“Thirteen and a Half" Quiz
Directions: Read "Thirteen and a Half." Then answer the questions below.
1. On page 23, Ashley says that she likes to live life
"to the hilt." What does to the hilt" mean?
A in a quiet and peaceful way
B dangerously
© fully; to the maximum
O carefully
4. Which sentence best expresses a theme of the
story?
Growing up can be both exciting and
challenging
® Nothing is more important than family
© Parakeets make excellent pets.
Sometimes it's kinder to lie than to tell the truth
2. Which line from page 24 suggests that Ashley's
mom wants to get back to her studies?
A "Anyway, the woman gathered Ashley into her
arms and sat down on the rug, hugging her."
6 "Her mom was stroking her hair, whispering
'OK' and occasionally checking her watch."
© “Oh, sweetheart,' said the mom."
0 "Ashley,' said the mom. 'There's something!
have to tell you."
5. Which TWO sentences help develop the theme
you identified in question 4?
"But when you get older, and you can do
anything,' she whispered..." (p. 23)
B "It feels, it just feels like, like the death of my
childhood."" (p. 24)
© "Sweet Pea was sort of a series of birds." (p. 25)
D "Is this the worst playdate of your life?"" p. 26)
3. On page 26, the narrator says, "Usually at a
friend's house we play Ping-Pong or something."
Why does the narrator say this?
A to reveal that Ashley has never played Ping-Pong
B to emphasize the strangeness of her visit with
Ashley
© to show that holding a funeral for a parakeet is
not as fun as playing Ping-Pong
to hint that she doesn't like to play Ping-Pong
6. Choose TWO statements that describe how the
narrator reacts to Ashley's house.
A It seems unusually large to the narrator.
It reminds the narrator a lot of her own house.
© Being in it makes her very relaxed and
comfortable.
0 Being in it makes her a bit uncomfortable and
worried she might get lost.