Question

linked chapters twenty-three

rhetorical question
a rhetorical question is a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.
chapter 23 has several examples of rhetorical questions. find and record an example of one rhetorical question. make sure to identify the page number you found it on.

context clues
reread the following passage from chapter 23. then determine the meaning of the highlighted words or phrases.

\the mystery of the swastikas has been solved, toknation!\ reeltok rants on. \pamela ann bynes, a seventh grader at chokecherry middle school, is the architect of all that vandalism and all that hate. students are shocked. teachers are dismayed. a community reels in disbelief. page 155

1. in this passage, architect most nearly means...

a. a person who designs houses
b. to design or put together something

1. in this passage, dismayed most nearly means...

a. a worried, sad feeling after you have received an unpleasant surprise
b. very excited and hopeful

1. in this passage, reels most nearly means...

a. to think about something until you fully understand it
b. to feel very shocked or upset about something

Explanation:

🆕 New Concept Discovered: Context Clues
Using surrounding words to find meaning.

Step 1: Analyze "architect"

In the passage, Pamela Ann Bynes is described as "the architect of all that vandalism and all that hate."

• Context clues: The word is used as a noun ("the architect") to describe a person who planned or created the situation.
• Option analysis:
• a. a person who designs houses — This is the literal definition of a professional architect, but Pamela did not design physical houses here.
• b. to design or put together something — This describes the figurative role of planning, organizing, or putting together the plan for the vandalism.

Therefore, option b is the closest meaning in this context.

Step 2: Analyze "dismayed"

The passage states: "Students are shocked. Teachers are dismayed."

• Context clues: The surrounding sentences describe negative, shocked reactions to the vandalism being solved ("shocked", "disbelief"). "Dismayed" must also be a negative feeling of distress or disappointment.
• Option analysis:
• a. a worried, sad feeling after you have received an unpleasant surprise — This matches the shocked and upset reaction of the school staff.
• b. very excited and hopeful — This is a positive emotion, which contradicts the negative tone of the passage.

Therefore, option a is the correct choice.

Step 3: Analyze "reels"

The passage states: "A community reels in disbelief."

• Context clues: The community is reacting to a shocking revelation ("disbelief"). When a community "reels," it is reacting to a sudden blow or shocking news.
• Option analysis:
• a. to think about something until you fully understand it — This describes deep contemplation, not a sudden reaction of shock.
• b. to feel very shocked or upset about something — This matches the physical and emotional sensation of being thrown off balance by shocking news.

Therefore, option b is the correct choice.

Answer:

1. b (to design or put together something)
2. a (a worried, sad feeling after you have received an unpleasant surprise)
3. b (to feel very shocked or upset about something)