The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. Where does Zoey’s mom work?

2. Where do Zoey’s younger siblings attend school?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Zoey mean when she says Matt lives on a tropical island while she swims in the water?

2. What are some indications that Zoey may have a dysfunctional home life?

Chapters 5-8

Reading Check

1. Why is Ms. Rochambeau upset with Zoey when she arrives at class for the animal debate?

2. Where does Zoey put her debate packet rather than presenting it to the class?

3. Who does Ms. Rochambeau say Zoey reminds her of?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Matt’s argument about the orca being the best animal say about Matt?

2. Why do Zoey’s siblings become erratic when she is late to pick them up for school? What does this reveal about the children?

Paired Resource

Academic Achievement and Socioeconomic Background

• This article describes the educational discrepancies between higher and lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
• What are the academic differences between families in various socioeconomic groups? What are the differences between the career aspirations of low socioeconomic groups and those in other economic groupings? Why do you think Zoey has difficulty in school? What effect might Zoey’s background have on her aspirations? How is this article related to the novel’s theme of The Effects of Class on Self-Esteem?