Slam!

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Why is basketball so important to Slam?

A) He thinks it is more important than his schoolwork.

B) It is an activity that he believes will impress Mtisha.

C) He sees it as an opportunity to escape his home life.

D) It is an activity where Slam feels most like himself.

2. Based on the evidence in the novel, which of the following options best describes the Harlem neighborhood Slam lives in?

A) Having few opportunities

B) Dangerous

C) Idyllic

D) A good place to grow up

3. Why is Mtsiha reluctant to develop a relationship with Slam?

A) She is concerned about Slam’s character.

B) She believes Slam is using her.

C) She wants to play hard to get.

D) She thinks Slam is too immature for a relationship.

4. What best explains how Slam experiences character growth in the novel?

A) He learns to respect Coach Nipper and his other teammates.

B) He becomes closer to Mtisha, learning to respect her.

C) He begins to take responsibility for his actions on and off the court.

D) He gains control of his anger by using calming strategies.

5. What might the reader infer is more important to Coach Nipper than winning a game?

A) A cohesive team

B) His pride

C) Peer pressure

D) Accolades

6. What happens to Slam’s attitude as he continues to struggle in school?

A) He begins to understand his role in creating conflict.

B) He decides to correct his poor attitude toward others.

C) His behavior toward his teammates worsens.

D) He remains stagnant and makes no noticeable changes in his life.

7. What event ultimately inspires Slam to change his behavior?

A) When he learns that Ice has been selling drugs at a party

B) When Nick and Ducky become friends with him after the Hunter game

C) When Coach Nipper prevents Slam from playing in the game because of his attitude

D) When Coach Goldstein explains that Latimer’s teachers have high standards

8. Which of Slam’s characteristics is most likely the reason he is considered a bad teammate?

A) His pride

B) His poor leadership

C) His competitiveness

D) His skill

9. According to Slam, what are the risks of growing up in Harlem?

A) There are fewer opportunities for individuals to have leisure time.

B) Some of the people in Harlem struggle to survive financially.

C) Individuals may run the risk of falling prey to the dangerous culture.

D) It is easy to become involved with the wrong kind of friends.

10. What best explains how Slam’s relationship with Mtisha changes in the novel?

A) The relationship between the two grows as they develop intellectually.

B) Slam and Mtisha offer one another support and encouragement.

C) The relationship becomes romantic when the two realize their mutual attraction.

D) Slam realizes Mtisha performs better academically and therefore rejects her.

11. What best explains why Goldstein is an important character in the novel?

A) He frequently criticizes Slam to develop his character.

B) He refuses to allow Slam to pity himself and forces him to do better.

C) He counsels Slam on the best way to deal with Coach Nipper.

D) He serves as a positive role model who encourages Slam to keep going.

12. What important lesson is Slam able to learn from Coach Goldstein in the novel?

A) He doesn’t need to be a victim of his circumstances.

B) The significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance

C) The necessity of setting and achieving personal goals

D) To show off as many skills as he can to acquire a scholarship

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. What is the impact of substance use on the community of Harlem? What specific examples in the novel support your thinking?

2. How does Slam respond to help at the beginning of the novel compared to the end? Why do you think Slam’s response changes?