Week 1 Vocabulary — Chapters 1–5 | The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

1 Part A — Matching

Match each vocabulary word to its correct definition.

Commotion

Desolate

Reluctantly

Peered

Obedient

2 Part B — Context Clues

Choose the correct vocabulary word to complete each sentence. Use the context of the sentence to help you decide.

Chaos Dismissive Presumed Contempt Foreseeable

1. When the movers arrived and began packing everything at once, the house was thrown into complete ________.

2. Gretel was ________ of Bruno's concerns, waving her hand and telling him he was just being silly.

3. Bruno ________ that the people on the other side of the fence were farmers, since he had no other explanation.

4. Father spoke with ________ about anyone who questioned his authority or decisions.

5. Father made it clear that they would be living at Out-With for the ________ future, with no plans to return to Berlin.

3 Part C — Vocabulary in Action

Choose the answer that best demonstrates the meaning of each vocabulary word as it is used in the novel.

1. Which situation best illustrates the word desolate?

A busy street market filled with vendors and shoppers A classroom full of excited students on the first day of school An empty, windswept landscape with no signs of life or warmth A birthday party with music and decorations

2. Bruno reluctantly followed his mother upstairs. This means Bruno —

Ran upstairs eagerly Went upstairs slowly because he did not want to Hid under the stairs instead Went upstairs while singing a song

3. A person who shows contempt for others would most likely —

Look down on them and treat them as if they are worthless Help them carry heavy bags to their car Invite them over for dinner Ask them polite questions about their day

4. Father expected his family to be obedient. In the context of the novel, this connects to which larger theme?

The importance of having fun as a family The idea that children should play outside more The role of education in a child's life The dangers of following orders without questioning them

5. Bruno peered through the window at the people below. The word peered suggests that Bruno was —

Glancing quickly without much interest Closing his eyes because he was scared Looking very carefully, trying to understand what he was seeing Turning away from the window in disgust