The Homework Machine: Chapters 1-3

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Questions and Answers

Why does Max feel a sense of betrayal towards his sister, Claire?

Because she is constantly texting her friends back home and ignoring him, making him feel isolated and alone.
Because she is excelling academically and is on track for a prestigious university, overshadowing his achievements.
Because she knew about the plan to enroll him in a local school in Brussels and didn't warn him, despite their usual camaraderie. (correct)
Because she is enjoying her time in Europe and doesn't seem to care about his struggles with the new environment.

What can be inferred from the parents' decision to enroll Max in a local school instead of the American school?

They are concerned about the cost of tuition at the American school and are looking for a more affordable option.
They want Max to improve his French language skills by being in a French-speaking school.
They want Max to have a more immersive cultural experience and learn to adapt to a new environment. (correct)
They believe that the local school will provide a more rigorous academic environment for Max.

How does the setting of the Grand Place contribute to Max's initial perception of unreality?

The mix of languages and the transition from morning to dinner create a sense of disorientation for Max. (correct)
The ornate gold-adorned buildings and cobblestone streets are unlike anything he has experienced before, making it seem like a movie set.
The Grand Place is filled with souvenir shops and tourist traps, making it seem like a manufactured experience.
The presence of the Manneken Pis statue and the abundance of chocolate shops seem absurd and unbelievable to him.

What does Max's father's attire (sunburned face, cargo shorts, Marine Corps Marathon T-shirt) suggest about his perspective on living in Europe?

He is still holding on to his American identity and not fully embracing the European lifestyle. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason the parents suggested a second waffle for Max?

They wanted to distract him with a treat before delivering some unexpected news. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use the description of the Grand Place to foreshadow Max's feelings of displacement?

By depicting the chaotic mix of tourists and languages, symbolizing Max's sense of disorientation and being overwhelmed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What underlying fear do Max's parents have about his future based on their conversation with him?

They are concerned that he is not taking his education seriously enough and will not be successful. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Max is upset about moving, based on his internal thoughts and reactions?

He feels that his parents only care about him being 'the best' and that they made decisions without considering his feelings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The author uses descriptive language to portray Brussels. Which of the following best captures the overall tone conveyed in Max's observations?

A dreary and unpleasant place characterized by grime, rudeness, and a lack of familiarity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Max's perception of Brussels contrast with the potential reality of the city?

Max's negative experiences overshadow the city's potential charm and cultural richness. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the waffle incident and Max throwing it away into the trash symbolize in the context of the story?

Max's resistance to his parents' decisions and his overall dissatisfaction with the move. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering Max's character and his reaction to the move, how would he MOST likely respond to joining a French class?

Resist participation, express resentment, and focus on the unfairness of the situation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following inferences about Max's parents can be made based on their decision to have him repeat sixth grade?

They value academic success and believe that repeating a grade will ultimately benefit Max. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the contrast between Max's longing for a hamburger and the description of 'filet Américain' contribute to the story's overall theme?

It underscores Max's homesickness and the difficulty of adjusting to unfamiliar customs and tastes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason the author includes the detail about Max having attended a 'super-selective high school' before the move?

To demonstrate Max's academic potential, making his parents' decision to have him repeat a grade seem even more unfair. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Given Max's initial reaction to Brussels and his family's decision, what potential internal conflict is he MOST likely to face as the story progresses?

Reconciling his anger towards his parents with the need for their support in a new and unfamiliar environment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

That Max is judging the local culture based on superficial appearances and projecting his own expectations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might Max's parents' seemingly unusual agreement on the 'good idea' be particularly disconcerting to him?

The rare agreement suggests a united front against him signalling a loss of allies and control over his situation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Ms. Krantz's assessment of Max needing to work on study skills and being 'less impulsive' is most likely related to which event mentioned in the passage?

The bike incident, where he chased after an eighth grader and caused an accident. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use the detail of the eighth grader fracturing his arm to characterize Max?

To illustrate Max's struggle with impulsivity and the negative outcomes that result from his actions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Max associates the French language with 'someone hacking up phlegm'?

He is expressing his disdain and discomfort towards the foreign language and culture through a visceral comparison. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's internal conflict about his 'basic right to drift off in class to a language he understood' reveal about his attitude toward education and his current situation?

He views school as a form of punishment and is resentful of being forced to engage in a learning environment he dislikes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Considering Claire's interjection, 'He knows this isn't just some fun adventure. We all do,' what does this suggest about her perception of the family's move compared to her mother's?

Claire is more realistic and understands the serious implications of the move, contrasting with her mother's forced optimism. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the description of the weather changing from sunny to gray reflect Max's internal state?

It serves as a metaphor for Max's darkening mood and growing sense of despair. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most plausible explanation for Max's mother emphasizing that he can sleep in because 'the school is just around the corner'?

She is trying to alleviate Max's anxieties about the new school environment by highlighting its convenient location. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Grand Place

The main square in the center of Brussels, known for its ornate, gold-adorned buildings.

Cobblestone streets

Narrow streets paved with stones, often found in older European cities.

Manneken Pis

A small statue of a boy urinating, a famous landmark and symbol of Brussels.

Jet lag

A state of disorientation experienced after long-distance air travel, caused by disruption of the body's internal clock.