Read this passage from a play about early settlers to America. Then, answer the question(s)

Question

that follow.
(1) [Setting: A pioneer kitchen in the 1820s. Mother is kneading bread dough while two children
play on the floor by the fire. A baby is in a cradle.]
(2) [John comes bursting into the room from outside and slams the door behind him.]
(3) John: Oh, Mother, Father has been hurt! A log fell on his leg when he was trying to help the
horse get it out of the mud, and he can’t get up. We need your help!
(4) [The children stand up suddenly and run to their mother. They cry in dismay. Mother closes
her eyes, presses her hands against the counter, and takes a deep breath.]
(5) Mother: May heaven help us! Mary, you cover this bread dough with a damp cloth so it
doesn’t ruin. Then you mind the baby. And no getting distracted! [She takes the girl’s face in
her hands and looks in her eyes.] Can you be a big girl? I need you to help.
(6) Mary: Yes, Mother. I’ll mind the baby.
(7) Mother: [pulling off her apron as she speaks] And you, Jacob, you mind your sister.
Promise now!
(8) Jacob: Yes, Mother.
(9) [Mother pulls on her boots and coat, which the older boy, John, is holding open for her.]
(10) Mother: What tools can we take from the barn to help, John?
(11) John: [as he closes the door behind them] We already have all the tools by the creek, in the
wagon.
(12) [Mother pops her head in one last time, surveying the children, who look frightened, and
have not moved.]
(13) Mother: Be good, children. We will be back soon.
GRADE 7 • UNIT 3 TEST
© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 2
Name: Date:
1. What purpose does the dialogue serve in the passage? Choose three that apply.
a. It moves the plot forward.
b. It describes the setting of the play.
c. It summarizes the characters’ background.
d. It offers commentary about the country’s situation.
e. It shows how characters interact with each other.

Answer 1

The dialogue in the passage serves several purposes. The three that apply are:

a. It moves the plot forward. - The dialogue reveals the urgent situation involving Father's injury and establishes the immediate need for action.

e. It shows how characters interact with each other. - The dialogue illustrates the relationships between Mother and her children, as well as the urgency and concern in their interactions with each other.

While option b mentions describing the setting, the primary focus of the dialogue is on the characters and their situation rather than on the setting itself. Options c and d do not directly apply as there is limited background information provided about the characters and no commentary on the country’s situation in the dialogue. Thus, b, c, and d do not apply.