Question

Use the paragraphs to complete the activity.

Patrick lived in Emoryville, but every Saturday morning he rode two city buses to his uncle’s bookstore in Northview, where he worked. He didn’t mind the commute because he loved his job. He loved spending time with his uncle, but he also loved going to work because he had become friends with Andrew, one of his co-workers. The boys would talk about everything from baseball scores to movies to favorite pizza toppings.


So this Saturday, when Patrick got to work, he and Andrew got to talking as they always did.


“Hey, Pat,” Andrew said casually.


“Hey,” said Patrick. “Did you have a good week?”


“Yeah,” he said. “Great week. My basketball team made it into the semifinals. The game is tonight. We’re playing Emoryville, our nemesis.”


Before Patrick could say another word, Andrew continued. “I don’t like Emoryville. I don’t think I could ever be friends with someone from that town. Our schools are such rivals.”


Patrick was speechless.


“Where are you from, Pat? I can’t believe I’ve never asked you that before!”


Patrick fumbled over his words. “Not too far from here,” he said before he quickly changed the subject to the new shipment of graphic novels.


Suppose Patrick's uncle enters the scene. In 3–5 sentences, explain how the additional point of view might add humor or suspense to the scene.

(4 points)

Answer 1

If Patrick's uncle enters the scene, his perspective might add humor or suspense by revealing Patrick's secret. The uncle might innocently mention Emoryville and Patrick's connection to it, unknowingly exposing Patrick's background as a resident of Emoryville. This could create a comical yet suspenseful moment as Patrick desperately tries to divert the conversation, all while the readers know the secret that Andrew is unaware of. The humor could arise from the awkwardness of the situation, and the suspense would stem from wondering how and when Patrick's background will be revealed.