The House of the Scorpion
the house of the
scorpion vocabulary - reading comprehension - essay writing
1
The House of the Scorpion
2
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 1 & 2 ] Vocabulary 1. anxiously (adv): experiencing worry or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome ✎ She was anxiously waiting for her exams to begin 2. furnish (v): to supply or give to (someone) something that is needed or wanted ✎ Students are furnished with all the necessary materials for the art class. 3. awe (v): a feeling of respect and wonder ✎ He was awed by the magician’s tricks. 4. incubator (n): a device that is used to keep eggs warm before they hatch ✎ Farmers use incubators to quicken the birth of chicks. 5. sternly (adv): serious and unrelenting, esp. in the assertion of authority and exercise of discipline ✎ The police spoke sternly to the prankster for stealing from the library. 6. implant (v): to place (something) in a person's body by means of surgery ✎ The doctors surgically implanted a hearing aid into the patient’s ear. 7. embryo (n): a human or animal in the early stages of development before it is born, hatched, etc. ✎ The human embryo develops in the mother’s uterus for nine months before it is ready to come out. 8. affection (n): a gentle feeling of fondness or liking ✎ The puppy showed affection to all those around him by licking their hand. 9. blunt (v): to make less sharp, definite, or forceful; lessen the strength of ✎ Eating between meals will blunt your appetite. 10. intact (adj): not damaged or impaired in any way; complete ✎ Despite the earthquake, the building remained intact. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 11. tongue-lashing (n): an occurrence in which someone speaks in a very angry and critical way to someone who has done something wrong; a severe scolding ✎ She gave him quite a tongue-lashing when he failed to file the papers on time. 12. desolation (n): extreme sadness caused by loss or loneliness ✎ She sank into a state of desolation and despair after her dog died. 13. recoil (v): to quickly move away from something that is shocking, frightening, or disgusting; to react to something with shock or fear ✎ We recoiled in horror at the sight of his broken arm.
3
The House of the Scorpion
14. opium (n): a powerful illegal drug with sedative and tranquilizing properties that is made from a type of poppy ✎ Opium has been actively collected since prehistoric times as used for various medicinal purposes, such as to treat headaches in ancient Egypt. 15. indignant (adj): feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair ✎ The innocent man had an indignant look on this face when the police charged him of robbery. 16. anticipation (n): the action of waiting eagerly for something; expectation or prediction ✎ The children waited with anticipation for Santa to arrive with presents. 17. misdeeds (n): a wicked or illegal act ✎ He was sent to prison for his misdeeds.
4
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. What is the setting of this chapter? Be specific. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What is Eduardo trying to do? Why is he so nervous? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Where were the embryos placed to grow? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. How old are the frozen cells? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. How many cells were there at the start? How many survived? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What happens to most clones that didn’t happen to this one? Why didn’t it happen this time? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What was the last step of Matt's birth process? a. Matt was grown from a set of cells taken from El Patrón decades ago. b. Matt cells were then frozen. c. Matt was cultured in a test tube, d. Matt was transferred into a surrogate mother when it became clear that he was going to survive. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 8. How many years passed between Chapters 1 and 2? How do you know? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Find out what “mi vida” means. What does this signify about Celia’s relationship with Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
5
The House of the Scorpion
10. Who was Matt living with? What is his relationship with her? What was his living situation like? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Besides Celia, what are Matt’s only other connections to the outside world? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What did Matt see and hear outside the house when Celia was at work? What was his reaction? Why do you think he reacted this way? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. What did Celia want Matt to stop calling her? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. Why did Matt have trouble understanding the word “loaned”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. How does Celia describe the children? Describe each one briefly. a. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ b. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ c. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ d. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ e. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________
6
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 1-2 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the words. 1. What would bring desolation to a country? __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What would make you to feel indignant?____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What emotion do you have when you recoil? _________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What would you anxiously have anticipation for? _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
5. When is the last time you got a tongue-lashing? _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
6. What might blunt someone’s affection for you? _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
7. When in a person’s life are they an embryo? _________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
8. What is a soldier furnished with? ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Who would have a lot of misdeeds? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Who would speak sternly? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
7
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 3 & 4 ] Vocabulary 1. beats me (idiom): I do not know the answer.; I cannot figure it out. The question has me stumped. ✎ It beats me how he managed to survive for three weeks alone in the mountains. 2. lighten up (idiom): to be less serious about something ✎ When she complained that the food tasted bad, he told her to lighten up. 3. consternation (n): a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion ✎ Much to her parents' consternation, she had decided to not go to college. 4. appalled (adj): to cause (someone) to feel fear, shock, or disgust — often used as (be) appalled ✎ She was appalled at the children’s behavior in the restaurant. 5. rivulet (n): a small stream of water or liquid ✎ Rivulets of sweat was running down the soccer player’s face. 6. stuck-up (adj): acting unfriendly towards other people because you think you are better than they are ✎ They're stuck-up people with too much money. 7. defile (v): to make (something) dirty ✎ The lake has been defiled by polluters. 8. bewildered (adj): completely puzzled or confused; perplexed ✎ He had a bewildered expression on his face to see his normally timid friend acting so wildly. 9. hesitated (v): to stop briefly before you do something especially because you are nervous or unsure about what to do ✎ She hesitated before she ordered her food because she couldn’t decide between the hamburger or hotdog. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 10. subside (v): to become less strong or intense ✎ Her anger subsided after she talked to her mother about her problem. 11. clone (n): a plant or animal that is grown from one cell of its parent and that has exactly the same genes as its parent ✎ Dolly was the clone of an adult female sheep, and the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell. 12. lose one’s head (idiom): to not have control of your emotions; to suddenly become very angry or upset ✎ He usually stays quite calm in stressful situations but this time he really lost his head. 13. agony (n): extreme mental or physical pain ✎ The half an hour of waiting is agony, but I do it.
8
The House of the Scorpion
14. terse (adj): brief and direct in a way that may seem rude or unfriendly ✎ The coach gave a terse no when the benched player asked if he could go back into the game. 15. extract (v): to remove (something) by pulling it out or cutting it out ✎ The boomtown was deserted after the miners extracted all the gold from the region. 16. tormentor (n): someone who causes (someone or something) to feel extreme physical or mental pain ✎ She tried to avoid her tormentors at school who tried to steal her snacks. 17. housebroken (adj): a pet that is trained to use the bathroom outside the home or in an acceptable place indoors ✎ Cats are easy to be housebroken because they knowingly use the litterbox. 18. malicious (adj): having or showing a desire to cause harm to another person ✎ He claims his statements have been maliciously distorted to make him look bad. 19. feverishly (adj): marked by intense emotion, activity, or instability ✎ The chef worked feverishly in the kitchen when a rush of diners suddenly came in after the concert. 20. object (v): to disagree with something or oppose something ✎ Many parents object to the amount of violence in video games. 21. times tables (n): the multiplication tables showing the products of two factors, especially the integers 1 to 12. ✎ The children memorized the two times tables before moving on the the threes.
9
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. Who came to visit Matt? How was this encounter different from the one that happened before? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Why did Emilia bring Maria along? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Why is he so eager to talk to the children, after he is warned against it? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Why did Matt decide to break the window? What happened as a result? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Where did the children take Matt? Why do they take him there? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What is discovered on Matt’s foot? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. An injured Matt is taken to the mansion where he is treated kindly until ___________________. a. they find out that he is an eejit b. they find out he is an orphan c. Mr. Alacran recognizes him as a clone d. he is mean to the other children ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇
10
The House of the Scorpion
8. How do the children describe clones? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Why is Matt brought back inside? Where is he taken? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. How does Rosa treat Matt? Why do you think she acts this way? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Describe Matt’s living quarters. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. How is Maria different from the other children? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Why do you think Celia told Matt stories about chupacabras and other monsters? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. Why does Maria stay with Matt? What are the consequences of this decision? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
11
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 3-4 Vocabulary Test USE CONTEXT CLUES Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. housebroken
times tables
defiled
hesitated
appalled
consternation
1. I was ______________________ when I came home and saw that my cat had _____________________ the house by ripping into the kitchen trash bag, and sternly scolded her. 2. The ________________________ pet cause its owner _____________________ after it peed all over the bed. 3. The teachers asked me for an answer from our ________________________ homework, and I anxiously ________________________ before giving the answer. 4. My mom had a look of ____________________ when I got all the answers for the ___________________ wrong. 5. He got a tongue-lashing because he ______________________ the house by walking in with his muddy shoes. 6. He ________________________ about the answer before he finally shrugged and said, “Beats me.” extracted
objected
subsided
bewildered
feverishly
rivulet
agony
7. The ________________________ of recovering from the back surgery was so great that he was losing his head until the pain ________________________. 8. When the gardener ______________________ the rose thorn from her finger, a ________________________ of blood flowed from the wound. 9. In a terse tone, my mom ________________________ to our idea of watching TV all day. 10. The children were ________________________ talking about which sport they will play during recess, but the anticipation ________________________ when it started to rain. 11. Joe was _____________________ when the stuck-up classmate showed affection by sharing her cookies. 12. He lost his head over his missing dog, and ________________________* of tears streamed down his cheeks as he sat in desolation. 13. Despite the numbing shots, when the dentist ________________________ my rotten tooth and implanted a fake tooth, it caused me intense ________________________. 14. The doctors worked ______________________ to stitch the wounds that flowed ______________________* blood from the patient’s leg. 15. I ______________________ to inviting my whole class to my birthday party because Candace is stuck-up and Mark is a tormentor who bothers all of the small classmates.
* change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapters 12
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapter 5 ] Vocabulary 1. douse (v): to cover (someone or something) with a liquid — usually + in or with ✎ She doused herself with perfume. 2. antibiotics (n): a drug that is used to kill harmful bacteria and to cure infections ✎ He took antibiotic drugs to cure his nose infection. 3. saliva (n): the liquid produced in your mouth that keeps your mouth moist and makes it easier to swallow food ✎ The dog had saliva dripping from his mouth. 4. senile (adj): showing a decline or deterioration of physical strength or mental functioning, especially short-term memory and alertness, as a result of old age or disease ✎ The senile man wandered off into the forest and was lost for five days. 5. instinctive (adj): relating to or based on a natural desire or tendency that makes you want to act in a particular way; based on feelings or desires that do not come from thinking or learning ✎ Cats have an instinctive desire to hunt. 6. seize (v): to take or use (something, such as a chance or opportunity) in a quick and eager way ✎ He seized the chance to apply for the soccer team. 7. disconsolate (adj): very unhappy or sad ✎ Fans grew increasingly disconsolate as the game was nearing the end and they were losing. 8. in vain (adj phrase): without success; without producing a good or desired result ✎ We searched in vain for my missing earring at the beach. 9. hysterical (adj): a state in which your emotions (such as fear) are so strong that you behave in an uncontrolled way ✎ I became hysterical when I heard the hiss of a snake and saw the venomous cobra on the forest trail. 10. appalling (adj): very bad in a way that causes fear, shock, or disgust ✎ We drove by an appalling accident on the highway. 11. stench (n): a very bad smell it. ✎ We finally discovered the dead rat behind the stove that was causing the stench in the kitchen. 12. litter (n): dry material that is spread in a container and used as a toilet by animals (especially cats) while indoors ✎ I have to clean the cat litter every week by scooping out all the clumps of poop. 13. calculating (adj): carefully thinking about and planning actions for selfish or improper reasons ✎ The soccer player made a calculating pass to his teammate that resulted in a goal.
13
The House of the Scorpion
14. gloat (v): to show in an improper or selfish way that you are happy with your own success or another person's failure ✎ The fisherman gloated that he had the best boat, but overnight it sank because of a leak. 15. rummage (v): to search for something especially by moving and looking through the contents of a place ✎ He rummaged in his bag for the keys. 16. dung (n): solid waste from an animal ✎ The field was covered with cattle dung. 17. divert (v): cause (someone or something) to change course or turn from one direction to another ✎ The village will build a stream to divert water from the river to irrigate agricultural land. 18. disarray (n): a lack of order; a confused or messy condition ✎ The room was in disarray while we were preparing for our move. 19. frank (adj): marked by a very direct and honest expression ✎ I frankly told my sister that the dinner she made was terrible. 20. intrusion (n): the act or an instance of intruding; an unwelcome visit, interjection, etc ✎ The phone call was an unwelcome intrusion to my nap. 21. contemplation (n): the act of thinking deeply about something ✎ He made his decision to change jobs after many hours of contemplation.
14
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. Why does Rosa think Senator Mendoza always visits El Patron? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. SUMMARIZE Describe the conversation between Rosa and the Doctor? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. DRAW CONCLUSIONS What can you conclude about Rosa and Dr. Willum’s relationship? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. CHARACTER EMOTIONS Why do you think Rosa was so upset with Matt after Dr. Willum left? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. CHARACTER MOTIVES What steps did Rosa take to make Matt’s life miserable in his prison. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Who is Tom? How did Matt and Tom’s first meeting go? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
15
The House of the Scorpion
7. How does Tom retaliate against Matt? a. throwing darts at him b. bringing Maria to watch him c. forcing him to eat the orange d. shooting him with a peashooter 8. Who finally brings Celia to see Matt? How does Matt react? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. What is Celia’s plan to free Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. MAKE JUDGMENTS Is there evidence that Matt means more to Celia than how their relationship was described in chapter 2. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
16
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 3-5 Vocabulary Test COMPREHENSION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the words. 1. Would it be easy to tell a hysterical person to lighten up? ______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Who would be feverishly rummaging for something? __________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What can you douse with saliva? ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What kind of stench would be appalling? ____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
USE CONTEXT CLUES Use the word box below to ďŹ ll in the blanks. extract
appalled
in vain
senile
saliva
feverishly
instinctive
hesitate
5. After the earthquake, we ____________________* all the items from the home that were still intact. 6. The soccer announcer spoke ___________________ as the losing team seized a winning opportunity. 7. The mother sternly asked her kids who broke the vase, and they ____________________* to answer. 8. Sam had a(n) indignant look on his face as the teacher gave him a terse tongue-lashing for something he hadn’t done, and then he had the _______________________ response to start crying. 9. _______________________ helps us to break down carbohydrates such as bread and rice as we eat. 10. The army tried _________________ to seize the kingdom, who waited in anticipation for the attack. 11. The judge was so ______________________ by his misdeeds, that he was sent to prison for 50 years. 12. That man was _____________________, so he was sent to a hospital to receive full-time care. 13. We tried _____________________ to keep the cracked vase intact by using tape, but it broke. 14. The thief ___________________________* recoiled as the police drew out his gun. 15. He searched _______________________ for his car keys because he was running late for work. 16. She is so frank that sometimes, her comments leave people feeling anticipation. 17. There was an stench coming from behind the sofa until I _____________________ the rotten orange. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapters 17
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapter 6 ] Vocabulary 1. double (v): to bend forward at the waist — usually + over or up ✎ We all doubled over laughing. // He doubled up in pain when the baseball hit him. 2. retch (v): to vomit or feel as if you are about to vomit ✎ The smell of the manure made him retch. 3. dingy (adj): dark and dirty; not fresh or clean ✎ He's been staying in a dingy motel. 4. dire (adj): very bad; causing great fear or worry ✎ Even the smallest mistake during surgery could have dire consequences. 5. genuine (adj): true to what is said to be ✎ He showed a genuine concern for the dog. 6. malnutrition (n): lack of nutrition ✎ The child suffered from malnutrition because of the famine. 7. delusion (n): a belief that is not true; a false idea ✎ He has delusions about how much money he can make at that job 8. tranquil (adj): quiet and peaceful ✎ They didn’t have many possessions, but they lived a tranquil life near the sea. 9. appeal (v): be attractive or interesting ✎ The idea of playing soccer appealed to the students. 10. triumphant (adj): resulting in victory or success ✎ The singer made a triumphant return with her second album. 11. gratitude (n): quality of being thankful ✎ He showed gratitude to his mother for her help. 12. dismay (n): a strong feeling of being worried, disappointed, or upset ✎ They watched in dismay as the house burned. 13. surge (n): a powerful rush of an emotion or feeling ✎ I felt a surge of relief when the doctor said I didn’t need stitches for my cut, and the ointment would do. 14. audible (adj): heard or able to be heard ✎ The speaker was barely audible, so we had to increase the volume of the microphone. 15. revulsion (n): a very strong feeling of dislike or disgust ✎ She was struck with revulsion at the sight of the dead animal.
18
The House of the Scorpion
16. alliance (n): a union in which people, groups, countries agree to work together ✎ There were two alliances during WWII: Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria) and the Allies (U.S., Britain, France, USSR, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Yugoslavia). 17. appall (v): to cause (someone) to feel fear, shock, or disgust ✎ The thought of war appalls me. 18. desert (v): to leave and stop helping or supporting (someone or something) ✎ The CEO urged people not to desert the company in their time of trouble. 19. assure (v): to tell someone in a very strong and definite way that something will happen or that something is true ✎ I can assure you that this movie will make you laugh out loud.
19
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. What warning does Rosa give Matt at the beginning of the chapter? What is she so worried about? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. CHARACTER TRAITS Describe El Patron appearance and demeanor. How old is he? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What three things are discovered about Matt’s condition when he takes off his shirt? a. _____________________________________________________________________________________ b. _____________________________________________________________________________________ c. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Describe the exchange between Rosa and Dr. Willum. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What does El Patron decide to call Matt? Why does he call him that? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. SUMMARIZE Why is El Patron’s symbol the scorpion? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. NOTE DETAILS How long was Matt in prison? ________________________________________________________________________________________
20
The House of the Scorpion
8. COMPARE & CONTRAST How does everyone else on the estate treat El Patron? How do they treat Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Who is most important to El Patron? What is the significance of this? What are the consequences? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. CHARACTER TRAITS Why did Matt ultimately select Tam Lin as his body guard? a. He thought his ears were funny-looking. b. Matt thought he had kind eyes and almost seemed friendly. c. Matt knew Tam Lin didn’t trust El Patron. d. Daft Donald couldn’t speak and Matt wanted to talk.
21
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 7 & 8 ] Vocabulary 1. haven (n): a place of safety ✎ The bear climbed into his haven, deep in the cave. 2. excursion (n): a short trip especially for pleasure ✎ They went on a fishing excursion to the lake. 3. hostility (n): unfriendliness or opposition ✎ They showed hostility to the new mayor who imposed new taxes on the citizens. 4. impassive (adj): not showing emotion ✎ Her expression remained impassive throughout the argument, so I knew she didn’t really care. 5. guileless (adj): very innocent ✎ Most people view people living in the countryside to be more guileless than city dwellers. 6. earnest (adj): resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction ✎ The president had an earnest look on his face as he gave a speech. 7. near miss (idiom): an attempt that is almost successful; an accident that is just barely avoided ✎ Two airliners were involved in a near miss yesterday. 8. courteous (adj): polite or respectful in manner ✎ The hotel staff is courteous to the guests. 9. a little off (idiom): out of sorts, either physically or mentally ✎ There was something a little off about the taste of the ham, so I checked the expiration date. 10. coax (v): to influence or persuade (a person or animal) to do something by talking in a gentle and friendly way ✎ My sister offered me a coke to try and coax me into doing her chores for her. 11. talk over someone's head (idiom): to say things that someone cannot understand; to speak on too high a level for one's audience ✎ The teacher talked over our heads, so after the lesson, we had endless questions. 12. theoretical (adj): relating to what is possible or imagined rather than to what is known to be true or real ✎ Theoretically, it seems like a good idea to get a guard dog, but a dog requires a lot of investment. 13. momentous (adj): very important; having great or lasting importance ✎ My college graduation was a momentous day in my life. 14. ecstatic (adj): very happy or excited : feeling or showing ecstasy ✎ He was ecstatic to receive the letter of admission from Stanford University. 22
The House of the Scorpion ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 15. reliability (n): the ability to be relied on or depended on, as for accuracy, honesty, or achievement ✎ These cars are known for their reliability. 16. vigorously (adv): done with great force and energy ✎ He scrubbed the dirty pan vigorously. 17. ravenous (adj): very hungry ✎ After hiking all day, the campers had a ravenous appetite. 18. devour (v): to quickly eat all of (something) especially in a way that shows that you are very hungry ✎ He devoured everything on his plate during Thanksgiving dinner and went back for more. 19. occur to someone (idiom): [for an idea or thought] to come into someone's mind ✎ It occurred to me that my brother might be hungry after his long journey.
23
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. CHARACTER TRAITS Describe Tom. Think of how Matt think that something is “a little off” about Tom? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. CHARACTER TRAITS Describe Tam Lin. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. CAUSE & EFFECT Why did the doctor visit more? What power did this give to Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What is Matt and Maria’s relationship like? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. MAKE INFERENCES How does Tam Lin describe El Patron? Why does he focus on choices? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. INTERPRET DIALOGUE Explain what Tam Lin is trying to tell Matt when he says, "If you are kind and decent, you grow into a kind and decent man. If you're like El Patrón...just think about it." ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
24
The House of the Scorpion
7. MAKE INFERENCES Considering that Matt is the clone of El Patrón, what is Tam Lin trying to tell Matt about whether environmental influences on a person’s character over genetics. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. CHARACTER TRAITS Describe "Teacher." ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. CAUSE & EFFECT What made Matt finally talk? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. CHARACTER EMOTIONS What did Matt say to Teacher? What does that tell you about his self-esteem? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. CAUSE & EFFECT How does Tam Lin decide to reward Matt for finally talking? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 12. CHARACTER TRAITS Describe the farm workers. What are they doing? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
25
The House of the Scorpion
13. CAUSE & EFFECT Why won’t the horse leave the farm? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why did Tam Lin take Matt to the oasis for a picnic? a. He wanted to reward Matt for his good work. b. So they could really talk without being spied on, as in the house. c. He wanted to teach him about eejits. d. To tell him to be nicer to teachers. 15. SUMMARIZE How does Tam Lin describe the cloning process? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. What are "eejits"? a. Illegal immigrants who develop computer chips in the Opium factories. b. Illegal immigrants who become humans with computer chips implanted in their brains, making them more or less zombies who can perform only simple tasks. c. Illegal immigrants who develop nutritional additives for foods in the Opium factories. d. Illegal immigrants who clean up radioactive particles in the Opium factories. 17. If an eejit is not told to stop doing its simple task, what would happen? a. It will continue until it dies. b. It will stop forty-five minutes after its last request. c. It will go onto the next programmed task after one hour. d. It will become overheated and burn out its circuit board. 18. Is Teacher coming back? What will be done about Matt’s education? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
26
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 6-8 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the words. 1. What would cause malnutrition? __________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Would you feel dismayed if your friend showed hostility towards you? __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Would a haven be tranquil or deďŹ led? _______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Would you show gratitude to someone who was courteous? ___________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What would appeal to a plant that has malnutrition? ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. When someone assures you about something, would they be earnest or terse? __________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Would it appeal to you to sleep in a dingy room? _____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. If you talk over someone’s head, could you coax them? _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Would you be impassive on a momentous day? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Why might it occur to you that a hamburger was a little off? __________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Would a ravenous person devour something? Why? __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Would you form an alliance with someone who has delusions or reliability? _______________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 27
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 9 & 10 ] Vocabulary 1. via (preposition): by means of (a person, machine, etc.); by using (something or someone) ✎ He did some research via computer. 2. lavishly (adv): bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities upon ✎ The salesperson spoke lavishly about the new product he was selling. 3. assumption (n): a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof ✎ He had the assumption he would win the contest, but he came in last. 4. fervor (n): a strong feeling of excitement and enthusiasm ✎ There was a lot of fervor surrounding their wedding day. 5. banish (v): to cause (something) to go away; to get rid of (something) ✎ The North Korean dictator banished anyone who opposed him through imprisonment or execution. 6. asthma inhalers (n): hand-held portable devices that deliver medication to your lungs ✎ When asthma symptoms are in high gear and the wheezing and coughing sets in, asthma inhalers are vital life-saving tools. 7. domain (n): territory over which rule or control is exercised ✎ The forest is part of the bear’s domain, and it is getting compromised by deforestation. 8. irrational (adj): not thinking clearly; not able to use reason or good judgment ✎ He became irrational as the fever got worse. 9. venture (v): to go somewhere that is unknown, dangerous, etc. ✎ The hunters ventured out into the woods. 10.syringe (n): a device made of a hollow tube and a needle that is used to force fluids into or take fluids out of the body ✎ AIDS spread in the 1990s because doctors were using unsterile syringes to draw blood. 11. entrance (v): to fill (someone) with delight and wonder — usually used as (be) entranced ✎ We were entranced by the magnificent view of the mountains. 12. contempt (n): a feeling that someone or something is not worthy of any respect or approval ✎ The basketball fans showed contempt for the referee by booing his call. 13. throw oneself (idiom): to enter into or join something eagerly and wholeheartedly ✎ Todd always threw himself into a project from start to finish and put all his efforts into that. 14. rage (n): a strong desire to have or do something ✎ I don't understand the current rage for flavored coffee. 28
The House of the Scorpion ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 15. indifferent (adj): showing no care or concern in attitude or action ✎ Paul was indifferent about which pizza toppings we should get, so I ordered what I wanted. 16. wallow (v): to spend time feeling a negative emotion without making any effort to change your situation, feelings, etc. — usually + in ✎ I know she's sad, but she should try to get on with her life instead of just wallowing in her misery. 17. unnerve (v): to make (someone) feel afraid or upset and unable to think clearly ✎ Seeing the police knocking on our front door unnerved my mom. 18. soppy (adj): sad or romantic in a foolish or exaggerated way ✎ The radio played nothing but soppy love songs on Valentine’s Day. 19. revolting (adj): extremely unpleasant or offensive ✎ The bloody scenes in the movie were positively revolting. 20. enrapture (v): to fill (someone) with delight — usually used as (be) enraptured ✎ The children were enraptured by his stories. 21. oblivion (n): the state of being destroyed or forgotten ✎ The little village was bulldozed into oblivion to make way for the airport. 22. aristocrat (n): a member of a ruling class, the nobility, or a social class considered the highest of that society ✎ During the French Revolution, royal sympathizers like nobles and aristocrats were killed with the guillotine. 23. harangue (v): to speak to (someone) in a forceful or angry way ✎ The coach harangued the lazy team about the importance of hard work. 24. deteriorate (v): to become worse as time passes ✎ Iron can deteriorate by rusting, which happens though a chemical reaction of oxygen, hydrogen and water. 25. repulsive (adj): causing strong dislike or disgust ✎ The crime scene was so repulsive that the rookie police officer couldn’t investigate it.
29
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. How does Matt study? Is he a good student? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE What is the metaphor that Matt sees himself as? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Who is Furball? Why doesn’t Matt like Furball? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Who is Felicia? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Describe the exchange (regarding El Patron) that Matt witnessed in the secret passage. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. LITERARY DEVICE Foreshadowing is when an author drops subtle hints about what will happen later in the story. How might this exchange be regarded as an example of foreshadowing? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What does the doctor give to Felicia? Why does he give it to her? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. CHARACTER TRAITS Describe Mr. Ortega. Why is he Matt’s music teacher? ________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________
30
The House of the Scorpion
9. CHARACTER MOTIVES How is Matt as a student? What motivated Matt to learn? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 10. How old is El Patron? What question did he repeatedly ask his last visit? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What instructions does Celia give Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. MAKE INFERENCES What happened to Furball? Who did it? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. DRAW CONCLUSIONS What did El Patron’s birthday mean for Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. Who came to the party? Who were the “Farmers?” ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. Who is Mr. MacGregor? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. MAKE JUDGEMENTS Why did the people cheer for El Patron? Did they really mean it? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. CHARACTER TRAITS How has El Patron’s health changed? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 31
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 9-10 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. lavishly
enraptured
banish
assumption
harangued
via
1. I had the __________________________ that the statue would be in shambles after the earthquake, but it was still intact. 2. I received the pictures _________________________ email, and I was awed by the beauty of the photos. 3. He was courteous to ___________________________ praise my cooking abilities. 4. The dog owner was ___________________________ by his dog who was showing a lot of affection. 5. I had the ___________________ that our saliva was clean, but it actually has more bacteria than toilet water. 6. The coach tersely ___________________________ the players who didn’t put in a(n) genuine effort, and threatened to ___________________________ them from the team. 7. In Seoul, it is sometimes it’s more appealing to travel ___________________________ subway than car. 8. I decorated my haven ____________________________ with flowers and candles. 9. After I coaxed my little sister to clean my room with the ___________________________ I would give her a gift, she felt indignant after she realized it was a piece of gum. indifferent
irrational
repulsive
ventured
unnerved
deteriorate
10. She was _______________________ by her friend’s constant lies, and it eventually _______________________* their friendship. 11. She anxiously worried about her test score, so I assured her that her worries were _______________________ and that she probably did a great job. 12. After committing several ____________________________ misdeeds, Tom lack of genuine remorse ____________________________ Matt. 13. Since nature doesn’t appeal to Mary, she was ____________________________ to throw herself into hiking. 14. The senile man’s health is __________________________* and he does not have any hesitation when he does __________________________ things, like jaywalking on a busy street. 15. The city slickers ____________________________ into the woods to begin an excursion the mountains, and they were enraptured by the tranquility. 16. We were ____________________________ to the uncourteous hotel staff who were ____________________________ about our stolen luggage, and it didn’t occur to them to help us find them. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
32
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 11 & 12 ] Vocabulary 1. expel (v): to officially force (someone) to leave a place or organization ✎ She was expelled from school for bad behavior. 2. perimeter (n): the outside edge of an area or surface ✎ They put up a fence around the perimeter of the yard. 3. fetal (adj): of or relating to a developing animal or human being that is not yet born ✎ The doctor used the ultrasound to show the mother the fetal heartbeat of her developing daughter. 4. dejected (adj): sad because of failure, loss, etc. ✎ She's been so dejected since her sister moved away to college. 5. immoral (adj): not conforming to ideas of what is right and wrong ✎ It was immoral of her to tell lies like that. 6. sentiment (n): an attitude or opinion ✎ My sentiment was that the movie was interesting, but it was much too long. 7. intruder (n): a person who is not welcome or wanted in a place ✎ The police looked for clues that would lead to capturing the intruder. 8. latter (n): of, relating to, or being the second of two groups or things; situated or occurring nearer to the end of something than to the beginning ✎ My mom asked if I wanted salmon or tuna, and I picked the latter. 9. waver (v): be undecided between two opinions or courses of action ✎ My friend never wavered with his loyalty to me. 10. gleeful (adj): a strong feeling of happiness; great pleasure or satisfaction ✎ The wedding photograph showed their gleeful and overjoyed mood. 11. ricochet (v): to bounce off a surface and continue moving in a different direction ✎ The bullet ricocheted off the wall. 12. jovial (adj): full of happiness and joy ✎ The audience was in a jovial mood. 13. rebellious (adj): refusing to obey rules or authority or to accept normal standards of behavior, dress, etc. ✎ When my mom told my brother to stop playing video games, he gave her a rebellious look. 14. repell (v): to cause (someone) to feel disgust ✎ We were repelled by the site of the lion eating the deer. 33
The House of the Scorpion
15. hoard ( v): to collect and hide a large amount of valued objects, typically one that is carefully guarded ✎ He hoards empty shoe boxes in his basement workshop for storing whatnots. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 16. hideous (adj): very ugly or disgusting ✎ His face was hideously deformed after the war. 17. drill (v): to teach or train (someone) by repeating a lesson or exercise again and again ✎ We drilled the children on their multiplication tables. 18. nervous breakdown (n): a period of mental illness resulting from severe depression, stress, or anxiety ✎ After Tom’s nervous breakdown, he was no longer able to function on a day-to-day basis and went to a psychiatric hospital. 19. permeate (v): to pass or spread through (something) ✎ The smell of baking bread permeated the kitchen. 20. worked oneself up into (idiom): to bring oneself into an extreme emotional state. ✎ She worked herself up into a state of hysteria about the constant construction noise next door. 21. anguish (n): extreme suffering, grief, or pain ✎ They watched in anguish as fire spread through the house. 22. bid (n): an attempt to win, get, or do something ✎ Qatar made a bid to host the World Cup, and they won it for 2022. 23. resemble (v): to look or be like (someone or something) ✎ He strongly resembles his father in appearance and in temperament. 24. kinship (n): the state of being related to the people in your family ✎ Timothy shared a kinship with his classmate who was his twin brother. 25. beside oneself (with something) (idim): in an extreme state of some emotion ✎ Sarah could not speak because she was beside herself with anger. 26. savage (adj): being cruel and fierce ✎ Batman saved Robin from the savage Joker.
34
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. Who is El Viejo? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why does Matt behave so selfishly and rudely? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. SUMMARIZE What are implants? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. CHARACTER TRAITS Why did El Viejo decide not to get implants? How has this decision hurt him? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why did El Patron value gifts? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What did the Famers give as gifts? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What happened to Maria’s mother? How has this effected Maria? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. How did Matt treat Maria? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ What is El Patron’s reaction to this? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
35
The House of the Scorpion ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 9. Describe the kinds of activities that Matt is allowed to have. Why are they supposed to be like this? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. What were Matt’s expeditions with Tam Lin like? How did Matt feel on these expeditions? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Who visited Matt? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. CHARACTER MOTIVES Who arranged the meeting between Matt and Maria? Why was this meeting arranged? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. What did Maria think was making the agonizing noise? Why did Matt know that she was wrong? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. NOTE DETAILS Whose clone did they see? What important observation did Matt make about the clone and Tom? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
36
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 11-12 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the words. 1. Would you resemble someone you have kinship with? Why? ___________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What can permeate through a blanket? _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What have you been drilled on? ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Who would be in a state of anguish? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Would a teacher get worked up about a rebellious student or a jovial person? ____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
6. What would make an intruder gleeful? ______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What might ricochet off a wall? ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
8. What would you see on the perimeter of an island? ___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Would a student who has been expelled feel dejected or gleeful? _______________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
10. What kind of sentiment does a person who has made a bid feel? _______________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
11. If you wavered between eating an orange or an apple, and you picked the latter, which one did you eat?____________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Fill in the blank with any verb, so that the sentence makes sense:
Frank had a nervous breakdown when his hoard ____________________________. 37
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 13 & 14 ] Vocabulary 1. servile (adj): very obedient and trying too hard to please someone ✎ In the presence of the principal, the bully immediately adopted a servile attitude. 2. grovel (v): to treat someone with too much respect or fear in a way that shows weakness in order to be forgiven or to gain approval or favor ✎ He had to grovel to get her to accept his apology for breaking her phone. 3. grudge (n): a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury ✎ Some Koreans still hold a grudge against Japan for its past war atrocities. 4. decent (adj): polite, moral, and honest ✎ I don't understand how such a decent person could be involved with this kind of crime. 5. sinister (adj): giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen ✎ There was a sinister mood in the air as we crossed into enemy territory. 6. ponder (v): to think about or consider (something) carefully ✎ At the fork of the road, I pondered which road I should take, and I took the road less traveled. 7. ransom (n): the practice of holding a prisoner or item to extort money or property to secure their release, or it may refer to the sum of money involved ✎ The ransom note explained the kidnappers wanted a ransom of one million dollars. 8. dopey (adj): feeling the effects of a drug by being stupefied by sleep or a drug ✎ I'm still a little dopey from the painkillers. 9. mutilated (v): inflict a violent and disfiguring injury on ✎ The shark mutilated the seal. 10. brace (v): to get ready for something difficult or unpleasant ✎ Before the skateboarder fell off of his board, he stuck his hands out to brace himself for the fall. 11. stagnant (adj): not flowing ✎ After the storm, there were stagnant puddles around the road. 12. restrain (v): prevent (someone or something) from doing something; keep under control or within limits ✎ The wild dog had to be restrained in a cage. 13. enormity (n): great size ✎ I was overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand.
38
The House of the Scorpion
14. infuriate (v): make (someone) extremely angry ✎ The traffic infuriated many drivers. 15. stupefied (adj): to shock or surprise (someone) very much; to cause (someone) to become confused or unable to think clearly ✎ Employees were stupefied by the company’s decision to fire 70% of the workforce. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 16. discourage (v): to make (something) less likely to happen ✎ The area's dry climate discourages agriculture. 17. convenience (n): something (such as a device) that makes you more comfortable or allows you to do things more easily ✎ Our hotel room was equipped with all the modern conveniences. 18. glimmer (n): a small amount or sign of something ✎ I saw a glimmer of recognition in her eyes. 19. hitchhike (v): to get a ride in a passing vehicle by holding out your arm with your thumb up as you stand on the side of the road ✎ Her car broke down, so she had to hitchhike back home. 20. border (n): a line separating one country or state from another ✎ There is a border between North and South Korea, dividing what once was a country into two. 21. impulsive (adj): doing things or tending to do things suddenly and without careful thought ✎ She impulsively decided to quit her job, and she was much happier as a result.
39
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. DRAW CONCLUSIONS An earlier line from the book was repeated by Matt: “Clones go to pieces when they get older.” What do you now think this statement means? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. PLOT Why did Felicia run off with Mr. MacGregor? Why was she brought back? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What does Matt learn about Tom? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. CAUSE & EFFECT Why was Matt saved from the same fate as the “thing on the bed”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. CAUSE & EFFECT What was causing Mr. MacGregor’s health to get better? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why does Matt want to urgently meet Maria? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. CHARACTER MOTIVES What was Matt’s plan for meeting Maria? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
40
The House of the Scorpion
8. What happened at the Lotus Pond at midnight? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. MAKE JUDGEMENTS Who do you think killed Furball? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Who is going to leave Matt? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 11. SUMMARIZE Describe the Alacran “estancia.” ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. CHARACTER TRAITS What is El Patron’s keep his gifts even if he doesn’t need them? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. CAUSE & EFFECT Why was Matt so upset by Tam Lin’s departure? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. What happened to Tom? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. How did Celia come to meet El Patron? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. Why didn’t El Patron turn Celia into an eejit? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 41
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 13-14 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the word. 1. Who might grovel for candy? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Why would sinister thoughts be discouraged? ___________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Does opium* make one feel jovial or dopey? ____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Would you brace yourself before talking to a decent person or a malicious person? Why? _________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What might cause a grudge between two friends? ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What can infuriate a gleeful person? __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. While kids are drilled on their multiplication tables, who might feel stupeďŹ ed? __________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. If you see a person hitchhiking at the border, what does that person want to do? _______________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. What might a person with a ransom note ponder? _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. What invention has added an enormity of convenience to our lives? __________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Would you restrain an impulsive dog or a servile dog? _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What would cause a car to become mutilated? __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ *bolded blue words are words from the previous chapters 42
The House of the Scorpion
Deconstructing an Essay DIRECTION Read the sample essay below on bullying, and then critique the components with your teacher, labeling the introduction (hook, bridge, and thesis), body paragraphs (main idea, supporting detail, closing statement), and conclusion (opening statement, restatement of the thesis, closing). Lastly, circle the transition words and highlight any in-text citations (information that has been work cited from a reference material). ====================================================================================== Bullies Are Criminals Bullying is a constant problem in schools today. It starts with annoying comments, but escalates to more severe matters. We’ve seen it happen, and a lot of us know how it feels. None of us like it. People might say they are just ignorant kids, but bullies truly are criminals, stealing self-esteem and at times ending lives. First of all, bullying is a crime, because of the serious effects it can have on an individual. “And, once robbed of their self-esteem they can suffer from mental and physical problems, drop out of school and even commit suicide.” (Dimond 1) “Many adults still get teary recalling their humiliating days at the hands of the class bully, mainly because bullies don’t operate alone. They pick up sycophantic disciples along the way and that multiplies the victim’s pain.” (Dimond 2) The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me?” (Steiny 2) isn’t necessarily true; words hurt. Maybe not physically, but when kids already have insecurities, bullies don’t help. They build on those insecurities and insult the different qualities of kids. No one likes the way insults feel, and this is why bullies are criminals and deserve more severe consequences. Secondly, bullying can end in a tragic death. Though it does not happen often, it has happened. The usual event is suicide of the victim, or a violent act by the bully that may end in murder. For example, “15 year old Phoebe Prince hung herself after being harassed by classmates who threw cans at her before speeding off.” (Scholastic Scope 1) Phoebe had been bullied for almost three months before this occurred. There is also teenager Larry King who was shot in the head in front of a teacher and a whole classroom full of students. (Dimond 2) These horrible events can start for many reasons including jealousy, gender bias, or racism; it just isn’t right. Bullies are criminals; they terrorize and harass their victims, ripping apart their self- esteem and attacking their insecurities until the unthinkable happens; violence or even a tragic death.
43
The House of the Scorpion People often think that bullies don’t see the effects of their actions, or that they don’t understand what they are doing to others. The thing is, bullies understand what they are doing. Whether the bullies are kids or adults, they know it is wrong. Bullying someone is abuse. Some people might say, “Bullying is really common. What are we going to do, send half of American kids to jail?” (Scholastic Scope 2) Half of American kids won’t end up in jail because there are other alternatives. For instance, bullies could be required to do community service, therapy, or be made to visit a prison to be shown what their future may be. In addition, parents, schools, and kids need to work together. The problems won’t go away on their own. We need to look at the facts of each case and take the appropriate action. In short, bullying needs to stop! Bullying is a criminal act. Bullies harass, make threats, terrorize, and use verbal and physical abuse on their victims. We need to stand up to bullies and not let them strip us of our selfesteem. Bullies must face the consequences of their actions with either therapy or some version of criminal punishment. Maybe if we take a group of bullies to visit a jail to show them how rough their life could turn out, they may rethink their behavior. Please sign my petition asking the principal to arrange such an outing. ======================================================================================
Works Cited “Are Bullies Criminals?” Scholastic Scope 6 Sept. 2010: 18 Print. Dimond, Diane. “Today’s Bullies – Tomorrow’s Criminals?” Official Site of Diane Dimond. Hudson Moon Productions, 23 Aug. 2008, Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://dianedimond.net/todays-bullies-tomorrows-criminals/>. Steiny, Julia. “Psychologist Warns Against Turning Bullies Into Criminals.” Projo. The Providence Journal Companies, 27 July 2008, Web. 12Jan. 2011. <http://www.projo.com/education/juliasteiny/content/ se_educationwatch27_07-27- 08_U6AURGC_v7.283070d.html>.
44
The House of the Scorpion
Opinion Essay on Bullying The basic five-paragraph essay structure, which you are probably familiar with, works extremely well for an opinion essay. An opinion essay exists to prove your main point – your thesis. This should be clearly stated in your opening paragraph. Don’t leave the reader to guess what your position is on the issue – make a clear stand!
Next, develop your argument in the body of your essay. Each paragraph should contain a single, clear idea (the “topic sentence”) that support your point of view or your main idea. You can use examples and illustration, causeand-effect reasoning, comparison/contrast or other methods of development to support your argument. Each body paragraph is made up of five or more sentences that develop your single, clear idea.
✎ STRUCTURE [ Paragraph One : The Introduction ] • Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.” • Give an overview of the argument. • Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.
[ Paragraphs Two, Three and Four: The Body ] Remember back in Paragraph One, you gave three reasons for your opinion? Three reasons equals three body paragraphs. Each of the body paragraphs should take one of your reasons and explain it in more detail, citing sources where necessary. Any statements you make that would cause a reader to say, “Wait, how do you know that’s true?” need to be backed up with support.
[ Paragraph Five : The Conclusion ] Former Newfoundland premier Joey Smallwood once said about giving speeches: "First I tell them what I'm going to tell them, then I tell them, then I tell them what I told them." In the conclusion, sum up your argument by restating your thesis statement and reminding the reader what your three reasons were.
✎ PREWRITING First, jot down some major ideas for you topic. Then brainstorm details for those ideas.
✎ PROOFREADING Do a final proofreading of your paper double-checking your grammar, spelling, organization, and the clarity of your ideas.
✎ TOPIC So many people are unable to accept Matt because he is different, and they mistreat and bully him as a result. Though most kids have been teased or laughed at on occasion, some kids have to deal with long-term harassment that is psychologically and physically harmful to their wellbeing, as it happened to Matt. On the next page, there are 15 topics on bullying. Pick a topic to brainstorm and write an essay on it.
45
The House of the Scorpion
Topics on Bullying 1. What can you do to put a stop to the culture of bullying? Can empathy be taught? What, if anything, can be done to make schools safer and more inclusive? 2. Do you think bullying is more prevalent online or in the classroom? At school or during extracurricular activities? 3. Do you agree with the statement, There is no such thing as an innocent bystander when it comes to bullying ? 4. Have you seen someone being bullied? How did you feel seeing that? What did you do? Did you intervene or get an adult to help? Why or why not? 5. What is the best way to get someone to stop bullying another person? Should you defend the victim? Start a ďŹ ght? Make fun of the bully? Why or why not? 6. At what point does teasing become bullying? What is the difference between teasing and bullying? How can you tell the difference between them? 7. Have you ever felt bullied by someone? How did you feel? What did you do afterwards? 8. Have you ever bullied another person? How did you feel before, during, and after? 9. What kinds of consequences do kids who are bullied suffer? How do you think the bullying victim feels when he or she is laughed at, hurt, or degraded 10. Why is it important to accept people for who they are? 11. Why do you think people have trouble accepting others who are different from them? How can people be encouraged to be more accepting of those who are different? 12. Do you think there are particular types of attitudes that contribute to bullying? Are there people who think bullying is acceptable? Why or why not? How can adults Ěś often unwittingly Ěś contribute to the problem of bullying? 13. Are there any risks to standing up for someone who is being bullied? What are they? How do they impact your decision to get involved in a situation? Is there a solution to this? 14. Why do you think some people bully others? What feeling does the bully get from putting someone else down? 15. Have you ever wanted to stand up for someone who was being made fun of? Did you intervene? Why or why not?
46
The House of the Scorpion
47
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
48
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
49
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
50
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
51
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 15 & 16 ] Vocabulary 1. convent (n): a school attached to and run by convent (a place where a group of nuns who live together) ✎ During her studies in the convent, she learned about the Bible everyday. 2. tense (adj): nervous and not able to relax ✎ She looked at him tensely as she was about to tell him the bad news. 3. impulse (n): a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act ✎ I had an impulse to laugh when I saw my friend making funny faces at her brother. 4. aid (n): the act of helping someone; help or assistance given to someone ✎ The work was done with the aid of a computer. 5. keep one's eyes peeled (idiom): to watch carefully for someone or something - often + for ✎ Keep your eyes peeled for a taxi. 6. retreat (v): move back or withdraw, esp. so as to remove oneself from a difficult or uncomfortable situation ✎ It became so hot that even the turtles retreated into the shade. 7. stow (v): to put (something that is not being used) in a place where it is available, where it can be kept safely, etc. ✎ Luggage may be stowed under the seat. 8. turmoil (n): a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty ✎ After the earthquake, the city was in turmoil. 9. to and fro (adv): forward and backward ✎ The baby rocked to and fro in the swing. 10. subside (v): become less intense, violent, or severe ✎ We waited for the waves to subside before getting in the boat. 11. mourner (n): a person who mourns for someone who has died; a person who goes to someone's funeral ✎ His funeral services attracted hundreds of mourners. 12. retort (v): to reply to something in a quick and often angry way ✎ She retorted angrily that it wasn't true. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 13. offend (v): to cause (a person or group) to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something said or done ✎ It offends me that you would call me lazy. 14. fascinated (v): to cause (someone) to be very interested in something or someone ✎ Mike has always been fascinated by other cultures, so he studied anthropology in college. 52
The House of the Scorpion
15. eavesdropping (n): to listen secretly to a private conversation ✎ Bill was eavesdropping on our conversation and heard my secret. 16. paranoid (adj): baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others ✎ Since Donald is so paranoid, he have security cameras all over his house. 17. hold one’s tongue (idiom): to refrain from speaking; to refrain from saying something unpleasant ✎ I felt like scolding her for making a mess in the kitchen, but I held my tongue. 18. astonished (adj): feeling or showing great surprise or wonder ✎ After summer vacation, we were astonished by all the changes in the school. 19. compost (n): a mixture of decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil ✎ We mixed the compost to the garden to help the plants grow. 20. manipulate (v): to use or change (numbers, information, etc.) in a skillful way or for a particular purpose ✎ As part of the experiment, students manipulated light and temperature to see how it affected the plants. 21. insinuating (adj): suggestive, without being direct, that something unpleasant is true ✎ He made an insinuating comment about my weight. 22. snuff (v): to kill (someone) ✎ The gangster got snuffed by a rival gang. 23. efficient (adj): performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort ✎ The factory is so efficient that it produces 50,000 cars a month. 24. abomination (n): something that causes disgust or hatred ✎ Some people view the sculpture as art while others see it as an abomination.
53
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. CAUSE & EFFECT Where has Maria and Emilia been sent to? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What has happened to Rosa? What was Matt’s reaction to seeing Rosa like this? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. When Matt goes alone to the oasis after Tam Lin's departure with El Patron, what does he discover? a. Celia is hiding there. b. Tam Lin has built him a treehouse. c. The oasis has dried up. d. Tam Lin's note and a chest of survival gear. 4. MAKE INFERENCES Why do you think Tam Lin left those things for Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Who has died? What were the guests’ reaction to Matt at the service? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. NOTE DETAILS How has MacGregor changed? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. NOTE DETAILS How has Maria changed? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why does Maria confront the priest? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Where does Matt take Maria? Why does he take her there? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 54
The House of the Scorpion ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 10. What does Maria forgive Matt for doing? Why does Matt accept the blame that she put on him? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. How was the room that Maria and Matt hid in different from the rest of the house? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. According to Maria, what kind of religious problem does Matt have? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. CHARACTER TRAITS How do Tom and Felicia talk about El Viejo? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. How was Tom and Felicia searching for Matt and Maria? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. DRAW CONCLUSIONS What can you conclude about Celia and Tam Lin’s relationship? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. What does Felicia say that startles Matt and Maria? Why did she do this? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. How does Maria feel towards Matt after this revelation? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. How is El Patron going to help Matt and Maria? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 55
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 15-16 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. tense
keep their eyes peeled
hold his tongue
subside
turmoil
to and fro
1. I go _____________________ work via the subway because the long and heavy rush hour traffic unnerves me. 2. I was ____________________ around Paul who wouldn’t forgive me even if I groveled, so I felt a surge of relief when his grudge against me finally ____________________* and we were friends again. 3. Jacob who is normally servile, was struck with revulsion that he could not ______________________, and ended up haranguing Mark for his misdeeds. 4. There was a surge in violence when the ______________________ escalated. 5. I felt _____________________ when I saw a drunken man with saliva dripping from his mouth, so I ran away. 6. The coast of Somalia is considered a haven for sinister pirates who kidnap people and hold them for ransom, so ship captains have to ______________________ for intruders when they travel ______________________ their destination through the Indian Ocean. 7. I assured Tony that my anger towards him has ___________________*, and that I had genuinely forgiven him. 8. Simon is known to be frank, and I’ve never seen him _______________________. 9. Syria has been in _______________________ since 2011 when their Civil War began, and five years latter, there isn’t a glimmer of hope that the violence will _______________________. retreated
abomination
stow
paranoid
convent
astonished
impulse
10. Many think that the Syrian dictator is a(n) _______________________ and view him with contempt for his immoral, sinister crimes of violence against his own people. 11. We were _______________________ that the statue was perfectly intact after the earthquake. 12. The baby cub anxiously _______________________ into his haven when he saw a lion. 13. Ian was _______________________ that people were eavesdropping on his conversation. 14. Since the campers didn’t _______________________ their food properly, they returned from their hike to find their campsite in disarray as something had rummaged through their food supply. 15. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes in a(n) _______________________ would be considered a(n) _______________________. 16. Mary had the _______________________ to pick up a hitchhiker on the side of the road, but her husband was _______________________ so he discouraged her from stopping and told her to keep driving. 17. As the police restrained the sinister man and told him he was being arrested for vandalizing the _______________________, he retorted that he was innocent. 18. He had the _____________________ to throw up when he saw the mutilated raccoon on the side of the road. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
56
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 17 & 18 ] Vocabulary 1. meek (adj): having or showing a quiet and gentle nature ✎ He asked meekly for help carrying the bags upstairs. 2. paralyze (v): to make (a person or animal) unable to move or feel all or part of the body ✎ The doctor recognized that the bad neck injury had paralyzed the person. 3. malevolence (n): the state or feeling of wishing evil or harm to another or others; showing ill will; malicious ✎ The wild dog had a look of malevolence in his eyes. 4. in a class by itself/oneself (idiom): the best or only one of its kind ✎ Among jazz singers, she was in a class by herself. 5. vaguely (adv): not clearly stated or expressed ✎ He vaguely described what he wanted, so no one was able to help him. 6. pact (n): a formal agreement between two countries, people, or groups especially to help each other ✎ They made a pact to go to the gym together three times a week. 7. prosper (v): to be successful or fortunate, especially in financial respects; thrive; flourish ✎ The cactus is one of the few plants that can prosper in the desert. 8. dictate (v): to make (something) necessary ✎ Our choice of activities will likely be dictated by the weather. 9. vast (adj): of very great size; huge ✎ The ship took 10 days to cross the vast ocean. 10. destiny (n): a power that is believed to control what happens in the future ✎ Hillary felt that her destiny would be to become the first female president of the United States. 11. enterprise (n): a business organization ✎ The new laws are intended to encourage the growth of small, independent enterprises. 12. vile (adj): evil or immoral ✎ The vile terrorist attacks in Europe were carried out in Paris and Brussels. 13. intrigue (v): to arouse the curiosity or interest of by unusual, or new qualities; appeal strongly to ✎ We were intrigued by different species of animals living in the Amazon. 14. catapult (v): hurl or launch (something) in a specified direction with or as if with a catapult ✎ When he braked suddenly, he was catapulted off of his bike. 15. reckon (v): ro think or suppose (something); to believe that (something) is true or possible ✎ They reckoned that drinking warm milk would make the hyper child go to sleep. 57
The House of the Scorpion
16. foolhardy (adj): foolishly doing things that are too dangerous or risky ✎ Many looked at him as a foolhardy explorer, but he eventually discovered a island full of gold. 17. gratified (adj): to make (someone) happy or satisfied ✎ I was gratified to hear the referee call a foul on my opponent. 18. menacing (adj): having a dangerous or threatening quality ✎ The forest had a menacing quality that intimidated even the hunters from venturing alone. 19. wary (adj): not having or showing complete trust in someone or something that could be dangerous or cause trouble ✎ The store owner kept a wary eye on the customer who was carrying a large bag. 20. ethics (n): rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad ✎ The newspaper has a strict code of ethics on reporting accurate and unbiased news. 21. conscience (n): the part of the mind that makes you aware of your actions as being either morally right or wrong ✎ My guilty conscience brought me to tell the truth to my mom that I had broken the vase. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 22. reproachful (adj): having scorn or disapproval ✎ The principal suspended the student because of his reproachful behavior of bullying students. 23. haggard (adj): looking very thin and tired especially from great hunger, worry, or pain ✎ After the log journey in sea, the explorer had a face ashen and haggard. 24. ebb (v): (of an emotion or quality) gradually lessen or reduce ✎ The company’s fortunes began to ebb. 25. daft (adj): crazy or foolish ✎ She looked at us as if we'd gone daft when we started singing on the bus. 26. reservoir (n): a place where an extra supply of something is stored ✎ She found a reservoir of energy that she needed to finish the job. 27. lament (v): to express sorrow, regret, or unhappiness about something ✎ She lamented over the loss of her best friend. 28. milestone (n): an important point in the progress or development of something; a very important event ✎ The birth of their first child was a major milestone in their marriage. 29. amass (v): to gather or collect (something, such as a large amount of money) especially for yourself ✎ The police are amassing further evidence against him.
58
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why do you think Maria gave Matt the book about St. Francis? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. NOTE DETAILS Which organization published the book? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. CAUSE & EFFECT How was Opium created? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. SUMMARIZE Who were the most powerful families and land? What is the structure of Opium? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. CHARACTER TRAITS How is El Patron described in the book? How did Matt react to it? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why does Matt start studying how the empire works? a. El Patr贸n wants him to marry Maria to give him a grandson. b. He thinks that El Patr贸n must want Matt to run the country when El Patron dies. c. He thinks that El Patr贸n must want Matt to help Benito or Steven run the Alacran enterpris d. El Patr贸n will take him to rule what is now the former USA. 7. What was done with the polluted water? What is the air like near the eejit pens? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
59
The House of the Scorpion
8. What causes Matt to nearly die? Who rescues Matt from almost dying? How does Matt talk to them? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. What does he learn about Tam Lin from them? a. He robbed a bank and shot the teller b. He set off a bomb that killed twenty school children c. He stole money from a former employer d. He killed dozens of clones ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 10. Where are Celia and Matt hurrying to at the beginning of the chapter? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Before they leave Celia’s apartment, what does she make Matt do? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What happens to Matt when they get there? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Who would provide El Patron with a “donor heart?” ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. CAUSE & EFFECT What made Matt’s heart “wonky”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. What questions did Matt want to ask Tam Lin? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 60
The House of the Scorpion
16. NOTE DETAILS How old is El Patron now? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. MAKE INFERENCES What is meant by “in the end they’re only rocks”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. CHARACTER EMOTIONS What is El Patron’s reaction to Matt’s suggesting that El Patron give to the poor? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 19. CHARACTERS MOTIVES What is a “Dragon Hoard?” Why did Tam Lin tell the story? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 20. DRAW CONCLUSIONS Why do you think Matt was taken to the hospital on this night? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
61
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 17-18 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the word. 1. What do you reckon might be hard for a meek person to do? _______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Would a vile person lament about a misdeed? ___________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Would you be wary of a foolhardy person? ______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What is needed for an enterprise to prosper? ____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What might cause a grudge to ebb? ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What might make a haggard person feel gratiďŹ ed? _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What can be amassed in a reservoir? __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What might be daft to catapult towards the window? _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. What is the most important milestone of your life so far? __________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Would a person of high ethics commit acts of malevolence? ________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What would a person with a conscience ďŹ nd to be reproachful? _____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Would you sign a pact with vaguely described rules? ______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________. bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
62
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 19 & 20 ] Vocabulary 1. bout (n): a period of time during which someone suffers from something (such as an illness or disease) ✎ She struggles with frequent bouts of migraines. 2. attempt (n): to try to do (something) : to try to accomplish or complete (something) ✎ Many climbers have attempted a climb up Mount Everest, but only a few have succeeded. 3. subdue (v): to repress or reduce the intensity of (feelings, impulses, etc) ✎ Her sore throat subdued her normally booming voice. 4. fragment (n): a broken part or piece of something ✎ The dish lay in fragments on the floor after I dropped it. 5. sacrifice (v): to give up (something that you want to keep) especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone ✎ He sacrificed his free time in order to get advanced in his career. 6. revolt (v): to cause (someone) to feel disgust or shock — often used as (be) revolted ✎ He was revolted by the smell. 7. source (n): someone or something that provides what is wanted or needed ✎ The river is a water source for the village. 8. conscious (adj): Intentionally conceived or done; deliberate ✎ After she won as class president, she made a conscious effort to speak more clearly and slowly. 9. vanity (n): the quality of people who have too much pride in their own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. ✎ The handsome actor's vanity was well-known through the way he spoke of his accomplishments. 10. devotion (n): a feeling of strong love or loyalty ✎ Mother Teresa has cared for the poor women and children with selfless devotion. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 11. unfounded (adj): not based on facts or proof ✎ His fears of the dark are unfounded. 12. hit the nail on the head (idiom): to be right about something ✎ Mike hit the nail on the head when he said soda was making Josh fat. 13. corrupt (adj): dishonest, evil, or immoral ✎ The country cannot thrive because of its corrupt government. 63
The House of the Scorpion
14. tirade (n): a long and angry speech ✎ The teacher directed a tirade at the students after more than half of the class failed. 15. recruit (v): to find suitable people and get them to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc. ✎ Public schools are recruiting new teachers. 16. humane (adj): kind or gentle to people or animals ✎ Conditions in European prisons are more humane than in South American ones. 17. toil (v): to work very hard for a long time ✎ He's been toiling away in his workshop trying to make a doghouse. 18. fertilizer (n): a substance (such as manure or a special chemical) that is added to soil to help the growth of plants ✎ We use fertilizer in our gardens, so our vegetables can grow better. 19. keepsake (n): something that you keep to help you remember a person, place, or event; a souvenir ✎ We were given books on animals as keepsakes of the trip to the zoo. 20. envelop (v): to completely enclose or surround (someone or something) ✎ She enveloped the baby in a large towel. 21. vulnerable (adj): open to attack, harm, or damage ✎ Without a helmet, bikers are vulnerable to injury. 22. stifling (adj): not allowing something to be done or expressed ✎ There are many stifling rules at the library, such as no food, drinks, pets, or loud talking.
64
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. CHARACTER TRAITS What happened to Matt when singing? What does this signify? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How old is Matt now? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. MAKE INFERENCES The statement “clones fall to pieces when they get older” is said once again. What does this mean? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What does Matt begin to realize about the role of the clones? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. NOTE DETAILS How many eejits have died in 100 years? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. MAKE INFERENCES Based on what Matt has learned, why is it a little scary that El Patron still calls him “mi vida”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. CHARACTER EMOTIONS Why does Matt think he will have a different fate than most clones? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. MAKE INFERENCES What does Matt have to “look in the eye”? (Choose all that are true) a. El Patron gave Matt a good childhood because of his own vanity. b. El Patron created clones to give children good childhoods. c. El Patron created clones for his transplants. d. El Patron was very wealthy when he was a child.
65
The House of the Scorpion ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 9. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why did Matt further study Tam Lin’s books and maps? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. CAUSE & EFFECT Why did El Patron come up with the idea of eejits? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What happened to dead eejits? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Who wrote the book about Opium? What does Matt realize about the author? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. CHARACTER MOTIVES What does Matt plan to do with the information he learned about the author? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. How is El Patron’s health? a. It’s getting better. b. It’s the same. c. It is deteriorating. d. The book doesn’t say. 15. Who was Felipe? a. El Patron's son b. El Patron's other clone c. Celia's son d. Leader of the eejits 16. Where does Matt plan to escape to? What will he do before his escape? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
66
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 19-20 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. subdue
keepsake
stifling
bout
revolt
attempt
1. Paul wavered over a toy or a keychain to buy as a(n) ____________________, he bought the latter. 2. After years of financial turmoil, the small enterprise seized an opportunity to form an alliance with another company In a(n) ____________________ to increase their revenue. 3. The doctor prescribed the haggard patient some medicine to ____________________ his pain and his ____________________ with the flu. 4. The king had a paranoid feeling that the people were going to ____________________, so he stowed extra weapons at the castle and placed extra soldiers to discourage the mutiny. 5. We made the assumption that the food at this expensive restaurant would be decent, but I had a(n) ____________________ with food poisoning the next day that left me in anguish for days. 6. London politicians wanted to ____________________ the heavy traffic in the city, so they hit the nail on the head when they began imposing ____________________ driving rules in the city. 7. Many Syrians sacrificed their lives during the Syrian Arab Spring- in which the citizens __________________* against the dictator in a(n) ____________________ to overthrow the corrupt government. conscience
inhumane
vulnerable
devotion
toiled
recruited
8. The villagers ____________________ soldiers to join their alliance, and they made a pact to fight against the enemy. 9. The ____________________ cubs retreated into their haven when they saw hunters. 10. I vaguely paid attention to Mark’s story because I was ____________________ that he was not telling a genuine story. 11. The farmers ____________________ in the fields all afternoon covering the fields with fertilizer. 12. Living in Alabama and the South in the 60s, meant that African Americans were ____________________ to hostility and endured ____________________, savage treatment. 13. The soldiers showed the ultimate ____________________ to their country by putting themselves in ____________________ situation and some even sacrificing their lives. 14. The new factory workers who were ____________________ by the new enterprise ____________________ long hours with ____________________ and the owner was gratified when the company began to prosper. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
67
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 21 & 22 ] Vocabulary 1. queasy (adj): feeling sick ✎ After he ate the expired milk, he felt queasy. 2. confine (v): to keep (someone or something) within limits ✎ The elementary students are confined within school campus from 9:00 to 3:00. 3. bind (v): to cause (people) to be joined together closely ✎ This strangers at the stadium are bound together by a common interest of cheering for their soccer team. 4. loath (v): to severely hate something ✎ Tom loathes mushrooms, so he never ate it. 5. grimace (v): to make a facial expression in which your mouth and face are twisted in a way that shows disgust, disapproval, or pain ✎ The patient grimaced in pain when his wound was touched. 6. fanfare (n): a lot of talk or activity showing that people are excited about something ✎ The new electrical car was introduced with great fanfare. 7. stealthy (adj): quiet and secret in order to avoid being noticed ✎ The stealthy movements of the crocodile went unnoticed by the swan. 8. taint (v): to hurt or damage the good condition of (something) — often used as (be) tainted ✎ The reputation of the basketball team has been tainted by scandals involving the coach. 9. disengage (V): detach, free, loosen, or separate ✎ He disengaged himself from the conversation. 10. penance (n): something that you do or are given to do in order to show that you are sad or sorry about doing something wrong ✎ He did volunteer work as a penance for his crimes. 11. heir (n): a person who has the legal right to receive the property of someone who dies ✎ She is the sole heir to her family's billion dollar fortune. 12. cyanide (n): a very poisonous chemical ✎ Cyanide poisoning is relatively common following breathing in smoke from a house fire. 13. touched (adj): having emotional feelings because you are grateful or pleased by what someone has done or said ✎ She was touched that he had come to help her find her dog.
68
The House of the Scorpion
14. animated (adj): full of life and energy ✎ The difficult math lesson was engaging to follow since the teacher spoke in an animated tone. 15. positively (adv): used to emphasize that something is the case, even though it may seem surprising or unlikely ✎ The wrestler was positively afraid of the dark and didn’t want to go in the forest at night. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 16. sham (n): something that is not what it appears to be and that is meant to trick or deceive people ✎ The con artist’s friendly demeanor was a sham, and he was just trying to get them to give him money. 17. treacherous (adj): not able to be trusted ✎ The man is a treacherous spy for North Korea who has been sent to South Korea to collect information. 18. rubbish (n): something that does not have or make sense ✎ That soccer fans thought it was rubbish when the coach took out the best player. 19. parched (adj): very thirsty ✎ I was parched after soccer practice. 20. exploit (v): to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you unfairly ✎ The farm owners were accused of exploiting migrant workers. 21. sheepishly (adv): in a way that shows you are or feel embarrassment especially because you have done something foolish or wrong ✎ The teacher grinned at us sheepishly after farting in class. 22. sedative (n): a drug that calms or relaxes someone ✎ The mental health patient was given a powerful sedative.
69
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. Who is getting married? Why are they getting married? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Who did Benito Alcaran marry? Why? How is the marriage? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Where did Matt and Maria meet? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What does Maria think about Matt’s soul now? Why has this belief changed? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Who is Maria engaged to? Who decided this? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. CHARACTER MOTIVES What did Matt show Maria? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. STORY PLOT What happened at the end of the wedding? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇
70
The House of the Scorpion
8. What conflict was Matt trying to deal with? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why do you think El Patron told Matt so many stories about the afterlife? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Who is looking for Matt? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. How have Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feelings for Matt changed? What does she finally tell him? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Besides Maria, who is helping Matt? How? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. What is Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. What does El Patron need to survive? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. What do Matt and Maria say to each other? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. How can Matt escape the security traps in the secret passage? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. Who betrays Matt and Maria? What happens as a result? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. What are all clones considered to be? ________________________________________________________________________________________
71
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 21-22 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. positively
fanfare
treacherous
touched
disengage
queasy
binds
1. The environmentalist was praised lavishly as she was introduced with _____________________ before she came on stage to get the award. 2. _____________________* yourself from a conversation may seem uncourteous, but if you are _____________________ bored, you should just leave. 3. I was so revolted by seeing the mutilated animal on TV that I felt _____________________. 4. During the war, the troops were welcomed with _____________________ by the vulnerable locals who hoped the troops would protect them from the turmoil. 5. They _____________________* themselves from the alliance because they had an glimmer of suspicion that he was corrupt and _____________________ business partner. 6. Once an enterprise _____________________ itself to a contract, it is foolhardy to _____________________ from the commitments because any attempt to do so will result in a lawsuit. 7. I felt an impulse to throw up, as the boat ride was making me feel _____________________. 8. The speaker was _____________________ as the audience cheered with _____________________. 9. The raccoon retreated into his haven in the woods, _____________________* from the chaos of the city. treacherous
grimaced
loathed
penance
tainted
confined
sham
10. His reputation was tainted after his _____________________ misdeeds, and the the villagers _____________________ him so much that they banished him to an island. 11. The savage factory owner sheepishly lowered his head as the judge announced a $1 million fine as a _____________________ for his misdeeds of discarding polluted water into the public river. 12. The menacing criminal _____________________ as the judge sentenced him to be _____________________ in jail for life for his repulsive crime of killing two guileless children. 13. That _____________________ man’s enterprise was a _____________________ used to steal the money of decent hard working people. 14. He was found guilty of _____________________ his servile workers with long hours and few breaks and ordered to pay a _____________________ to them all. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
72
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 23 & 24 ] Vocabulary 1. dread (n): great fear or apprehension ✎ The students were overcome with dread when the teacher told them they had a surprise test. 2. affection (n): a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something ✎ The puppy showed affection to his owner. 3. indicate (v): point out or show ✎ The red mark indicated that his answer was wrong. 4. cat’s got your tongue (idiom): means “Why are you not saying anything?” (Often said by adults to children.) ✎ I was chewing food and couldn’t answer his question, and he asked, “What's the matter, has the cat got your tongue?” 5. desert (v): abandon ✎ He planned on deserting his job to move to the mountains. 6. dismissive (adj): feeling or showing that something is unworthy of consideration: ✎ He was dismissive of our ideas because they were so silly. 7. arsenic (n): a poisonous chemical that is used especially to kill insects and weeds ✎ The farmer wears a gas mask when he sprays arsenic in his field. 8. mercenary (n): a soldier who will fight for any group or country that hires him ✎ The terrorist group is an army of foreign mercenaries. 9. dispose of (verb phrase): to throw (something) away; to get rid of (something) ✎ The smokers at the coffee shop have to dispose their cigarette butts in one of the ashtrays available. 10. wake (n): a time before a dead person is buried when people gather to remember the person who has died and often to view the body ✎ The ex-president’s wake was attended by many famous people. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 11. get a grip (on yourself) (idiom): to control your emotions ✎ I needed to get a grip on myself because I was going on stage in five minutes. 12. grounds (n): a reason for doing or thinking something — usually plural ✎ The company has been accused of discriminating on the grounds of race.
73
The House of the Scorpion
13. decency (n): polite, moral, and honest behavior and attitudes that show respect for other people ✎ Decency, not fear of punishment, caused them to do return the wallet. 14. antisocial (adj): not friendly to other people ✎ She's not being antisocial; she's just shy around new people. 15. chip off the old block (idiom): a person (usually refers to a boy) who behaves in the same way as or resembles a parent (his father) ✎ Bill is a banker just like his father — he is a chip off the old block. 16. refugee (n): someone who has been forced to leave a country for war or for religious or political reasons ✎ Millions of Syrian refugees have fled their home because of war. 17. dupe (v): to deceive or trick (someone) into believing or doing something — usually used as (be) duped ✎ He was duped into buying a phony watch. 18. rerun (n): a television program or movie that is shown again ✎ I missed to TV show so I will wait for the rerun.
74
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. DRAW CONCLUSIONS What is Matt being tested by Willem and the other doctors for? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. CAUSE & EFFECT Why was Matt allowed to keep his intelligence? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. MAKE INFERENCES What is implied by El Patron when he says, “I am meant to have those lives.” ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why and how has Celia been poisoning Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. MAKE INFERENCES Why did the technician want a snip of Matt’s hair? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. How does El Patrón die? a. Celia poisoned El Patrón. b. Celia puts arsenic in El Patrón's feeding tube, and he dies. c. He becomes so enraged that he has another heart attack and dies. d. He opts to use an eejit's heart instead, but it’s too weak for him. 7. CHARACTER EMOTIONS How does Matt react to El Patron’s death? Is his reaction strange? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What is Mr. Alacran’s order to Tam Lin? How many other clones have there been? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
75
The House of the Scorpion
9. How has Tam Lin changed? What will happen to Celia? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10.SHARE YOUR OPINION What do you think about what Celia said and did? Why do you think she did that? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 11. Describe Matt’s thoughts and feelings at the beginning of the chapter. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What really happened to Celia? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. CHARACTER MOTIVES Mr. Alacran tells Tam Lin to murder Matt after his grandfather's death. What does Tam Lin do? a. He hides Matt in a stable. b. He gives Matt supplies and sets him on a path to Aztlán. c. He and Matt make a pact that Matt will never return to Opium. d. He pleads for Matt's life, and Mr. Alacran relents and allows Matt to become an eejit on the farm. 14. What was Tam Lin’s perspective on the bombing? a. Since the bombing was intended to be for the prime minister, it takes away the blame from him. b. Since the bombing was an accident, it takes away the blame from him. c. Even though the bombing was an accident, it doesn’t take away from the horror of it. d. Even though the bombing was an accident, he regrets making Daft Donald mute. 15. Who helped Tam Lin to realize the truth about who he had become while working for El Patron? a. Daft Donald. b. Celia. c. Maria. d. El Patron.
76
The House of the Scorpion
16. CHARACTER MOTIVES What does Tam Lin mean when he says he can’t escape the “moral consequences”? What does he intend to do? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. What does Tam Lin tell Matt to go? Do? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. What is the “filthy lie” about clones? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 19. What is meant by “El Patron kept Opium frozen one hundred years in the past”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 20. SEQUENCE Where does Tam Lin tell Matt to go when he gets to Aztlan? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 21. MAKE CONNECTIONS What is significant about Matt’s escape? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
77
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 23-24 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the word. 1. On what grounds would citizens revolt? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How would you feel if you were duped by a sham? _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Who would use fertilizer and arsenic? __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. If someone lavishly showed you affection, what would that indicate? _________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Would a president dread for the country to prosper? ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. If the catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got your tongue, how are you feeling? ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Why do people go to a wake? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Would a mercenary be known for his decency? ___________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Would you be dismissive of something intrigues you or if something is irrational? _______________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Why would someone desert a boat? ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. If an antisocial boy is a chip off the old block, what is his father like? _________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What has a refugee deserted? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
78
The House of the Scorpion
Writing an Opinion Essay The basic five-paragraph essay structure works extremely well for an opinion essay. An opinion essay exists to prove your main point – your thesis. This should be clearly stated in your opening paragraph.
Next, develop your argument in the body of your essay. Each paragraph should contain a single, clear idea (the “topic sentence”) that support your point of view or your main idea. You can use examples and illustration, causeand-effect reasoning, comparison/contrast or other methods of development to support your argument. Each body paragraph is made up of five or more sentences that develop your single, clear idea.
✎ STRUCTURE [ Paragraph One : The Introduction ] • Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.” • Give an overview of the argument. • Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.
[ Paragraphs Two, Three and Four: The Body ] Remember back in Paragraph One, you gave three reasons for your opinion? Three reasons equals three body paragraphs. Each of the body paragraphs should take one of your reasons and explain it in more detail, citing sources where necessary. Any statements you make that would cause a reader to say, “Wait, how do you know that’s true?” need to be backed up with support.
[ Paragraph Five : The Conclusion ] Former Newfoundland premier Joey Smallwood once said about giving speeches: "First I tell them what I'm going to tell them, then I tell them, then I tell them what I told them." In the conclusion, sum up your argument by restating your thesis statement and reminding the reader what your three reasons were.
✎ TOPIC Choose one of the following: 1. Write about the idea of power, and the role that power plays in this essay. What do you think the outcome of having so much power would be? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? 2. Both Maria and Esperanza went against the norm and spoke out against what they thought was wrong. Write about a time when you stood up for something that you believed in. Was it hard to express an opinion that other people didn’t agree with? Why or why not? 3. If you could be cloned would you want to be? Why or Why not? If you had family members who could be cloned would you encourage them to be cloned? Why or Why not?
✎ PREWRITING First, jot down some major ideas for you topic. Then brainstorm details for those ideas.
✎ PROOFREADING Do a final proofreading of your paper double-checking your grammar, spelling, organization, and the clarity of your ideas.
79
The House of the Scorpion
80
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
81
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
82
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
83
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
84
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 25 & 26 ] Vocabulary 1. dawdle (v): waste time ✎ She dawdled over her painting, taking care to color the details. 2. machete (n): a large, heavy knife that is used for cutting plants and as a weapon ✎ The army cut a path through the jungle using machetes. 3. confront (v): to force (someone) to see or deal with (something, such as a problem) in a direct way ✎ The photographs confront the viewer with images of desperate poverty. 4. fatigue (n): the state of being very tired; extreme weariness ✎ We were overcome by fatigue after the long journey. 5. feat (n): an act or achievement that shows courage, strength, or skill ✎ The mountain climber made it to the base camp with frost bite on his feet, which was quite a feat. 6. incessant (adj): continuing without stopping — used to describe something that is unpleasant or annoying ✎ The neighbors were bothered by the dog's incessant barking. 7. hodgepodge (n): a mixture of different things ✎ You can see a hodgepodge of costumes on Halloween. 8. commotion (n): noisy excitement and confusion ✎ The judge motioned for the disagreeing lawyers to sit down and end the commotion. 9. agility (n): able to move quickly and easily ✎ A leopard’s agility and speed allow them to hunt animals well. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 10. stump (v): to be too difficult for (someone) to answer ✎ This problem has me stumped, so I went online to find the answer. 11. plankton (n): the very small animal and plant life in an ocean, lake, etc. ✎ A whale shark’s diet is mainly plankton, so they come to the surface to feed. 12. lounge (v): to sit or lie in a relaxed way ✎ She was lounging on the sofa watching TV. 13. arouse (v): to cause (an emotional or mental state) ✎ The championship soccer game aroused great emotions from both groups of fans. 14. rivet (v): to attract and hold all of someone's attention — usually used as (be) riveted ✎ All eyes were riveted on the famous actress as she walked past. 85
The House of the Scorpion
15. entice (v): to attract (someone) especially by offering or showing something that is appealing, interesting, etc. ✎ The jeweler showed us an impressive array of rings to entice us into buying one. 16. welfare (n): the state of being happy, healthy, or successful ✎ She donates to organizations concerned about children’s welfare. 17. virtue (n): a good and moral quality ✎ Patience is a virtue found in good teachers. 18. aspire (v): to want to have or achieve something (such as a particular career or level of success) — often + to ✎ The best friends aspired to have careers in medicine. 19. take advantage of (noun phrase): to use (something) unfairly for personal gain ✎ The care salesman took advantage of my lack of knowledge and tried to sell me the more expensive car. 20. earnest (adj): serious and sincere; not lighthearted or playful ✎ I made an earnest effort to learn French in one year. 21. improvise (v): to speak or perform without preparation ✎ I forgot the end of my speech, so I had to improvise the rest.
86
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. CHARACTER MOTIVES What does Matt plan to do once he meet Esperanza? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. CAUSE & EFFECT Why does Matt weep for El Patron? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What was one major obstacle Matt had at the high granite cliff? What helped him overcome it? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What does Matt finally see across the border in Aztlan? What is his reaction? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Before crossing the border, who does Matt see? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. How was Matt able to get across the border? What did he lose? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 7. How was Matt welcomed to Aztlan? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What is Matt’s cover story? What name did Matt taken when he asked? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Why is Matt labeled an "aristocrat" by the keepers? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
87
The House of the Scorpion
10. Why was Matt asked about skills? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Is Matt familiar with the new technology available? Why or why not? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What does “The orderly production of resources is vital to the general good of the people” (p. 264), “Its hard, but fair” and “Attention to the welfare of the nation is the highest virtue to which a citizen can aspire” (p. 265) tell you about the priorities of the country of Aztlan? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. MAKE INFERENCES What is a “keeper”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. CHARACTER MOTIVES How does Matt act when he is with the boys? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. DRAW CONCLUSIONS Why are the boys locked in? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. What are the boys doing? How do they get food? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. MAKE JUDGEMENTS What kind of place is this? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. Where will Matt do going soon? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
88
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 25-26 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. agility
incessant
feat
commotion
fatigue
confronted
1. The coach objected to the soccer player going back on the field even though his ________________ subsided. 2. The disconsolate employee lamented over his boss’ ______________________ demands, and he was ______________________ with the option of quitting or toiling to meet the demands. 3. Even though he is a decent runner, the coach showed indifference about recruiting him to the team since he lacks ______________________. 4. The contestants were on stage to attempt the irrational ______________________ of eating 100 pies in an hour, and I was astonished when a contestant won in 45 minutes. 5. There was a lot of ______________________ as the audience welcomed the singer with fanfare. 6. The farmer worked vigorously everyday to complete the ______________________ amount of work. It left him in such ______________________ that the thought of selling the farm occurred to him. 7. There was a lot of fervor over whether or not the magician will be triumphant in his ______________________ to stay underwater for 10 hours. 8. The mayor’s office was ______________________ by the hostile protestors picketing outside who were catapulting eggs to the building. 9. The mother could not subdue the baby’s ______________________ crying, and the constant ______________________ affected everyone’s mood in the airplane. 10. After getting lost during our excursion, we were ravenous and suffering from ______________________ when we were finally rescued a week later. dawdle
enticed
stumped
machetes
earnest
aroused
11. Despite his ______________________ attempts at solving the math problem, he was ______________________ and had to ask the teacher for help. 12. His tendency to ______________________ subsided once the coach harangued him with threats to expel him from the team. 13. Using ______________________ to create a way through the dense vegetation, the biologists ventured into the rain forest as the hope for new plant discoveries ______________________ their curiosity. 14. He made a(n) _____________________ decision to quit his job as a banker to aspire in a new career in acting. 15. The lazy employee got fired on the grounds of his laziness and constant _____________________*. 16. The sales ______________________ shoppers to the mall who were ecstatic to find good deals. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
89
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 27 & 28 ] Vocabulary 1. ignorant (adj): lacking knowledge or information ✎ She was ignorant about the dangers of driving while text messaging on her mobile phone. 2. deprive (v): deny the use of something ✎ The plant was deprived of water so it died. 3. deed (n): an action that is performed intentionally or consciously ✎ The firefighter was respected for all the good deeds he did for his community. 4. quota (n): a specific amount or number that is expected to be achieved ✎ The department set new sales quotas for their salespeople after the Christmas sale. 5. suffocate (v): to die because you are unable to breathe ✎ Do not leave a dog in the car on a hot day or he will surely suffocate! 6. ritual (n): an act or series of acts done in a particular situation and in the same way each time ✎ My dad has the daily ritual of preparing breakfast while my mom helps us kids get ready for school. 7. individualism (n): the belief that the needs of each person are more important than the needs of the whole society or group ✎ America is a society that believes strongly in individualism whereas France believes in social welfare. 8. beam (v): to smile happily ✎ She beamed as she told us the good news. 9. have (one’s) work cut out (idiom): have something very difficult to do ✎ That report is due tomorrow, so she has her work cut out for her. 10. nerve (n): courage that allows you to do something that is dangerous, difficult, or frightening ✎ It takes a lot of nerve to go on stage and speak in front of an audience. 11. despair (n): the feeling of no longer having any hope ✎ Bobby was overcome by despair at being unable to find his missing dog. 12. accumulate (v): to gather or acquire (something) gradually as time passes ✎ The thrifty man accumulated a million dollars after years of saving. 13. bask (v): to enjoy the attention and good feelings expressed by others ✎ He stood before the audience, basking in their applause.
90
The House of the Scorpion ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 14. vain (adj): producing no result; useless ✎ Tim didn't study for his test and made a vain attempt to study for it ten minutes before class started. 15. inevitable (adj): sure to happen ✎ Some criticism was inevitable for the coach whose team had a losing streak. 16. purgatory (n): a place or state of suffering ✎ The final exams were jokingly referred to as a purgatory. 17. tend (v): to give your attention to and take care of (something or someone) ✎ She tends her garden daily. 18. emblem (n): an object or picture used to suggest a thing that cannot be shown ✎ The balance scale is an emblem of the justice system of courts and judges. 19. swanky (adj): very fashionable and expensive ✎ There are many swanky fashion shops and restaurants in Paris. 20. not have the heart (to do something) (idiom): have the heart ✎ I didn't have the heart to tell him his injury would prevent him from playing football. 21. brine (n): the salty water of the ocean ✎ The shrimp were kept in ocean brine until they were ready to be eaten. 22. morale (n): the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time ✎ The soccer team's morale was high as they led the game, 5-2. 23. rancid (adj): having a strong and unpleasant smell or taste from no longer being fresh ✎ Some foods turn rancid quickly unless they are stored in the fridge. 24. triumph (v): to achieve victory especially in a long or difficult contest ✎ His favorite team triumphed in the championship game. 25. sieve (v): to put (something) through a sieve (a kitchen tool that has many small holes and that is used to separate smaller particles from larger ones or solids from liquids) ✎ She sieved the flour into a mixing bowl. 26. astounded (adj): shock or surprise ✎ The explorers were astounded by the gold they discovered. 27. loaf (v): to spend time relaxing instead of working
91
The House of the Scorpion ✎ After a tough week at work, I spent most of the weekend just loafing around the house. 28. presume (v): to think that (something) is true without knowing that it is true ✎ I presume that the sports car was very expensive. 29. revolution (n): the violent attempt by many people to end the rule of one government and start a new one ✎ Middle Eastern and North African countries tried to unseat their rulers during the Arab Spring revolution.
92
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. Who were the Lost Boys and Lost Girls? ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What was Opium called at the work camps? What was known about it? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What do the orphans think has happened to their parents? What does Matt think has actually happened? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What did the boys have to recite before eating? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What does Raul compare individualism to? Do you agree or disagree? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Is individualism is discouraged or encouraged in Aztlan? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What did Matt suggest about Raulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story? What was Raulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
93
The House of the Scorpion
8. CAUSE & EFFECT How did the boys react to Matt’s exchange with Raul? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. CHARACTER EMOTIONS How does Matt feel about finally having friends? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10.What did Matt not want the other boys to see? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 11. CAUSE & EFFECT Why was Matt’s work quota double what it was for the other boys? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What other two boys went with Matt to the factory? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Who vomited on the plane? Who had to clean it up? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. What is the air and climate condition of the factory like? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. MAKE JUDGEMENTS Why do you think the work camp’s symbol is a beehive? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. What is plankton? Why is it being harvested? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
94
The House of the Scorpion
17. What happened to the Colorado River and Gulf of California? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. Why werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Fidelito and his grandmother allowed to leave the refugee camp? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 19. CHARACTER TRAITS In what way was Carlos hypocritical? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 20. CAUSE & EFFECT Why were the boys denied dinner? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 21. MAKE JUDGEMENTS What is your impression of the Keepers? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
95
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 25-26 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. vain
deprived
inevitable
deeds
morale
beaming
1. The prisoner felt ravenous after being _______________________ of food. 2. The singer was _______________________ as the people greeted her with much fanfare. 3. As the crowd furiously harangued the corrupt politician, the police made a _______________________ attempt to ebb the fervor. 4. The citizens feverishly protested to expel the judge for his corrupt _______________________. 5. The worker’s _______________________ was very low because their employer took advantage of them y making them toil away long hours to meet a production _______________________. 6. It was _______________________ that he would retch because of the rancid smell. 7. The camper was _______________________ because she had amassed a lot of firewood after rummaging in the forest. 8. The boy felt queasy and made a _______________________ effort to hold in his lunch, but he soon threw up all over the car seat. 9. The coach harangued the team for their loss in hopes for them to aspire to be better, but it made the team feel dejected and lowered their _______________________. viciously
deprived
swanky
loafed
accumulated
astounded
10. He _______________________ a lot of money and retired early, lounging all day in his _______________________ house. 11. I was _______________________ at the devotion the Tibetan monks had for following the code of Buddhism, many of whom isolate themselves in the mountains for over five years. 12. As the soldiers fought _______________________ and triumphed over the enemy who feverishly retreated back into the forest. 13. Since he _______________________ around all weekend, he has his work cut out for him and he must shovel all the snow that has _______________________ on his driveway and sidewalk. 14. When the diver’s air tank ran out of air, he was _______________________ of oxygen and suffocated. 15. Hiram Bingham was _______________________ when his earnest efforts finally led to his discovery of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, an architectural feat that was in a class by itself. 16. After the hyena _______________________ attacked and devoured the deer, we saw a mutilated body. 17. Tainted by memories of financial turmoil that took away his _______________________ lifestyle, Mark disengaged himself from the rest of the world, and confined himself to living in the mountains. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
96
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 29 & 30 ] Vocabulary 1. fast (v): to eat no food for a period of time ✎ Patients must fast for six hours before having the surgery. 2. irritated (adj): impatient, angry, or annoyed ✎ The other passengers were irritated by a passenger’s loud snoring. 3. self-criticism (n): criticism of your own faults and weaknesses ✎ The basketball player was not good at accepting self-criticism and always made excuses for his mistakes. 4. harbor (v): to have (something, such as a thought or feeling) in your mind for a long time ✎ He still harbors deep feelings of anger toward his neighbor who ran over his dog. 5. contradictory (adj): containing elements which are inconsistent or in conflict ✎ The accused burglar made contradictory comments which caused the police to be suspicious of him. 6. siesta (n): a regular period of sleep or rest in the afternoon in some hot countries ✎ Most of the shops were closed after lunch for a two-hour siesta. 7. crestfallen (adj): very sad and disappointed ✎ After losing its last game, the team was crestfallen. 8. incite (v): to cause (someone) to act in an angry, harmful, or violent way ✎ The home team’s loss incited a riot by the soccer fans, who were angry by the humiliating defeat. 9. astray (v): away from what is right, good, or desirable — usually used with go or lead ✎ Older students led Paul astray and he started smoking. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 10. arthritic (adj): of, relating to, or afflicted with arthritis (a disease that causes the joints of the body to become swollen and painful) ✎ When Mark began to show arthritic symptoms in his fingers, he quit his job as a typist. 11. horde (n): a large group of people ✎ A horde of tourists entered the museum. 12. desolate (adj): deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness ✎ We were lost in the desolate desert looking for something to eat. 13. beached (v): a large ocean animal has come out of the water onto land and is unable to return to the water. ✎ People were trying to rescue a whale that had beached itself on the shore.
97
The House of the Scorpion
14. gag (v): to vomit or feel as if you are about to vomit ✎ The smell of the trash almost made me gag. 15. rouse (v): to cause (someone who is tired or not interested) to become active ✎ I was so tired I could barely rouse myself to prepare dinner. 16. stupor (n): a condition in which someone is not able to think normally because of being drunk, drugged, tired, etc. ✎ The construction worker was in a stupor of fatigue after working on a hot summer afternoon. 17. falter (v): speak in a hesitant or unsteady voice ✎ “I c-c-can't go,” she faltered once she realized how challenging the hike was going to be. 18. reduce (v): to cause (someone) to be in a lower or weaker state, condition, or role — + to ✎ The family has been reduced to near poverty after their business failed. 19. assume (v): to place yourself in (a particular position or posture) ✎ She assumed a sitting position on the floor. 20. shortcoming (n): a fault or failure to meet a certain standard ✎ The plan seemed like a good idea at first, but later on we abandoned it after we discovered a lot of shortcomings. 21. imperious (adj): having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of someone who gives orders and expects other people to obey them ✎ The dictator speaks in an imperious tone to his servants. 22. lackey (n): a person who is or acts like a weak servant of someone powerful ✎ The celebrity was surrounded by his lackeys. 23. endure (v): to experience (pain or suffering) for a long time ✎ The refugees have endured more hardship than most people can imagine.
98
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. CHARACTER TRAITS Why do they call Matt an aristocrat? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What does Matt attribute these “aristocratic” traits to? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. SUMMARIZE What is the message of Jorge's bed time story? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. SUMMARIZE What is self-criticism? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. MAKE INFERENCES Why do you think this self-criticism is encouraged? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Matt noticed a contradiction in the bedtime story. Why didn’t he say it to Jorge? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. CAUSE & EFFECT What was Matt’s response to Jorge and what was the consequence? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What kept Matt from being completely broken by his experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇
99
The House of the Scorpion
9. What do Matt and Chacho find? How did they figure out what it was? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. MAKE INFERENCES What is the purpose of targeting Matt with accusations every night? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. According to Jorge, what do good bees do to evil drones? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What happened to Ton-Ton? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. What lesson did Matt learn from what happened to Ton-Ton? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. CAUSE & EFFECT Why did Matt finally confess? What are the two results of this confession? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. When Matt is taken to the infirmary, what do they give him to ease his pain? a. Tylenol b. Laudanum c. Poppy seed muffins d. Opium 100
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 29-30 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the word. 1. Would a lackey be described as servile or rebellious? ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. On a desolate area, would you see hordes of people? ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What would rouse someone from a stupor of fatigue? _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. If someone is fasting, what are they enduring? __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Would a imperious person like to hear self-criticism? ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Why might someone be reduced to tears if he/she saw a beached dolphin?____________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. If someone wants to incite a ďŹ ght, what kind of feelings is he/she harboring? ___________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What do you assume about a person who is gagging? _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. What would make you irritated? ______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. How do you feel after a siesta? ______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. If a student went astray from his/her studies, would they prosper or be expelled? _______________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Would a mourner feel crestfallen or vulnerable? __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
101
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 31 & 32 ] Vocabulary 1. smug (adj): highly self-satisfied ✎ The athlete smugly celebrated his success to his fans disappointment. 2. compound (n): an area enclosed by a fence ✎ The army compound was protected by police. 3. scornfully (adv): done in a way that shows dislike or hate ✎ She stared at him scornfully after he broke her phone by dropping it in the swimming pool. 4. deliberation (n): the quality of being slow and careful ✎ The judge showed deliberation before he made his decision. 5. guffaw (v): to laugh loudly ✎ The audience was guffawing at all of the comedian’s jokes. 6. welt (n): a usually large bump or red area that appears on your skin because of injury or illness ✎ The slave had welts on his back after a beating from his owner. 7. reference (n): the act of referring to something or someone; in connection to ✎ The tennis coach wrote a letter to a player in reference to his recent complaints about the team’s policies. 8. suppress (v): to not allow yourself to feel, show, or be affected by (an emotion) ✎ I could not suppress my anger when my brother told me he broke my favorite toy. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 9. reverie (n): a state in which you are thinking about pleasant things ✎ I drifted into a reverie during math class. 10. go over one’s head (idiom): to fail to understand something ✎ Even thought she was being sarcastic, he took her seriously, so I knew the joke went over his head. 11. pummel (v): to repeatedly hit or punch (someone or something) very hard ✎ The thief was pummeled by the man he tried to rob who turned out to be a boxer. 12. surge (v): (of a crowd or a natural force) move suddenly and powerfully forward or upwardly ✎ The fans surged forward when the singer came in stage. 13. seize (v): to take or use (something, such as a chance or opportunity) in a quick and eager way ✎ He seized the chance to apply for the soccer team. 14. tolerate (v): to allow (something that is bad, unpleasant, etc.) to exist, happen, or be done ✎ Our teacher will not tolerate bullying. 102
The House of the Scorpion
15. imply (v): strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated) ✎ The teacher's frown implied that she was very upset. 16. rebellion (n): an effort by many people to change the government or leader of a country by the use of protest or violence ✎ The unfair tax laws sparked a rebellion. 17. relentless (adj): constant ✎ The explorers’ relentless effort to find gold was all in vain.
103
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. Who is Luna? What is wrong with something that he says that confuses Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. CAUSE & EFFECT What happened to Matt’s skin? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Describe the keepers’ compound and how they live. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What happened every night with the keepers? What was the significance of this event to Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. How would you describe Ton-Ton? What does Matt think about him? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What is Matt’s escape plan? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. COMPARE & CONTRAST According to Tam Lin, what’s the difference between a prisoner and a jailer? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Why was “friendship a pain” for Matt? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. CAUSE & EFFECT Why is Ton-Ton so loyal to Jorge? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
104
The House of the Scorpion
10. Matt finally admits who is his mother? Who does he see as his father figure? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. How does this realization affect him? What does Chacho do? What does this say about his character? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 12. Why does Jorge decide to punish Fidelito? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. What did Matt do instead of retreating to his “private kingdom”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. What was Flaco’s “implied threat”? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. What was found out about Matt? How did this change things? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. Who sticks up for Matt? Why is this significant? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
105
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 31-32 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. reverie
relentless
pummeled
suppressed
compounds
deliberation
surged
1. He made a pact with his dad that he would pass the next math test, so he was ______________________ in his studies as he toiled away every night. 2. With careful ______________________, the detectives earnestly tried to look for fingerprints or other clues on the ransom note. 3. The lackey was dawdling with his work while lost in ______________________. 4. The hotel’s ______________________ was lavishly decorated, and it began to resemble a palace. 5. His _____________________ begging was done in vain, as his mom continued to reject her son’s incessant request for new video games. 6. After roaming the fields all day, the horses retreated into their ______________________, where they would be confined until the next morning. 7. Maria’s ______________________ attempts to save the faltering company proved to be successful, and soon, the company’s profits surged over its competitors. 8. After he farted quietly, he ______________________ his guffaw as the stench permeated the room. 9. The mercenaries formed a perimeter around the enemy and ______________________ forward with their machetes. 10. With ______________________ fervor, the boxer ______________________ his opponent until the referee had to stop it. smug
rebellion
scornfully
seized
reverie
tolerate
11. When the lackey made a mistake measuring the king’s gown, the king ______________________ banished him to another country. 12. It’s inevitable that Timmy will be expelled from school because his teacher could not ______________________ his rebellious nature that was discouraging other students from studying. 13. It never occurred to him that his ______________________ demeanor made him appear stuck-up. 14. When he started getting lost in ______________________, it indicated that the history lesson went over his head. 15. Once the Incas protested and planned a ______________________ against the malicious Spanish conquerers, war was inevitable. 16. The criminal was ______________________ by the police for his immoral misdeeds and confined in the jail cell until his court hearing. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
106
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 33 & 34 ] Vocabulary 1. infectious (adj): easily spreading ✎ His laugh was so infectious that everyone began laughing. 2. consent (v): to give permission for something to happen or be done — often + to ✎ She consented to a meeting despite her busy schedule. 3. havoc (n): a situation in which there is much destruction or confusion ✎ A powerful tornado wreaked havoc on the small village. 4. revive (v): to make (someone or something) strong, healthy, or active again ✎ The victim was revived by the doctors. 5. consciousness (n): the normal state of being awake and able to understand what is happening around you ✎ He lost consciousness when the ball hit him on the head. 6. sheer (adj): total; used to emphasize the large amount, size, or degree of something ✎ It is clear to see that the sheer size of that elephant makes it impossible to transport him in the van. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 7. exhort (v): to try to influence (someone) by words or advice; to strongly urge (someone) to do something ✎ She exhorted the crowd to vote for her. 8. methodical (adj): done by using a careful and organized procedure ✎ He methodically reviewed the study's findings and realized that there were some problems with the results. 9. maneuver (v): perform a movement or series of moves requiring skill and care ✎ The machine was too difficult to maneuver so I had to ask for help. 10. pulse (n): he regular movement of blood through your body that is caused by the beating of your heart and that can be felt by touching certain parts of your body ✎ My pulse quickened when I heard the exciting news. 11. sidetracked (v): to cause (someone) to talk about or do something different and less important — usually used as (be/get) sidetracked ✎ I got sidetracked by the phone call and forgot the story I was telling. 12. evade (v): to stay away from (someone or something) : to avoid (someone or something) ✎ The celebrity tried to evade the paparazzi by wearing a disguise. 13. optimistic (adj): having or showing hope for the future; expecting good things to happen ✎ The new CEO has an optimistic view of the company's future. 107
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. Describe the boneyard. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What did Jorge insist to his helper? Why was the other keeper bothered by this? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What scares Matt and Chacho while they are in the boneyard? a. dehydration b. hunger c. bats d. lightening 4. How were the boys able to free themselves? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Why was the storm important? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. How does Matt describe Tam Lin? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What is the boys’ state at the end of the chapter? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇
108
The House of the Scorpion
8. How does Ton-Ton retrieves Chacho from the boneyard? a. With a truck b. With a shrimp harvester c. By forming a human chain d. By fastening a rope around him 9. What has happened to the Keepers? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. How are the boys escaping? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. How does the shrimp harvester run? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What was Chachoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. CAUSE & EFFECT Why does Matt and Fidelito continue on foot once Ton Ton's vehicle dies? a. He is worried the Keepers will find him. b. He is worried about night predators. c. He is worried that Maria will not be in school anymore. d. He is worried Chacho will not survive. 14. CHARACTER EMOTIONS How does Ton-Ton feel about Jorge? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. Do you think Ton Tonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feelings have anything to do with his decision to help the boys? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 109
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 33-34 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Answer the questions to show your understanding of the word. 1. What might an optimistic person presume about their destiny? _____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What happens to the pulse of a person who is suffocating? _________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Would a person show reliability if they are known to often get sidetracked? ____________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. If a person has taken a sedative, what is their level of consciousness? _________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. If a person is in deliberation, is he/she acting methodically or feverishly? ______________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Who would be easier to exhort: a servile person or an imperious person? ______________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. If cyanide permeated in the air, could that wreak havoc? ___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Would you try to evade a malicious person or an intriguing person ? __________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Are many people efďŹ cient at maneuvering a car? _________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. How do you revive a person who has suffered from malnutrition? ___________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. If someone is eavesdropping, has he/she received consent? _________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. How can a daft idea become infectious? __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
110
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 35 & 36 ] Vocabulary 1. ordeal (n): an experience that is very unpleasant or difficult ✎ It was an ordeal to navigate the ship through the storm, but the veteran captain calmly steered. 2. register (v): properly notice or become aware of ✎ I couldn't register what was happening in the soccer game 3. tentacle (n): one of the long, thin parts like arms of some sea creatures, used for feeling and holding things, catching food, or moving. ✎ The octopus used it tentacles to capture it’s prey. 4. nauseous (adj): affected with sickness; the feeling of wanting to vomit ✎ That fart smell is making me nauseous! Open the window! 5. mausoleum (n): a stone building with places for the dead bodies of several people or the body of an important person ✎ Members of the royal family are buried in the family mausoleum. 6. distinguish (v): recognize or treat (someone or something) as different ✎ In that large crowd, it was hard to distinguish who was my mother. 7. incense (n): a substance that is used often in religious ceremonies to produce a strong and pleasant smell when it is burned ✎ Inside the Buddhist temple, hundreds of incense inside. 8. reluctantly (adv): unwilling and hesitant; disinclined ✎ He reluctantly agreed to help us. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 9. coax (v): to cause (something) to do something by making a careful and continual effort ✎ He coaxed the fire to burn by blowing on it. 10. hovel (n): a small, poorly built and often dirty house ✎ The poor village in the countryside is scattered with hovels. 11. reveler (n): a person who is celebrating with other people in usually a wild and noisy way ✎ The streets were crowded with revelers on New Years Eve. 12. underdog (n): a competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest ✎ During the World Cup match, Ghana was the underdog against Brazil.
111
The House of the Scorpion
13. crusade (n): a major effort to change something — usually + for or against ✎ She has devoted herself to the crusade for equal rights for immigrants. 14. flustered (adj): upset or nervous
✎ He was too flustered to speak after the bully stole his money. 15. intensive care (n): a section of a hospital where special medical equipment and services are provided for patients who are seriously injured or ill ✎ Serious patients are treated in the intensive care unit. 16. mutiny (n):a situation in which a group of people (such as sailors or soldiers) refuse to obey orders and try to take control away from the person who commands them ✎ The sailors staged a mutiny against the evil captain and took control of the ship. 17. truss (v): to tie up (someone) tightly to prevent movement ✎ The thieves trussed the guards and stole several paintings. 18. brutish (adj): rough, uncivilized, violent, and stupid ✎ The man was asked to leave the bar because of his brutish behavior. 19. condemn (v): to cause (someone) to suffer or live in difficult or unpleasant conditions — + to ✎ His lack of education condemned him to a life of poverty. 20. avenge (v): to harm or punish someone who has harmed you or someone or something that you care about ✎ The brothers vowed to avenge the death of their father. 21. pamper (v): indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness; spoil ✎ The prince has been pampered all throughout his life. 22. traffic (v): to buy or sell something especially illegally — usually + in ✎ The gang has made its entire fortune from trafficking drugs and weapons. 23. warrant (n): a document issued by a court that gives the police the power to do something ✎ The police had a warrant for his arrest because he had stolen a car.
112
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. What happened to Matt at the Colorado River? What did Fidelito do as a result? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Who came to help Matt and Chacho? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What is the first thing that Matt needs? a. A bandage. b. Some water. c. A pillow. d. An inhaler. 4. Where were Matt and Fidelito taken? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What was being celebrated? How did this make Matt feel? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Where were the boys going to be taken to? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. How will the boys use this day to their advantage? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 8. What are the costumes like and which one does Matt recognize? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
113
The House of the Scorpion
9. Who did Matt and Fidelito see in Chachoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital room? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Who stopped the fight with the Keepers at the hospital? How did she look? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What did the Aztlan police discover? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What happened to the keepers? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Who arrived at the end of the chapter? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
114
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 35-36 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. flustered
mausoleum
revelers
condemn
nauseous
trussed
underdogs
1. The scent of incense burning permeated the temple, and most people like it, but some feel ________________. 2. The __________________ were __________________ when the police came to their compounds and made them end the party because the neighbors were besides themselves with anger from the incessant commotion. 3. Although the __________________ were less skilled than the reigning champions, they reluctantly accepted a proposal for a friendly game. 4. After the wake, the distinguished leader was buried in the __________________. 5. The intruder was caught by the homeowners who vigorously pummeled him and then __________________ him until the police arrived. 6. He was so __________________ that he was retching all morning, so he went to the doctor to get antibiotics. 7. The __________________ threw themselves into the New Years Day party, drinking a lot of alcohol, but they felt __________________ the next morning and wished that they had restrained themselves. 8. The __________________ were losing by 20 points and felt __________________. 9. Servile mourners still visit the __________________ of immoral dictator while others __________________ him for his malevolence. trafficking
tentacles
intensive care
warrant
crusade
registered
avenge
ordeal
10. The aristocrat was lavishly pampered his whole life, so he never experienced __________________ or hard work in his life. 11. Many organizations are devoted to the __________________ against human __________________ which is the exploitation and trade of humans-- the current number of victims reported to be 2.4 million. 12. It __________________ to the diver that he needs to get out of the water when he saw __________________ in the distance. 13. The brutish dictator planned to __________________ the intruders who stole his gold by burning down their entire village of hovels. 14. The senile patient was taken into __________________ when his pulse weakened drastically, causing his children to feel hysterical. 15. The police had a(n) __________________ for his arrest for his reproachful involvement of __________________ endangered animals, and they plan to seize all the animals from his compound. 16. It is a(n) __________________ when a sea animal gets caught in an octopus’ __________________ because it will be suffocated to death. 115
The House of the Scorpion
[ Chapters 37 & 38 ] Vocabulary 1. revel in (something) (verb phrase): to enjoy (something) very much ✎ She reveled in her success. 2. invalid (n): a person who needs to be cared for because of injury or illness ✎ After his stroke, her husband has become an invalid. 3. resilient (adj): able to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens ✎ The soccer player was resilient to injury, and was able to continue playing after colliding into another player. 4. exasperated (adj): angry or annoyed ✎ The flight delays left the passengers feeling tired and exasperated. 5. clamor (v): to ask for or demand something in a loud way ✎ Everyone clamored to know what he had decided to do. 6. cockpit (n): the area in a boat, airplane, etc., where the pilot or driver sits ✎ The door to the cockpit is locked during the flight. 7. exception (n): a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule ✎ While he normally shies away from introducing himself to strangers, he made an exception on the first day of class in his new school. 8. override (v): to make (something) no longer valid ✎These new laws override the old ones. 9. revolt (v): to fight in a violent way against the rule of a leader or government ✎ He tried to organize the farmers to revolt against the king. 10. reigning (adj): occupying the throne; ruling ✎ The tennis player felt inferior went she went on the court to play against the reigning champion. 11. throng (v): to gather in a crowd or in great numbers + around or to ✎ Shoppers thronged to the mall on Christmas week. 12. calloused (adj): having hard and thick skin; having calluses ✎ The carpenter had calloused hands. 13. profound (adj): very great; significant
✎ Computer technology has made profound changes in our lives. ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇ 14. falter (v): to stop being strong or successful : to begin to fail or weaken ✎ The business was faltering due to poor management. 116
The House of the Scorpion
15. narrative (n): a story that is told or written ✎ He is writing a detailed narrative of his life on the island. 16. chamber (n): a small space or a room used for a special purpose ✎ The museum had several chambers that were used for old paintings. 17. wade (v): to walk through water ✎ They took off their sandals and waded at the edge of the pond. 18. inherit (v): to receive (money, property, etc.) from someone when that person dies ✎ The king’s son is the heir to the throne who will inherit the kingdom. 19. felon (n): a criminal who has committed a serious crime (called a felony) ✎ The convicted felon was sentenced to life in jail. 20. imitation (n): the act of copying or imitating someone or something ✎ The sushi restaurant was designed in imitation of a Japanese temple.
117
The House of the Scorpion
[COMPREHENSION ] Answer the open-ended questions in complete sentences. 1. Use three adjective to describe what kind of person Esperanza is. What are her priorities? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How many lock downs have there been for Opium. What is different about this one? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What is Matt's unique role in Esperanza’s plan? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. How does Matt feel about the plan? What makes him finally say yes? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What does Matt learn about his status as a clone? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. COMPARE & CONTRAST How is the Alacran estate different from when Matt lived there before? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Who does Matt see when he is in Opium? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. LITERARY SKILL What does the last two paragraphs from Chapter 37 foreshadow? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇-◇
118
The House of the Scorpion
9. CAUSE & EFFECT What happened at El Patron's funeral. a. El Patrón had arranged for airplanes to drop poisoned pellets during his funeral. b. El Patrón had arranged for poisoned wine to be served at his funeral. c. El Patrón had arranged for hitmen to shoot all attendees at his funeral. d. El Patrón had arranged for a poisonous gas to be emitted into his casket. 10. SHARE YOUR OPINION What does this make you think about El Patron? What kind of leader is he? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. CAUSE & EFFECT How did Daft Donald survive? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. MAKE JUDGEMENTS Tam Lin knew what would happen to him when he drank the wine. Why do you think he drank it anyway? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. CHARACTER MOTIVES Why didn’t Tam Lin warn anyone else? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. What does Matt vow to do? ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ 15. MAKE PREDICTIONS Do you think he will succeed? Explain. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ 16. What does Matt find at the end of the chapter? Describe it. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 119
The House of the Scorpion
Chapters 37-38 Vocabulary Test DIRECTION Use the word box below to fill in the blanks. revolt
felons
throng
inherit
exasperated
reveled in
reigning
1. A horde of fans greeted the _________________ tennis champion with fanfare and _________________* him for his autograph. 2. The jovial protestors ____________________ their triumphant protest against the government to override a law that would reduce their social welfare benefits. 3. The _________________ were kept within the perimeter of the prison, and they methodically planned a mutiny to escape, but the guards were resilient against the _________________. 4. The _________________ king’s pampered son will _________________ the entire kingdom one day. 5. The singer was _________________ by the hordes of photographers incessantly _________________* around her home. 6. The French Revolution was a momentous social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799 where the people of France formed an alliance planned a triumphant _________________ against the _________________ monarchy who deprived them of basic rights. felon
clamor
exception
chamber
falter
imitation
cockpit
7. The mausoleum has many _________________* to hold all the distinguished members of the royal family. 8. He was appalled to find out that he had be duped by a sham when he found out that his swanky watch was a(n) _________________. 9. The demonstrators worked themselves up during the protest, _________________* that they want the corrupt government leaders to be expelled. 10. The _________________ door must be locked at all times during flight and there is no _________________ to the rule. 11. The brutish _________________ was convicted of his hideous crimes and confined in a _________________ for the rest of his life. 12. Peru is the number one producer of counterfeit US dollars in the world, and in 2015, the US Secret Service seized a profound amount of _________________ money that had been trafficked into America from Peru. 13. The child earnestly _________________* for a new toy, but his pleas began to _________________ when it occurred to him that his mom was ignoring him. * change the grammar form of the vocabulary word . bolded blue words are words from the previous chapter
120
The House of the Scorpion
[ Characterization ] Who Said It DIRECTION Match the quote with the character who said it and write the letter next to the character’s name.
Character
Quote a. “I’m going to talk to you about how individualism is like a five legged horse.”
1. _____ Fidelito 2. _____ Raul 3. _____ Maria
b. “I refuse chemotherapy. Dying is a part of life and God is now calling me home.” c. “I’m little, but everyone is supposed to have the same output…”
4. _____ Esperanza
d. “Father decided fetal brain implants were immoral and I honored that decision.”
5. _____ Celia
e. “The history of Opium is soaked in terror and blood.”
6. _____ Chacho
f. “No one can tell the difference between a clone and a human. That’s because there isn’t any difference. The idea of clones being inferior is a filthy lie.”
7. _____Mr. Alacran
g. “It’s like Halloween, only better. It’s the ugliest, gooshiest thing you ever saw, and I bet both of you wet your pants.”
8. _____ Felicia
h. “I knew nothing of Matt being kept in chicken litter until today. As a doctor 9. _____ MacGregor i. “You—hit—little—kids—you—deserve—to—be—hit—back!” 10. _____ El Patron 11. _____ Jorge
j. “Tam Lin said…’Don’t drink it laddie. I’ve got a strange feeling about that wine.’” k. “One more thing—I demand a birthday kiss.”
12. _____ Tom l. “Assume the position. This won’t hurt as much if you cooperate.” 13. _____ Rosa
m. “We make a fine pair of scorpions, don’t we?”
14. _____ Matt
n. “Be good Brother Wolf.”
15. _____ Willum
o. “I grew up on a poultry farm and deep litter is the best way to keep chickens healthy. Filth settles to the bottom—he’ll be fine!”
16. _____ El Viejo
p. “Fetal brain implants, eh? How far in advance do you ‘obtain’ them?”
17. _____Daft Donald
q. “I was a great concert pianist once.”
18. _____ Tam Lim
r. “Don’t call me ‘Mama’!”
121
The House of the Scorpion
FINAL REVIEW QUIZ 1. Where is the story set? a. The story is set in the country of Opium, a strip of land between Mexico (now called Aztlán), and the United States. b. The story is set in the country of United States 2000 years in the future. c. The story is set in make believe country of Aztlán. d. The story is set in Norway's fiords. 2. Where did Matt live his first six years? a. For the first six years of his life, he lived with Urgil, a eejit who works in El Patrón's mansion. b. For the first six years of his life, he lived with Pobol, a horticulturist who works in El Patrón's mansion. c. For the first six years of his life, he lived with Celia, a cook who works in El Patrón's mansion d. For the first six years of his life, he lived with Elmer, a hunter who worked in El Patrón's sport's club. 3. How does Matteo Alacrán, also known as El Patrón make his millions. a. Illegal gambling b. Opium farming c. Covert spying operations d. Selling weapons 4. In what way was Matt different from other clones? a. He had asthma. b. The Alacrán family accepted him as a human. c. He had an enlarged heart. d. He had normal intelligence. 5. Where did El Patrón obtain men for his Farm Patrol? a. He used eejits. b. He used Keepers who had escaped Aztlán. c. He used men convicted of crimes from other countries. d. He hired retired soldiers from the United States. 6. How did El Patrón create obedient, willing workers for his farm? a. Workers who slacked off were severely beaten. b. The work was done completely by machines. c. He had computer chips implanted into their brains. d. He paid them excellent wages.
122
The House of the Scorpion
7. Who killed María's dog, Furball? a. Tom b. Felicia c. El Patrón d. Matt 8. At EI Patron's annual birthday party: a. Everyone ignores Matt b. Furball and Ton-Ton fight c. Matt receives more gifts than EI Patron d. Matt demands a kiss from Maria 9. Which character did Matt consider to be his father? a. El Patrón b. Tam Lin c. Jorge d. Daft Donald 10. At the mansion, only three people treated Matt kindly. Which one below was NOT one of those three? a. Celia b. María c. Felicia d. Tam Lin 11. Who didn't Opium sell their products to? a. Asia b. United States c. Europe d. Africa 12. Who first plants the idea in Matt's mind that he can choose between good and evil? a. Esperanza b. Chacho c. EI Patron d. Tam Lin 13. What did Celia have in common with El Patrón? a. Both used laudanum. b. They both enjoyed cooking. c. They both grew up in the same village. d. They were cousins. 123
The House of the Scorpion
14. Who leaves the chest of supplies for Matt at the oasis? a. Celia b. Tam Lin c. El Patron d. Maria 15. What country bordered Opium to the south? a. Aztlán b. Texas c. Mexico d. United States 16. What did Celia confess to El Patron that cause him to have a heart attack? a. That she reversed the brain implants of the eejits b. That she is responsible for the death of El Viejo c. That she told Matt the truth about what happens to clones d. That she poisoned Matt 17. Which of the following goes AGAINST the principles of Raul and the other Keepers? a. Being a team player b. Working for the betterment of Aztlan c. Individualism d. Food is given out according to whether or not a boy reaches his work quota 18. Why does Matt confess to the Keepers about various "crimes"? a. Jorge threatens to beat Fidelito. b. Chaco begs him to do so. c. Jorge threatens to kill him if he does not confess. d. He thinks he has a better chance to escape if he is in jail. 19. How does Matt become a hero to the “Lost Boys”? a. He kills the head master. b. He defies the Keepers and leads the boys in a rebellion against them. c. He finds a stray dog that wins the hearts of the Keepers. d. He beats up the bully in the orphanage, and living conditions improve. 20. What does El Patrón intend to do with Matt? a. He intends to raise Matt as his son. b. He intends to teach to Matt to imitate mannerisms so Matt can impersonate him. c. He will use him as his interpreter. d. He intends to take Matt's organs when his own organs fail. 124
The House of the Scorpion
21. How old was El Patrón when he died? a. 125 b. 148 c. 150 d. 143 22. What do the police arrest the Keepers for? a. Abusing the orphans b. Almost killing Chaco c. Dealing drugs d. Desecrating the Convent of Santa Clara 23. What problem does Esperanza reveal to Matt about Opium? a. It is now under the control of MacGregor, b. It has been locked down for three months. c. It has been taken over by the United States. d. It is being restructured by the Alacran family. 24. Why is Matt is able to get into Opium during this crisis? a. he has El Patron's exact DNA b. he dresses exactly like El Patron c. the pilot approaches by a secret route known only to Matt d. he travels to the United States and crosses the border 25. What did Matt decide to do with Opium? a. He decided to dismantle the regime. b. He decided to marry an eejit. c. He decided to live in the mansion and raise a family there. d. He decided to ask the medical community to try to give the eejits back their minds and freedom of choice.
125
The House of the Scorpion
Persuasive Writing What is a persuasive/argument essay? In persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something. The essay utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts. When planning a persuasive essay, follow these steps 1. Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay. 2. Understand your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position. 3. Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic. 4. Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic.
✎ STRUCTURE [ Paragraph One : The Introduction ] • Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.” • Give an overview of the argument. • Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.
[ Paragraphs Two, Three and Four: The Body ] Remember back in Paragraph One, you gave three reasons for your opinion? Three reasons equals three body paragraphs. Each of the body paragraphs should take one of your reasons and explain it in more detail, citing sources where necessary. Any statements you make that would cause a reader to say, “Wait, how do you know that’s true?” need to be backed up with support. The following are different ways to support your argument: • Facts - A powerful tool, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience. • Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea believed by many people, but it cannot be proven. • Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your sources. • Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable. • Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are the proof.
[ Paragraph Five : The Conclusion ] Former Newfoundland premier Joey Smallwood once said about giving speeches: "First I tell them what I'm going to tell them, then I tell them, then I tell them what I told them." In the conclusion, sum up your argument by restating your thesis statement and reminding the reader what your three reasons were.
126
The House of the Scorpion
✎ TOPIC Choose one of the following: • • • • • •
POV from Matt explaining why he is a real boy. POV from Celia explaining why Matt is “mi vida”. POV from Rosa justifying her actions. POV from Esperanza to explain her choice to leave her husband and children POV from Old El Patron justifying his actions. POV of El Patron’s political advisor, asking him to abolish one of the following: ✓ Eejits ✓ Opium (the drug) ✓ Opium (the country) ✓ The practice of cloning • POV of Matt’s political advisor, asking him to keep one of the following: ✓ Eejits ✓ Opium (the drug) ✓ Opium (the country) ✓ The practice of cloning
✎ PREWRITING First, jot down some major ideas for you topic. Then brainstorm details for those ideas.
✎ REVISING & PROOFREADING In the revision phase, students review, modify, and reorganize their work with the goal of making it the best it can be. Keep these considerations in mind: • Does the essay present a firm position on the issue, supported by relevant facts, statistics, quotes, and examples? • Does the essay open with an effective “hook” that intrigues readers and keeps them reading? • Does each paragraph offer compelling evidence focused on a single supporting point? • Is the opposing point of view presented and convincingly refuted? • Is the sentence structure varied? Is the word choice precise? Do the transitions between sentences and paragraphs help the reader’s understanding? • Does the concluding paragraph convey the value of the your position and urge the reader to think and act? If the essay is still missing the mark, take another look the thesis. Does it present the strongest argument? Test it by writing a thesis statement for the opposing viewpoint. In comparison, does the original thesis need strengthening? Once the thesis presents a well-built argument with a clear adversarial viewpoint, the rest of the essay should fall into place more easily. Do a final proofreading of your paper double-checking your grammar, spelling, organization, and the clarity of your ideas.
127
The House of the Scorpion
Some bac kgroun d in formation on this is s ue:
What I would s ay to pers uade others of my opin ion :
----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
My pos ition or opin ion
T h o s e w h o h av e a di f f er en t o p i n i o n mi g h t s ay :
In res po n s e, I wo uld s ay :
128
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
129
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
130
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
131
The House of the Scorpion _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
132
The House of the Scorpion
133