Today's Nonfiction Practice

The Cage

Ruth Minsky Sender

1      We make it across the bridge safely.  The guard does not pay any attention to us.  He stands in his booth playing with his rifle.  Moishe’s heavy breathing tells me that his strength is giving out, but he keeps on going, taking only short rests.  He carries me up three flights to the doctor’s office and puts me down on a chair with a triumphant look.  “We made it, see?  See what a meshuggener can do?”

2      The small room is crowded with people, most of whom look more like human skeletons than men and women.  I feel healthy looking at them.  If it were not for the problem with my legs.  .  .  .

3      After a long wait, our turn comes.  The doctor, a man in his fifties, looking worn, examines me carefully, asking very few questions.  I keep my eyes glued to his face, trying to read the verdict in his expression.  Is there hope for me?  But all I see in his face is frustration, helplessness, pity.

4      “What is wrong with her, doctor?”  Moishe can’t stand the suspense any longer.   “Can you help her?  Can you do something for her?”

5      Avoiding my eyes, the doctor looks at Moishe sadly.  “I wish I could.  I wish I could.  I know her problem – malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, loss of calcium in her bones – but the cure I cannot supply.  I wish I could help her, and all the others.  .  .  .”

6      I feel sorry for the helpless doctor.  I feel sorry for Moishe and his wasted effort.  I feel sorry for myself.

1          In paragraph 1, the word triumphant means –

       A    proud

       B    sorrowful

       C    attentive

       D    tired

2          In paragraph 3, the word verdict means –

       F    appearance

       G    problem

       H    conclusion

       J    face

3     In paragraph 4, the word suspense means –

       A    treatment

       B    notice

       C    anticipation

       D    frustration

4     Which of the following statements is an opinion?

       F    Malnutrition and vitamin deficiency have contributed to the narrator’s illness. 

       G    The narrator has a problem with her legs.  

       H    The doctor is unable to cure the narrator.

       J    Moishe should not have attempted to carry the narrator across the bridge.

5     The reader can infer that the doctor is –

       A    indifferent

       B    overworked

       C    uncaring

       D    well paid

6           Which of the following questions is answered in paragraph 1?

       F    What is Moishe’s relationship to the narrator?

       G    Where does Moishe take the narrator?

       H    How long must the guard remain in the booth?

       J    How long is the bridge they travel across?

7          Which of the following is the BEST summary of the passage?

       A    After reaching the doctor’s office, the narrator is still unable to receive help from the doctor.   

       B    Moishe breathes heavily while carrying the narrator over the bridge.

       C    The doctor’s office is hot and crowded, and Mioshe feels that he has wasted the doctor’s time.

       D    The doctor asks many questions while examining the narrator.

8          “Most of whom look more like skeletons than men and women” is an example of –

       F    simile

       G    metaphor

       H    hyperbole

       J    personification