Examination Day

Question

Henry Slesar

PART A: Which statement best expresses a theme of the short story?A. It's better to downplay your own intelligence.B. The government has been known to violate people's rights.C. High intelligence can be viewed as a dangerous thing.D. People have higher expectations for children as they grow up. PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. "They were at breakfast table, and the boy looked up from his plate curiously. He was an alert-eyed youngster with flat blond hair and a quick, nervous manner." (Paragraph 3)B. "'Now, it's nothing to worry about. Thousands of children take this test every day. The Government wants to know how smart you are, Dickie. That's all there is to it.'" (Paragraph 21)C. "'Now just relax, Richard. You'll be asked some questions, and you think them over carefully. Then give your answers into the microphone. The machine will take care of the rest.'" (Paragraph 44)D. "'We regret to inform you that his intelligence quotient is above the Government regulation, according to Rule 84 Section 5 of the New Code.'" (Paragraph 56)

Answer 1

PART A: The statement that best expresses a theme of the short story "Examination Day" is C. High intelligence can be viewed as a dangerous thing.

PART B: The detail from the text that best supports this answer is D. "'We regret to inform you that his intelligence quotient is above the Government regulation, according to Rule 84 Section 5 of the New Code.'" (Paragraph 56).

This quote highlights that high intelligence is not only seen as undesirable by the government but is also regulated, suggesting that it can be deemed dangerous or problematic.