“The Southpaw”
Assessment Practice Questions
Imagine that “The Southpaw” was written in
dialogue rather than a series of notes. Which
example of dialogue is written correctly?
A. Joel is moving to Kansas and Danny sprained
his wrist, explained Richard in frustration.
B. “Joel is moving to Kansas and Danny
sprained his wrist”, explained Richard in
frustration.
C. “Joel is moving to Kansas and Danny
sprained his wrist,” explained Richard in
frustration.
D. “Joel is moving to Kansas and Danny
sprained his wrist, explained Richard in
frustration.
Correct Answer
The correct answer is C. The dialogue
is surrounded by quotation marks.
Also, the comma appears directly
before the end quotation marks.
How about a permanent place in
the outfield?
Which word could be used to replace
permanent?
A.
B.
C.
D.
fixed
temporary
solid
professional
Correct Answer
The correct answer is B. Fixed is a
synonym for permanent.
Which sentence best describes
the exposition of the story?
A. If I’m not good enough to play on your team,
I’m not good enough to be friends with.
B. Here is your stupid Disneyland sweatshirt, if
that’s how you are going to be.
C. I’m not saving any more seats for you on the
bus.
D. Nobody ever said that I was unreasonable.
How about Lizzie Martindale instead?
Correct Answer
The correct answer is A. This
sentence gives the reader the
background information that is needed
to understand the conflict in the
story.
Which detail BEST shows that
Janet is a good negotiator?
A. I pitch.
B. Wow! I understand you’re the laughing
stock of New Jersey.
C. In case you didn’t notice, I didn’t call
you.
D. Nobody ever said that I was
unreasonable. How about Lizzie
Martinez instead?
Correct Answer
The correct answer is D. This detail
shows that Lizzie is willing to
compromise in order to make a deal—
this is a quality of a good negotiator.
What makes the conflict between
Janet and Richard an internal
one?
A. It happens outside of the main setting of
the story.
B. The conflict is caused by the players not
being able to play on Richard’s team.
C. It is a personal conflict between Richard
and Janet in which there are feelings of
anger, hurt, and betrayal of friendship.
D. It is caused by an outside force–in this
case, girls are not allowed to play on the
Maple Street baseball team.
Correct Answer
The correct answer is C. The notes
begin when Janet expresses her anger
towards Richard for not allowing her
to play on the baseball team. The
notes are written as a result of
hurting each other’s feelings.
Therefore, it is an internal conflict.