“Raymond’s Run”
Elements of Literature pgs. 391-400
Standards Focus:
 ELACC8RI1: Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what they text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
 ELACC8RI2: Determine the central idea of a text analyze its development over the course of a text,
including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
 ELACC8W3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique,
relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Part I: Questions 1-9 can be answered as you read the story
Answers are to be written in complete sentences.
1. What causes conflict between Squeaky and some of the other kids?
2. What is the basis of Squeaky’s conflict with Gretchen?
3. Why does Squeaky keep her brother close to the buildings? What does
this suggest about her feelings for Raymond?
4. Do you agree with Squeaky’s conclusion that people are “stupid
sometimes”? Why or why not – explain.
5. What do you think of Squeaky’s ideas for settling her conflict with Gretchen
and Rosie?
6. Why does Squeaky want to win the race so badly?
7. Why does Raymond run alongside his sister?
8. How can the girls smile at each other with genuine respect when only one
of them wins the race?
Part II: Answer the following questions after you finish the story
Answers are to be written in complete sentences.
1. Complete one of the following statements:
a. *If I were Squeaky, I would/would not have...
b. *I was surprised when...
c. *I didn’t understand...
2. What do you think is the most important conflict in the story? Why?
a. Try answering in the following format:
i. The conflict between _____ and ____ about ____ is important
because _________.
3. A main theme of this story is “Lean on Me.” Who leans on whom in this
story? (More than one answer is possible, so support your response with
examples from the story).
4. Explain why you would or wouldn’t want to be friends with Squeaky. Did
your opinion of her change throughout the story? Why or Why not?
5. Is it ever necessary to fight or use threats to defend someone? Explain
6. 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?
Part III: Figurative Language
Practice with metaphors and similes and analogies
(see p. 402 Vocabulary Skills: Figures of Speech for more information).
Underline and identify the following as similes or metaphors
1. Squeaky prances down the street like a rodeo pony to keep her knees
strong.
2. Squeaky gets angry when people ask Raymond where he got that great
big pumpkin head.
3. She thinks it is chicken to hide from the girls in the candy store.
4. She says that Mr. Pearson looks around the park like a periscope in a
submarine movie.
Now, re-read the analogy that Squeaky makes comparing her state of mind
before the race to flying (pg. 398). Then write one of your own. Open your
analogy with words like: “Playing football is like . . .” or “Reading a good story is
like . . .”
Part IV: Extended Writing
 In the short story, “Raymond’s Run” the main character Squeaky puts her
brother’s success ahead of her own personal goals.
 In a similar but also vastly different manner Katniss puts Prim’s needs and
well-being ahead of her own desires.
 Think of a time in your life when you have put someone else’s needs or
wants, like a family member or friend, ahead of your own desires.
 Consider your choice, did your situation mirror Katniss’s decision or was it
more closely related to the Squeaky’s dilemma?
 Discuss what the circumstances of that time were, who you sacrificed for
and what lead you to that decision.
 Incorporate figurative language into your writing.
Minimum: 1 page