Max's First Day at School
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Questions and Answers

What does Max's difficulty with the fountain pen suggest about the setting of the story?

  • The school is located in a rural area with limited access to modern supplies.
  • The school emphasizes traditional methods, making it seem like a step back in time for Max. (correct)
  • The school is technologically advanced, and Max is unfamiliar with the latest gadgets.
  • The classroom is poorly maintained, with old and broken equipment.

Why does Max copy Farah during the school supply organization activity?

  • Max is trying to cheat and get ahead in the class.
  • Max is bored and looking for something to do.
  • Max wants to become friends with Farah and thinks copying her will help.
  • Max is unfamiliar with the supplies and Madame Legrand's instructions. (correct)

How does the interaction with the sandy-haired kid contribute to Max’s experience?

  • It leads to Max getting into trouble with Madame Legrand.
  • It reveals a moment of helpfulness and camaraderie amidst Max’s initial struggles. (correct)
  • It highlights Max's social awkwardness and inability to make friends.
  • It causes Max to become distrustful of his classmates.

What is the most likely reason for the sandy-haired kid's reaction after Max fixes the pen?

<p>The kid finds Max's misfortune amusing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's immediate reaction to the ink spill reveal about his personality?

<p>He is concerned with appearances and avoiding embarrassment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from Madame Legrand's lack of attention to Max when he raises his hand?

<p>Madame Legrand is focused on teaching and hasn't noticed Max's distress. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the overall tone of the passage?

<p>Frustrating and slightly humorous (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Max's experience in the classroom contribute to a broader theme of cultural adjustment?

<p>It highlights the challenges and frustrations of navigating unfamiliar customs and expectations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the description of the classroom setting suggest about the school's educational philosophy?

<p>The school prioritizes traditional methods and a back-to-basics approach. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use sensory details to enhance the reader's understanding of Max's experience?

<p>By providing vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds, and textures surrounding Max. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Max feel like 'even more of a moron' after Madame Legrand speaks to him in perfect English?

<p>Because he realizes he could have asked for directions in English from the beginning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the cultural differences between Max's American middle school and the 'School of Happiness' regarding recess?

<p>The School of Happiness values outdoor free play time more than American schools, irrespective of the weather. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Max's longing for his bedroom only fifty yards away signifies what broader emotional state?

<p>His yearning for the familiarity and comfort of his old life. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The red-haired boy's repeated question, 'Do you speak English?' followed by 'Coca-Cola!' suggests what about the social dynamic?

<p>The children are mocking Max's attempts to speak French and are highlighting his foreignness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Madame Legrand initially responds to Max in French rather than English?

<p>She wants to encourage Max to immerse himself in the French language and culture. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on Max's internal thoughts and actions, which character trait is most evident?

<p>Insecurity, as he doubts his abilities in social situations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author create a sense of cultural displacement for Max?

<p>By contrasting the familiar routines of his American school with the unfamiliar customs of his new school. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's desire to play Talisman with Kevin and Malik reveal about his priorities?

<p>He misses the comfort of familiar friendships and routines. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phrase "School of Happiness" is used ironically to highlight what aspect of Max's experience?

<p>The stark contrast between the school's name and Max's feelings of alienation and discomfort. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might the author include the detail about Max's bedroom being visible from the athletic court?

<p>To highlight Max's feelings of isolation despite being physically close to a safe space. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Max find the name of his new school, 'Ecole du Bonheur' (School of Happiness), ironic?

<p>He is experiencing anxiety and discomfort adapting to a new environment, contrasting with the idea of happiness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Max omits the detail about repeating sixth grade in Belgium when talking to Kevin and Malik?

<p>He is embarrassed about being held back and wants to appear on par with his friends. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Max's unfamiliarity with the French language contribute to his feelings of detachment in Brussels?

<p>It creates a sense of being in a dreamlike state, where he feels disconnected from his surroundings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Madame Legrand correct Max's response of 'yes' with 'Oui, Madame'?

<p>To emphasize the importance of showing respect to teachers in French culture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's initial grin turning into a realization that something was amiss suggest about his social awareness?

<p>He is initially oblivious but capable of recognizing social cues and adjusting his behavior. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from Madame Legrand pressing her lips together after Max repeats 'Oui, Madame'?

<p>She is still evaluating whether Max's response is satisfactory or genuine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use sensory details to portray Max's initial experience at Ecole du Bonheur?

<p>By emphasizing the loud noises and unfamiliar language, creating a sense of disorientation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's recollection of coding camp and the water-gun battle at Malik's house primarily reveal about his mindset?

<p>He is nostalgic for his old life and friendships in Washington. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might the author choose to describe the cheek kisses as 'adultlike' rather than simply 'friendly'?

<p>To emphasize the precociousness and maturity of the French students compared to Max. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the context, what is the most likely reason the girl with thick glasses and long, dark hair bites her lip and looks down when Max responds to Madame Legrand?

<p>She is feeling sympathetic towards Max's awkwardness and potential embarrassment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Max's realization that the local children primarily know English song lyrics and basic phrases suggests which of the following about his expectations?

<p>He overestimated the English language proficiency of children his age in Belgium. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Max's initial approach to joining the soccer game, described as 'running up and down the sidelines,' most likely indicates:

<p>a cautious approach to engaging with the group and the game. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oscar's 'staring in disbelief' at Max after he misses the soccer ball most likely stems from:

<p>surprise at Max's apparent lack of coordination in a simple soccer action. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The moment when the soccer ball hits Max in the face is best interpreted as:

<p>an unfortunate accident resulting from Oscar's powerful but uncontrolled kick. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The children's immediate reaction of asking 'Ça va? Ça va?' after Max is hit by the ball primarily demonstrates:

<p>genuine empathy and concern for Max's well-being after the accident. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Farah's action of carefully leading Max to the principal's office suggests that she:

<p>is demonstrating a sense of responsibility and care in a helpful manner. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Max's internal question, 'Do they not even have a nurse's office?', reveals his:

<p>growing frustration and negative judgment of the school environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Max's wonder 'if he was in trouble' despite being the victim indicates:

<p>anxiety and uncertainty in navigating a new and unfamiliar environment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The secretary's response to Max's injury, providing a blanket and cold pack in a nook, suggests:

<p>a resourcefulness and adaptability in the absence of ideal medical facilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Max naming his new school 'the School of Misery' at the end of the excerpt is primarily a result of:

<p>the culmination of a series of disorienting and uncomfortable experiences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fountain Pen

A writing tool using liquid ink from a cartridge.

Ink Cartridge

A container holding the ink supply for a fountain pen.

Nib

The pointed tip of a pen that delivers ink to the paper.

Blotting

The action of lightly pressing an absorbent material to soak up excess liquid.

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Oxford Shirt

A common type of durable fabric, often used for shirts.

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Merci

Expressing gratitude.

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Cheek Kiss

The act of greeting someone with a kiss on the cheek, common in some cultures.

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Blotch

An often unintentional mark or stain.

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Blackboards and Chalk

Old-fashioned writing surfaces.

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"Coucou"

French word for 'hi'.

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Desks open for storage

Storage integrated into the school desks.

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"L'été"

French word for 'summer'.

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Rows of Desks

The rows of desks where students sit.

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Madame

A title of respect for a woman; similar to 'Madam'.

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"Oui"

French word for 'yes'

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"Oui, Madame"

Proper way to say 'Yes, Madam' in classroom.

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Culture Shock

The feeling of disorientation when experiencing a new culture.

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Repeating a Grade

Attending the sixth grade for a second time.

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Ecole du Bonheur

Belgium school name means school of happiness.

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School

A building for education, like Ecole du Bonheur

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"Excusez-moi"

French for "Excuse me."

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"Où est la toilette?"

French for "Where is the toilet/restroom?"

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"Où sont les toilettes?"

A more grammatically correct way to ask "Where is the toilet/restroom?"

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Urge

Intense desire or impulse.

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Congregated

To gather or crowd together.

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Accented

Having a marked accent.

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Expression

An expression or appearance of the face.

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Mobbed

To assemble in disorderly way; a large crowd.

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Free period

A period in between classes where students have free time.

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Unlike in America

State of being overseas or abroad.

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Sinking Feeling

A feeling of discouragement or unhappiness.

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Irritated Look

To make an irritated expression, indicating displeasure.

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In Disbelief

A state of disbelief; finding something hard to believe.

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Knocked Backward

To hit someone or something forcefully, causing them to move backward.

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Ça va?

French phrase meaning 'Are you okay?'

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Throbbing Pain

Throbbing pain is a rhythmic, pulsating sensation of pain.

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Scattering

To scatter or cause to move away.

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Black Eye

A mark on the skin caused by bleeding under the surface; a black eye is a bruise around the eye.

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Sourly

Bitterly; in a resentful or disillusioned manner.

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School of Misery

A place or situation of extreme unhappiness or suffering.

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Study Notes

  • On September 1, 2015, Max started attending Ecole du Bonheur, which he jokingly called the School of Happiness.

Max's First Day

  • Max had already completed sixth grade once before.
  • He purposely left that detail out of conversations with Kevin and Malik.
  • Max overheard "coucou," the French word for "hi," and "l'été," the word for summer in the schoolyard.
  • Madame Legrand greeted Max by pronouncing his name with a French accent, "Mex How-Weird."
  • When Max responded to Madame Legrand, he simply replied "oui", the teacher corrected him, stating he should say "Oui, Madame".

First Hour of Class

  • Students were told to organize their school supplies.
  • Max didn't know the French names for the supplies nor understood Madame Legrand's instructions.
  • Farah, the girl with glasses and long hair, sat in front of Max, so he copied what she did.
  • The classroom was old-fashioned, with blackboards and chalk instead of smart boards and no computers.
  • The students were required to load ink cartridges into fountain pens.
  • Max's pen didn't work so a boy behind him mimed how to poke the top of the cartridge.
  • Max put the nib of the pen on the paper, ink poured out everywhere; covering his paper and fingers.
  • Max tried to blot the ink on his blue Oxford shirt, leaving big blotches
  • Max raised his hand to ask for help.

Communication Issues and Recess Hassles

  • Max said, "Excusez-moi," to get Madame Legrand's attention.
  • Max asked "Où est la toilette, Madame?" to ask where the bathroom was.
  • Initially Madame Legrand did not respond in English but only in French which Max couldn't understand.
  • Eventually Madame Legrand corrected his pronunciation to “Où sont les toilettes?” and told him the bathroom was at the end of the hall.
  • Max felt like a moron because Madame Legrand spoke perfect English.
  • At lunch Max ate mystery soup, sausage, potatoes, and something purple.
  • Recess was a full hour, and the School of Happiness didn't cancel for bad weather.

Soccer and an Injury

  • Some boys asked Max if spoke English.
  • Max heard the boys high-fived each other and say "Bonne anglais."
  • Max joined the soccer game and his foot slipped on the wet foam, causing the ball to roll out of bounds
  • The big, sandy-haired kid who'd given him the bad tip about the pen stared at him in disbelief
  • The big kid kicked the ball so hard it hit Max in the face, knocking him backward.
  • The other kids asked "Ça va? Ça va?" to ask if he was ok.
  • Farah helped Max to the secretary, instead of the principal's office.
  • The secretary led him to a nook outside her office where he laid down on a bench with a blanket and a cold pack because they didn't have a nurse's office.
  • Max decided his new school was the School of Misery.

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Description

Max attends a French-speaking school and navigates his first day. He encounters new words and phrases, like 'coucou' and 'l'été'. He also learns the proper way to address his teacher, Madame Legrand.

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