Max and Inspector Fontaine

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Questions and Answers

Why does Max prefer the garden over the house?

The garden is wild and overgrown, unlike the house. (correct)
The garden is well-maintained and tidy.
The garden reminds him of his old home in America.
The garden has a better view than the house.

What does Inspector Fontaine's comment, "The garden needs a trim," suggest about his relationship to the house?

He feels a sense of ownership or responsibility for the house. (correct)
He is a professional gardener.
He is expressing his desire to purchase the house.
He is simply stating an observation.

What is implied when Madame Pauline explains to Max that Georges, Hugo, and Inspector Fontaine were all in Scoots?

She is highlighting a common bond or shared experience among them. (correct)
She is trying to impress Max with Inspector Fontaine's accomplishments.
She is subtly warning Max about Inspector Fontaine's past.
She believes it is important for Max to know about Belgian culture and history.

Why is Inspector Fontaine's mention of Hergé being a Scoot relevant to the conversation with Max?

To emphasize the importance of confidence, as gained from being a Scoot. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from Max's halfhearted smile and lack of enthusiasm about joining the Scoots?

He is hesitant due to language barriers and past experiences with scouting. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Inspector Fontaine give Max his card with his name and police station extension?

To offer Max a direct line of contact in case of trouble, especially regarding Albert Jonnart. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Max suspect about Inspector Fontaine's interest in his family and Albert Jonnart street?

Inspector Fontaine's interest is more about meddling than genuine protection, particularly concerning Max. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Inspector Fontaine picking up the crumpled paper Max left on the floor?

It demonstrates Inspector Fontaine's attention to detail and possibly a desire to know more about Max. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author create a sense of unease or suspicion regarding Inspector Fontaine's character?

By portraying his actions as meddling and suggesting his interest in Max is not entirely altruistic. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the details provided, what is the most likely reason Madame Pauline wants Max to join the Scoots?

She believes it will help Max integrate into Belgian culture and improve his French. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Initially, Max's anxiety about the police officer's arrival is most likely fueled by the fear that:

his parents have unknowingly violated a minor, obscure local rule. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Inspector Fontaine's action of removing his cap upon entering the foyer suggests primarily:

a sign of respect towards the household and its occupants. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'composition of the house,' as clarified by Madame Pauline, specifically refers to the process of:

verifying the list of residents for official identity documents. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The 'commune' is identified in the conversation as the local:

town hall responsible for official documentation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When Inspector Fontaine questions Max about his family members, his primary objective is to:

cross-reference the information with pre-existing official records. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Inspector Fontaine's mention of 'illegals' in Brussels suggests that:

undocumented immigration is recognized as a significant issue in the region. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's internal desire to tell Belgians about computers primarily highlight in the context of his French lessons?

His longing for more engaging and modern educational tools. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Madame Pauline's comment about 'those Muslims' is best interpreted as:

an expression of prejudiced sentiments regarding a specific religious group. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Madame Pauline's reaction to Max's ruined 'x' and her provision of the effaceur can be interpreted as primarily:

A ritualistic part of the strict learning environment she enforces. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Max's internal discomfort with Madame Pauline's prejudiced remark primarily arises from:

his personal positive experiences with someone from that described group. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The exchange about identity cards and 'composition of the house' implicitly reveals that Belgian society:

places significant emphasis on official registration of residents. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Max's description of the 'School of Misery' suggests that his primary negative feeling towards school is one of:

General unhappiness and a sense of drudgery. (C) Signup and view all the answers

By the end of the encounter with Inspector Fontaine, Max's emotional state has shifted from:

fear to relief. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When Max sees the police officer, his immediate 'catalog of dark thoughts' reveals his tendency to:

Overreact to unexpected situations due to an overactive imagination. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'Police/Politie' on the officer's uniform is significant because it most directly indicates:

The setting is a region with both French and Dutch as official languages. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Max's frustration with dictée stems primarily from the challenge of:

Distinguishing between homophones with different spellings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Madame Pauline’s opinion that 'this Mindcraft would rot his brain' primarily reflects a viewpoint that:

Traditional learning methods are superior to digital entertainment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Max crumpling the paper after tearing it with the effaceur best illustrates his:

Impulsive nature and tendency to give up easily when frustrated. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Madame Pauline's 'rare smile' when speaking with the police officer suggests that she:

Perceives the officer's visit as a routine and non-threatening event. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Max starting to write his name on his schoolwork before being interrupted by the doorbell suggests that:

He is diligently trying to follow Madame Pauline's instructions despite his frustrations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern expressed by Madame Pauline regarding the influx of people into Europe?

That they do not integrate into European society and follow local customs. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from Inspector Fontaine's agreement with Madame Pauline about the need to 'keep watchful' due to the 'Islamic State' problem?

He shares concerns about potential security threats and the need for vigilance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Max feel the warning about foreigners not fitting in might apply to him, even though it is directed at Muslims?

Max is from a different country and doesn't fully embrace the local customs. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Inspector Fontaine's personal connection to Max's house?

It provides a sense of shared history and belonging, even though Max is a foreigner. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Inspector Fontaine's statement about the current owners renting the house to 'foreigners with big jobs at the European institutions' suggest about the neighborhood?

The neighborhood is experiencing gentrification and attracting a wealthier, international population. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When Teddy Roosevelt flees, what can you infer about Inspector Fontaine?

He has a stern demeanor. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Inspector Fontaine smiles at Max after mentioning the 'foreigners with big jobs'?

To show Max that he is aware of Max's financial status and professional position. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is Max's internal conflict regarding his new environment?

He is torn between adapting to the local customs and preserving his own cultural identity. (B), He misses his friends and family back home and feels isolated in the new country. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'careened out beneath the side table and flew in a panicked white blur' suggest?

Teddy Roosevelt is easily scared. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Inspector Fontaine most likely mention his friendships with neighbors?

To create a sense of familiarity and trustworthiness with Max. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dictée

The weekly French spelling test, known for words with the same pronunciation but different spellings.

Effaceur

An ink-erasing pen used to correct mistakes, especially in handwriting.