Moving to Brussels

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of Max's anxiety at the beginning of the excerpt?

His father's insistence on him learning French.
The language barrier he anticipates in French school.
His parents' decision to move to Belgium.
The possibility of losing his friends due to repeating sixth grade. (correct)

What does Max find ironic or frustrating about his father's statement that 'All you have to do is learn French'?

He already knows several languages and doesn't see the value in learning French.
He thinks learning a new language is simple and easy.
He believes learning French comes naturally to him.
He feels his father is underestimating the difficulty of learning an entire language. (correct)

Why does Max become upset when his parents reveal their plan over waffles and coffee?

He is upset because the coffee was not to his liking.
He is angry that they chose a public place to discuss personal matters.
He realizes the casual setting was a pretense for a serious discussion. (correct)
He dislikes waffles and prefers a different breakfast.

What does Max's reaction to the 'scrawny, overtrimmed trees that looked like amputees' reveal about his emotional state?

He is using negative imagery to express his discomfort and alienation in Brussels. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Max feel conflicted after ordering a waffle?

He sees a woman in need and wishes he had used the money to help her instead. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely reason the father whispers the phrase 'Où est la toilette?'

He is joking and trying to lighten the mood. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Claire's statement, 'You're not going to seventh,' is significant because it reveals:

Claire is more informed about the family's plans than Max initially believes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When Max thinks about Kevin and Malik eating hamburgers at a diner, it primarily emphasizes his:

Craving for familiar American food and a sense of home. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the father's gesture of ruffling Max's hair suggest about their relationship?

It shows a playful and affectionate connection. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Max's internal monologue reveal his feelings about the move to Belgium?

Anxious and resentful (C) Signup and view all the answers

Max's internal criticism of Brussels, including 'surly waiters' and 'poop obstacle course,' primarily serves to:

Highlight his negative bias and unwillingness to adapt to a new culture. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'Always the best. That was all his parents seemed to care about' suggests Max believes his parents prioritize:

His academic excellence and achievement over his personal feelings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is primarily used when the author writes, "Washington handshakes?"

Metaphor (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Max's reaction to seeing the woman with the coffee cup contrast with his father's attempt to lighten the mood?

Max's concern for the woman highlights his growing maturity, while his father's jokes seem insensitive. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Max’s reaction to being told he will repeat sixth grade can best be described as:

Shocked and resentful, feeling it is a setback and unfair. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The detail about Max nearly being 'run over by a tram' and 'stepped in dog poop' in a single afternoon serves to emphasize:

The chaotic and unpleasant nature of Brussels in Max's initial experience. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the family's financial situation based on Max's parents' decision to move to Belgium?

They are of a comfortable, middle-class status. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Max's parents decided to have him repeat sixth grade in Belgium?

Max's parents believe repeating the grade will ease his transition to a new language and culture. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When Max says 'At least she would be going to school in English,' regarding Claire, it implies:

Max believes Claire will have an easier time adjusting to Brussels than he will. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Max’s description of parts of Brussels looking 'storybook' but others 'different' (women in headscarves) indicates:

He is experiencing a culture shock and noticing unfamiliar cultural elements. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Max's feelings regarding the move to Brussels?

He is apprehensive and feels betrayed by his family's decision. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which detail suggests a potential source of tension or conflict between Max and his parents?

His academic performance in the past. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the description of the Grand Place and its surroundings primarily emphasize?

The blend of tourist attractions and local culture. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use Claire's actions and attitude at the waffle shop to contribute to the story's conflict?

To demonstrate her independence and lack of sympathy for Max's situation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implicit reason for Max's parents suggesting a second waffle?

To distract him before revealing the unexpected news. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the father's attire (sunburned face, cargo shorts, and Marine Corps Marathon t-shirt) suggest about him?

He is oblivious to European fashion. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does the description of the Manneken Pis statue serve in the context of the passage?

To provide a specific detail that captures the unique and quirky aspects of Brussels. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase "Beginning our exciting year in Europe!" is described as a 'goofy comment'. What does this imply about Max's perception of his mother's social media habits?

He finds her posts to be overly sentimental and somewhat embarrassing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

NATO is described as 'a military alliance founded to protect Europe from Russia'. How does this context influence the reader's understanding of the father's role as a 'defense consultant'?

It implies the father's work is likely related to strategic planning and security concerns. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why might the author include the detail about the waiters changing the cafe chalkboards for dinner despite 'it felt like morning'?

To create a sense of disorientation and jet lag experienced by Max. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's observation about not seeing men in shorts outside the Grand Place reveal about his state of mind?

He feels out of place and is hyper-aware of his surroundings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The incident with the bike reveals what aspect of Max's character?

Max often acts without thinking, leading to unintended consequences. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's internal monologue about horsemeat and the French language emphasize about his feelings toward the move?

His feelings of alienation and inability to adjust to his new surroundings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Claire's statement, 'He knows this isn't just some fun adventure. We all do,' suggest about the family's move?

The move is recognized as difficult and serious by all family members. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Max's memory of Kevin's reaction to the bike incident contribute to the reader's understanding of Max's social challenges?

It reveals Max's difficulty in navigating social situations and maintaining friendships. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Max's parents are sending him to school in Belgium, despite his reluctance and lack of French language skills?

His parents believe immersion is the best way for him to learn and overcome his academic challenges. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the contrasting weather, changing from sunny to gray, mirror Max's emotional state?

It represents his darkening mood and growing sense of unease. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Consider Max's past academic struggles and the incident with the bike. How do these elements combine to affect his perception of the move to Belgium?

They increase his anxiety and sense of inadequacy in facing new challenges. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use dialogue to reveal the underlying tensions and dynamics within Max's family?

The dialogue highlights the subtle conflicts and differing perspectives among family members. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Max's concern about making friends in Belgium, given his inability to speak French, highlight a central theme of the passage?

It illustrates the challenges of adapting to new social environments and overcoming communication barriers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Walls (School)

Highly selective high school.

Brussels

The capital of Belgium, where Max is moving.