Annie Dillard, An American Childhood

Quizzes for Print Readings

An American Childhood

Annie Dillard 

READING COMPREHENSION QUIZ

Take the quiz below to check your comprehension of the reading selection:

Question 2.3

Who did the author run with while being chased?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct.
Incorrect. The answer is C.

Question 2.4

According to the author, what kind of car came along the street?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct.
Incorrect. The answer is B.

Question 2.5

To what country does Dillard mention possibly running?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct.
Incorrect. The answer is D.

Question 2.6

Where does the story take place?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct.
Incorrect. The answer is C.

Question 2.7

What did the man do when he caught the two kids?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct.
Incorrect. The answer is a.

READING SUMMARY

Question 2.8

Summarize “An American Childhood.” Be sure to put the summary in your own words and to avoid using the sentence structure of the reading selection. Remember that your summary should restate the author’s main idea (or thesis) and that it should include only the author’s most important supporting ideas.
Below is an example summary of this reading selection: Recounting a time from her childhood when she was chased for throwing snowballs at passing cars, Dillard explains how throwing oneself into an activity wholeheartedly and with abandon provides the greatest feeling and moment of happiness. Single-mindedly focusing on the moment and enjoying it to the fullest, "flinging" herself into the chase, she realizes it can't last but is the most exhilarating experience. Your summary will differ from this one in the way it is written, but it should include roughly the same information.

VOCABULARY QUIZ

Question 2.9

Translucent (par. 6)
Translucent means semi-transparent.

Question 2.10

Immense (par. 13)
Immense means vast or important.

Question 2.11

Piecemeal (par. 20)
Piecemeal means bit by bit or slowly.