Saturday Shock
Comprehension

by Leecy Wise

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Carlos felt something strange. What was wrong?

He woke up late that Saturday, as usual. The street sounds sailed through his window. People were talking loudly. He heard laughter, mothers calling for their children, kids playing, someone yelling. The music blared from the stand at the corner. What was wrong?

1. Where was Carlos – in the city or in the country. How do you know?
2. What do you think might be wrong?
3. Have you ever felt something strange was happening? Talk about it.
4. How do you think Carlos was feeling?
5. In the second sentence, you read, “The street sounds sailed through his window.” What image comes to your mind? Do sounds sail? (Talk about metaphors and create a few more.)

In his apartment, everything was silent. He didn’t hear his wife fussing in the kitchen. Rebecca usually made a big breakfast on Saturdays.  

1. What was the first strange thing Carlos thought about?
2. What was his wife’s name? How do you know?
3. What did Rebecca usually do on Saturday mornings?
4. What do you do on Saturday mornings?
5. What would make you feel strange on a Saturday morning?

He didn’t hear his daughter, Katie, bumping her shoes or fists into Jerry’s door. He couldn’t hear his son screaming for her to stop. Even the dog was quiet. What was wrong? No radio. No conversation.

1. What was Carlos’ daughter’s name? How do you know?
2. What did Katie usually do in the mornings?
3. Who is Jerry?
4. What did the dog usually do in the morning?

Carlos looked at the clock across the room. Ten o’clock. Something was definitely wrong!

He pulled on his jeans and ran his hands through his hair. He went slowly to the door and listened. Nothing. He opened the door a little and looked around. Nothing. He slid his body through the opening. His heart was pumping. He could feel it pound his chest.

1. How was Carlos feeling? Why?
2. How would you feel if things changed suddenly in your routine?

He started toward the kitchen. His feet moved slowly from heel to toe.

“Beca? Jerry? Katie? “ He thought he heard a scuffle in the kitchen. He inched his way through the kitchen opening. He jumped back startled. He nearly fell.

1. What do you think he saw?
2. How do you think he felt?

 GO TO PART II

Part I | Part I Comprehension | Part II | Part II Comprehension and Reflection

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