic hand puppet.” Which of the following literary terms is used in this quote?

A) Metaphor

B) Allusion

C) Simile

D) Personification

4. Which of the following statements is true about Steven’s interests?

A) He is an aspiring artist.

B) He is a passionate musician.

C) He is a studious mathematician.

D) He is an empathetic humanitarian.

5. Which of the following phrases best describes how Steven verbally reacts to Jeffrey’s bruises?

A) With words of caution

B) With sentiments of scolding

C) With phrases of humor

D) With aphorisms of advice

6. Which of the following phrases best describes Steven’s personality in school after he learns the gravity of his brother’s diagnosis?

A) Renewed focus on school

B) Constant distraction from homework

C) Intense disinterest in music

D) Emotional outbursts to friends

7. Based on the text, which of the following conclusions can be made about the best way to deal with grief?

A) Never share your emotions with anyone.

B) Always tell your school guidance counselor private information.

C) Remember that no one is interested in your problems.

D) Consider sharing your emotions and concerns with loved ones when you are ready.

8. Which of the following phrases is a major concern of the Alper parents after Jeffrey’s diagnosis?

A) Education

B) Expenses

C) Equality

D) Economics

9. Which of the following phrases best describes the setting of the novel?

A) Late-19th-century Connecticut

B) Early-21st-century New Jersey

C) Late-21st-century Philadelphia

D) Early-20th-century California

10. Which of the following words does Matt Medic symbolize?

A) Jeffrey’s fear of having cancer

B) Renee’s love for Steven

C) Steven’s support of Jeffrey through his diagnosis

D) Annette’s strength in keeping the family together

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. What is the narration style of the novel? How does it impact the delivery of the novel’s content?

2. What is the significance of the novel’s title? What does “dangerous pie” symbolize?