Question

directions: read this excerpt from a play set on a spaceship in the future. then, answer the questions that follow.
ensign adams. as lights flash and alarms blare. captain! engineering is reporting a malfunction! according to the computer, we are losing altitude and are headed for that planet!
lieutenant jenkins. turning toward captain ruiz. nervously captain, what do we do?
ensign adams. glancing anxiously from lieutenant jenkins to captain ruiz. almost 5 hysterically. we should get to the escape pods! we have to get out of here! we...
captain ruiz: makes a stop motion and speaks with a firm, calm voice. gentlemen—please. calm down. lets work out the problem. lieutenant, run a diagnostic of the altitude sensors. the asteroid field we just passed through may have damaged them.

1. what is the purpose of the stage directions in line 1 and in lines 4 - 5?

a. they tell you where the play is set. b. they help to establish a mood.

1. based on the dialogue and stage directions, which of the following best describes the mood of the scene?

a. calm b. angry c. amused d. tense

1. all of ensign adamss lines end in exclamation points. what does that tell you?

a. he wants to make sure he is heard. b. he is nervous and afraid.

1. based on the dialogue and stage directions, who is most likely in charge?

a. ensign adams b. lieutenant jenkins c. captain ruiz

1. in the line 6 stage directions, why does captain ruiz motion with her hand?

a. to stop adams from continuing b. to show her frustration with adams

Explanation:

1. Stage directions like "As lights flash and alarms blare" and "Glancing anxiously...Almost hysterically" create a tense atmosphere, which is about mood - setting.
2. Words like "malfunction", "losing altitude", "nervously", "anxiously", "hysterically" in the dialogue and stage directions indicate a tense mood.
3. Exclamation points are often used to show strong emotions. Ensign Adams' lines with exclamation points suggest he is nervous and afraid (e.g., "Captain! Engineering is reporting a malfunction!").
4. Captain Ruiz gives orders ("Lieutenant, run a diagnostic..."), which shows she is in charge.
5. Captain Ruiz motions with her hand to stop Ensign Adams from continuing his panicked speech ("Ensign Adams...We have to get out of here! We... Captain Ruiz: [Makes a stop motion...")

Answer:

1. b
2. d
3. b
4. c
5. a