Chapter 27 · Holes

Copywork

Stanley was afraid to drink it. He hated to think what kind of vile substance Mr. Sir might have put in it.

Read the passage aloud. Which words in the second sentence show Stanley is guessing, not knowing?

Narration Tell back what happens at the hole this afternoon, from the boys' mocking to the water truck to Zero writing his name.

Mr. Sir fills the canteen, takes it out of sight, and hands it back full. What do you think he did in the truck? Inference
The other boys say Stanley sits around while Zero digs his hole. Stanley says he is saving his strength to teach Zero. Whose side seems fairer to you? Moral reasoning
Stanley feels sad that “a hundred times zero was still nothing,” but Zero smiles at his own name. How do they see the same page differently? Theme
Why might the author end the chapter with Zero saying that his real name is Hector Zeroni? Author's choice
Stanley says, “Thank you, Mr. Sir,” as the canteen is handed back. Why might he thank a man who has poured his water onto the ground? Character

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone surprised you by being nice, and you were not sure whether to trust it.

vile: what kind of vile substance Mr. Sir might have put in it Disgusting; very unpleasant.
substance: what kind of vile substance Mr. Sir might have put in it A kind of material or stuff.
sparingly: He had to drink sparingly In small amounts, saving some.
fortunately: Fortunately, Mr. Pendanski delivered the water more often By good luck.
mocked: the other boys just mocked him Made fun of in a cruel way.
jagged: It was a jagged purple line Having rough, uneven edges.
approaching: he could see the approaching dust cloud Coming closer.
swishing: He smiled at the swishing sound. Making a soft sound, like liquid moving.
blame: took the blame for the sunflower seeds Responsibility for something that went wrong.

Stanley hopes the Warden is watching so she will know something about Zero. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Stanley sees Zero.
Three days have passed since the Warden scratched Mr. Sir. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Mr. Sir treats Stanley's water during these days.
Mr. Pendanski gives Stanley a little extra water. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what he seems to know and how he acts on it.