Drafting an Essay

Comprehension Quiz for “Black Men and Public Space”

Read “Black Men and Public Space” and check your comprehension by answering the following questions. Then “submit” your work.

1. What did Staples discover when he was twenty-two and walking alone at night?

That he was destined to become a journalist.

That he was afraid of being attacked, mugged, or killed.

That people often mistook him for a mugger, murderer, or gang member.

That walking at night was the best way to cure his insomnia.

Correct

Incorrect

2. Why did Staples become “shy” of “combat”?

As a boy he saw many friends go to jail or get killed.

He preferred to read books.

He had gotten into a number of fistfights as a boy and lost.

He grew up in an area where there was little violence.

Correct

Incorrect

3. Why does Staples whistle melodies from classical composers?

They make him happy.

People think that muggers wouldn’t know Beethoven or Vivaldi.

It helps him to get to sleep.

It helps him to “smother the rage” he felt.

Correct

Incorrect

4. How has Staples learned to cope with his emotional responses to how he is treated?

He has learned that writing about his problems makes him feel better.

He carries his press credentials with him at all times.

He doesn’t walk at night anymore.

He tries to overcome his rage and alienation and make himself appear less threatening at night.

Correct

Incorrect

5. Why do some people lock their car doors when Staples walks by?

They don’t want to be interviewed by a nosy journalist.

He is black and they think most black people are criminals.

He is lives in a dangerous city.

Most people don’t go out walking at night, so people think he’s crazy.

Correct

Incorrect