The Interview
Shyness can add stress to job interviews, but Brian finds an unlikely ally in his quest to overcome his shyness and find a part-time job. Students will read the story and answer questions about character, plot, conflict, and drawing conclusions.
Reading Comprehension Passage
The Interview
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- preposterously
- cantankerous
- brusquely
- slovenly
- reignited
- excruciating
- inevitable
- presumptuous
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “Preposterously short with an angry, blunt brown bob”
a. slightly; moderately b. crookedly c. ridiculously or excessively d. realistically or expectably
2) “she was old enough to be retired but clearly cantankerous enough to not go quietly into the night”
a. uncooperative; stubborn b. afraid; frightened c. ill or diseased d. needy or poor
3) “yet you have failed to secure actual employment,” she said brusquely”
a. calmly; evenly b. kindly or gently c. questioningly d. sharply or bluntly
4) “If your slovenly appearance today is any indication of the seriousness with which you’re approaching your job search”
a. clean; orderly b. colorful or bright c. messy or untidy d. unusual or odd
5) “The tiny woman’s interrogation reignited the excruciating feeling of helplessness”
a. smothered; snuffed out b. justified; ennobled c. rekindled; restarted d. decreased
6) “The tiny woman’s interrogation reignited the excruciating feeling of helplessness”
a. painful or agonizing b. slight; minimal c. forgotten d. unexpected; surprising
7) “He waited for the inevitable scolding”
a. final or terminal b. continuous c. cruel or heartless d. certain; unavoidable
8) “I apologize for being so presumptuous about your situation.”
a. uncaring; indifferent b. overconfident or smug c. ignorant d. harsh; mean