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.

Reading Check

1. Where does the story take place?

2. Where is Rye going?

3. What happens on the bus that compels Rye to flee from it?

4. What kind of uniform is the bearded man (Obsidian) wearing?

5. What has caused the language impairment from which everyone is suffering?

6. What does the bearded man have that prompts Rye to name him “Obsidian”?

7. What was Rye’s occupation before the pandemic?

8. What skill has Rye retained that Obsidian has lost?

9. How long has Rye been alone, without any meaningful human contact?

10. Who darts in front of Obsidian’s car?

11. How does the man kill Obsidian?

12. What does Rye plan to do with Obsidian’s body?

13. What can the children do that surprises Rye?

14. Where does Rye take the children?

Multiple Choice

1. Why does Rye anticipate that the situation on the bus will escalate out of control?

A) Most of the passengers are drunk.

B) The inability to speak fuels frustrations.

C) The poor road conditions agitate everyone.

D) Several passengers are brandishing guns.

2. Why does Rye get into the bearded man’s car, despite the potential risk involved?