The Destructors

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Reading Check

1. Which word does T use that worries Blackie?

2. How many boys are in the Wormsley Common Gang?

3. What does Blackie realize upon entering Old Misery’s house?

4. What do Blackie and T decide to do with Old Misery’s life savings?

5. How does the lorry driver respond to the destruction?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Who is “Old Misery”? How does the Wormsley Common Gang view him?

2. What does T suggest to the gang? How does the gang respond?

3. What news does Mike run back to deliver to the gang? Describe what the gang does upon learning the news.

4. How does the lorry driver unknowingly participate in the gang’s plan? Who does he find in the loo?

Paired Resource

“Wren 300”

• This website shares information regarding architect Christopher Wren, including an interactive map of his works showing both the surviving as well as destroyed structures.
• The destruction of Wren’s buildings during WWII relates to the theme of The End of Innocence.
• Based on the text, as well as the above resource, how is Wren’s legacy tied to the city of London? Do the characters’ reactions acknowledge his legacy?