Long Way Down

Reading Check questions are designed for in-class review on key plot points or for quick verbal or written assessments. Multiple Choice and Short Answer Quizzes create ideal summative assessments, and collectively function to convey a sense of the work’s tone and themes.

Part 1: “Untitled”

Reading Check

1. What has happened to Shawn at the beginning of this story?

2. Why doesn’t Will cry when he is sad?

3. What is in Shawn’s middle drawer?

4. Why is Will interested in finding Riggs?

Multiple Choice

1. Why is it tragic that Will and Tony wait “like they always do” when shots are fired (Part 1, Page 11)?

A) because this time it is an unusual circumstance

B) because it implies that this is an everyday occurrence in their lives

C) because it prevents Will from seeing what actually happened

D) because it means Will cannot retaliate immediately

2. What is significant about Shawn’s favorite rappers, Tupac and Biggie?

A) They were both from the inner city.

B) They both died as a result of gang-related feuding.

C) They both acted, which was Shawn’s dream.

D) They both sang about following The Rules.

3. What does the Penny Drop symbolize?

A) Shawn’s inability to control his life

B) the way gang warfare interferes with childhood

C) how difficult it is for someone in an inner-city neighborhood to make it out safely

D) Will and Shawn’s disagreement about how to act

4. What do The Rules codify and represent?