Textbook Solutions: Going to a Hockey Game

Understanding the Text

A. Choose the correct answers to complete these sentences.

Q1: When Makoto came home and saw that his mother was in bed, he became upset because ...
a. his mother was unwell.
b. he would have to go to the hockey game with his sister.
c. his mother would not be able to take him to watch the hockey game.
Ans: (c) his mother would not be able to take him to watch the hockey game.

Makoto was disappointed because he had been eagerly waiting for his mother to take him to the game.

Q2: Asako did not want to go to the hockey game because ...
a. she had an important test.
b. she did not like watching hockey.
c. her mother had promised to take Makoto to the game.
Ans: (a) she had an important test.

Asako was worried about her studies and wanted to prepare for her upcoming test.

Q3: Asako agrees to take her brother to the hockey game under the condition that ...
a. they would return home early.
b. she would study for her test first.
c. they would not take a bus to the hockey game.
Ans: (c) they would not take a bus to the hockey game.

Asako agreed to take Makoto to the game on the condition that they would not go by bus and would walk instead.

Q4: The people watching the game became excited when ...
a. the White Wolf stopped the Canadian players from making points.
b. the White Wolf defended themselves perfectly.
c. the White Wolf could not make a single point.
Ans: (a) the White Wolf stopped the Canadian players from making points.

The crowd cheered loudly when their team successfully defended against the Canadian players.

Q5: Asako bought sweet potatoes on their way back home because ...
a. they had to walk home.
b. the steaming sweet potatoes in their pockets would keep them warm.
c. both of them were very hungry after the game.
Ans: (b) the steaming sweet potatoes in their pockets would keep them warm.

The warm sweet potatoes helped them stay cozy during their cold walk home.

B. Answer these questions.

Q1: How does Makoto react when he comes home to find his mother unwell? How should he have reacted instead?
Ans: Makoto becomes upset because his mother cannot take him to the game. Instead, he should have been more understanding and concerned about her health.

Q2: Why does Makoto call the hockey game a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event?
Ans: Makoto calls it a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event because it was a rare and exciting opportunity for him to watch his favourite team play and Canadian team visiting Northern Japan was a rare event.

Q3: "Biting cold winds were blowing, but I couldn't say I wanted to leave." Why could Makoto not say he wanted to leave?
Ans: Makoto was enjoying the game so much that he didn't mind the cold weather and wanted to watch till the end.

Q4: Why is Makoto surprised to see Asako enjoying the game? What does this tell us about him?
Ans: Makoto is surprised because Asako usually dislikes hockey. This shows that he didn't expect her to share his enthusiasm and perhaps underestimated her interest.

Q5: From the beginning of the story, we are told that The White Wolf is not a very good hockey team. Yet, a huge crowd goes to watch the game. Even when the team loses, everyone is happy and proud.
a. What does this tell you about the people?
Ans: The people are loyal and supportive of their team, regardless of winning or losing.

b. Why do you think they went to cheer for the team although they did not think that The White Wolf would win?
Ans: They went to cheer because they felt proud of their local team and wanted to show encouragement and community spirit.

Appreciating the text

Q1: Throughout the text, the author uses different verbs and adjectives to give us a clear picture of how Makoto is feeling. Underline the sentences in the text that highlight this. What do these words tell you about him?
Ans: The verbs and adjectives show that Makoto is emotional, impatient, and passionate. They reflect his excitement, disappointment, and growing maturity throughout the story.

Q2: Asako and Makoto are siblings and yet they are quite different from each other. What are the adjectives that you will use to describe Makoto and Asako? Explain the reason for your choice.
Ans: Makoto can be described as enthusiastic, impulsive, and childlike, while Asako is responsible, calm, and thoughtful. These traits show their contrasting personalities and how they balance each other as siblings.