Max in Brussels: a new French school

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Questions and Answers

What is the most significant emotional challenge Max is facing at the beginning of the excerpt?

Anxiety about learning French in a new school.
Frustration with his father's attempts to lighten the mood.
Resentment towards his parents for moving the family to Belgium.
Embarrassment and fear of losing his friendships due to repeating sixth grade. (correct)

How does Max's father attempt to alleviate Max's anxiety about their move and repeating sixth grade?

By minimizing the difficulty of learning French and joking about essential phrases. (correct)
By emphasizing the academic benefits of attending a French school.
By promising Max that he can return to his old school if he's unhappy.
By focusing on the exciting aspects of living in a new country.

When Max sees the woman with the coffee cup, what internal conflict does he experience?

He contemplates asking his father for money to give to her.
He feels guilty about enjoying his waffle while she is begging for money. (correct)
He is conflicted about whether to try to speak to her in French.
He debates whether he should offer her some of his waffle.

What does Max's reaction to his father's 'four essential French words' reveal about his current emotional state?

He is still resistant to the change and finds his father's levity annoying. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the setting of the story—a cobblestone street in Belgium—contribute to the overall mood and themes of the excerpt?

It provides a backdrop that emphasizes Max's feelings of displacement and new cultural awareness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When Max's parents reveal he will repeat sixth grade, his immediate reaction is best described as:

Outrage, viewing it as a deliberate hindrance to his progress. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Claire's statement, 'You're not going to seventh,' primarily serves to:

Expose information Max was deliberately kept from. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'This wasn't a waffle-and-coffee stop---it was an ambush!' reveals Max's sense of:

Betrayal and manipulation by his parents. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Max's internal desire for a 'hamburger' instead of 'filet Américain' symbolizes his:

Longing for the comforts and familiarity of home. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Max's criticism of Brussels includes 'surly waiters who refused to do anything in a rush.' This complaint suggests Max values:

Efficient and fast-paced service. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When Max's mother says, 'Just think how great your French will be when we get back to America. You'll be the best in your class!', she is attempting to:

Appeal to Max's competitive nature and desire to excel. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The description of Brussels including 'scrawny, overtrimmed trees that looked like amputees' and 'greasy snack shops' primarily conveys Max's:

Exaggerated and negative perception influenced by his mood. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Max's statement 'Always the best. That was all his parents seemed to care about' suggests a conflict centered on:

Differing values regarding academic achievement. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The detail about 'women wearing headscarves' being something 'different' for Max implies:

Max is observant of the cultural diversity in Brussels. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Max's reaction to the rain in Brussels ('Perfect. It was beginning to rain.') exemplifies his:

Tendency to find negativity in his surroundings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Max's feelings towards his family's move to Brussels?

He is anxious about the move, as he would prefer to stay in Washington and attend school with his friends. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication behind Max's mother saying Claire 'can't have an adventure like you?'

Claire's academic focus and future college plans are more important to the parents than Max's. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author create a picture of culture clash in the passage?

By contrasting Max's father's distinctly American attire with the European café culture. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase "Beginning our exciting year in Europe!" suggest about Max’s mother and the purpose of the trip overseas?

It suggests that her comment is an exaggerated expression intended for social media, masking deeper concerns or motivations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Given the details in the passage, what is the most likely reason Max's parents enrolled him in a non-American school?

To force him out of his comfort zone and immerse him in Belgian culture. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most probable reason for Claire's lack of communication with Max regarding the school situation?

She is still upset about the move and is intentionally distancing herself from Max. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use details of the setting to emphasize Max's feelings of displacement?

By depicting the constant flow of tourists, highlighting Max's feeling of being an outsider among a crowd. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from Max's internal reaction of wanting to rip the phone from Claire's hands?

He feels betrayed and isolated from his sister, leading to an intense emotional response. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's observation about not seeing anyone in shorts outside the Grand Place suggest about his initial perception of his new environment?

He feels out of place due to cultural differences. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Max upset when his parents tell him he will learn French?

He feels pressured despite his learning difficulties and past academic struggles. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The bike incident is mentioned to highlight what aspect of Max's character and how it relates to the move?

His impulsive nature and the negative consequences, contrasting with the new, more challenging situation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's internal thought, that he was being 'denied his basic right to drift off in class' reveal about his attitude toward school?

He is indifferent and unmotivated, using daydreaming as an escape. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Max's concern about not being able to speak French connect to his anxiety about making friends?

He feels the language barrier will prevent him from forming connections with new people. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'storm front of forced enthusiasm' suggest about Max's mother?

She is attempting to uplift Max's spirits but her enthusiasm feels artificial and overwhelming. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Claire's interjection about Max not being a 'complete idiot' contribute to the overall tone of the family dynamic?

It hints at underlying tension and a somewhat sarcastic, critical relationship between the siblings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred in the content about the reason as to why Claire might have said 'He knows this isn't just some fun adventure. We all do.'?

She misses her old life in Washington and is expressing the shared understanding of the family's adjustment difficulties. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the detail about the mother pointing out horsemeat important to the story?

Illustrate Max's feelings of alienation and discomfort with the new culture. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Max’s memory of Kevin being angry about his bike being twisted out of shape create additional context to Max's feelings about the move?

It illustrates his history of unintended negative consequences and potential for social isolation, enhancing his anxiety about fitting in. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Feeling Alone

Feeling isolated and disconnected from others.

Said Gently

To state something with gentleness.