Who is Ponyboy?

My son has an exam tomorrow in his ELA Course. Back in the day we just called it English. We also walked 20 miles to school, barefoot and in the snow. As I have mentioned his class is reading “The Outsiders.” Get this, he hasn’t even asked to cheat and watch the movie on DVD? Whose kid is this? Anyway, his quiz is on the characters. I had to give him a practice test. Here are just a few of the questions:

1.) Who is Two-Bit Matthews

2.) Who is Soda(pop)’s brother?

3.) What gang does Dally belong to?

Growing up I was that smart ass kid who would ask, “When will I ever use this? Why do I need to study?” As I was quizzing my 12-year-old on “Ponyboy” I couldn’t help but think the same thing. Really? I have never, in my life, had a potential employer question my knowledge of The Socs and Greasers. I understand the teacher wants to make sure the children are actually reading the book. However, it was a struggle not to admit to my son that the test was BS. Unless, as my Twitter friends pointed out, he is on Jeopardy or works at 7/11.

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