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0% found this document useful (1 vote)

782 views

Reading Merged PDF

Uploaded by

Marjorie Manos

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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●●●ReadTheory.

Org © 2010 Name________________

“First Prize”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

My name is Tess and I ride horses.

I ride them in the circus.

I ride them in parades.
I ride them in shows.

I am riding in a horse show today.

My horse runs.
My horse jumps.
My horse dances.

I hold on!

My horse is the best.

I named her Twin.
I feel like the horse and I are the same when I ride her.

My mother is not at the horse show.

She has to work.

My father is there. He claps. He yells. He smiles.

The show ends. A man announces the winners.

"First Prize goes to Tess and Twin!" he says.

He gives me a blue ribbon.

I am very excited. My dad gives me a hug.

"You won!" he says.

My dad and I go home.

My dad tells my mom about my ribbon.

She cries.
She gives me a big hug.

“Your hard work is showing,” she says.

Questions:

1) Where does Tess ride her horse? 2) What does Tess need to do while
her horse runs and jumps?
I. in shows
II. at school A. dance
III. on a farm B. hold on
A. I only C. sing
B. I and II D. stand up
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) Why did Tess probably name her 4) Where is Tess's mother during the
horse Twin? show?

A. because Tess has a twin A. She is at work.

B. because there are two horses B. She is at the show.
C. because another horse looks C. She is at home.
very similar to Twin D. She is with Tess’ father.
D. because Tess feels the same as
Twin when she rides her

5) Why does Tess's father yell? 6) What prize does Tess win in the
horse show?
A. He is angry.
B. He needs help. A. The Gold Star
C. He is surprised. B. Winner’s Prize
D. He is excited. C. new riding boots
D. First Prize

7) What color ribbon does Tess get? 8) How does Tess's mom feel about
the ribbon?
A. green
B. blue I. worried
C. purple II. happy
D. red III. proud
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“Griffin’s Talents”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Griffin plays the violin.

He takes lessons after school on Tuesdays.

Griffin’s violin teacher is Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas tells Griffin to practice every
day.

Griffin practices his violin on most days.

On the days Griffin does not practice his violin, he plays soccer with his friends or
fixes old clocks for fun.

“You are a boy of many talents,” Griffin’s parents tell him. “That means you are
good at doing many things.”

Griffin likes it when his parents say this to him.

He loves playing the violin. He loves playing soccer. He loves fixing clocks.
Griffin loves to do many things, but he does not have the time to do them all
every day.

Questions:

1) What does Griffin play? 2) When does Griffin take violin

lessons?
I. tennis
II. soccer A. on Tuesdays after soccer
III. the violin B. on Thursdays after soccer
A. I only C. on Tuesdays after school
B. I and II D. on Thursdays after school
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) When does Mr. Thomas tell Griffin 4) When does Griffin practice the
to practice? violin?

A. every day A. every day

B. most days B. most days
C. only on Tuesdays C. never
D. when he wants to D. only on Tuesdays
Questions (continued):

5) How does Griffin feel about the 6) What things does Griffin love to do?
violin?
I. read books
A. He loves it. II. fix old clocks
B. He thinks it is hard. III. play soccer with his friends
C. He hates to practice. A. I only
D. He does not like the sound. B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

7) What does Mr. Thomas teach 8) If you have many talents, this
Griffin? means you

A. to play soccer A. want to do a lot

B. to fix old clocks B. are good at playing the violin
C. to play the violin C. are busy doing many things
D. to build birdhouses D. are good at doing a lot of things

9) Why does Griffin not play the violin every day?

A. He does not like the violin.

B. He wants to play the piano.
C. He is busy doing other things.
D. His mom says not to play every day.

Do you have a talent? What is it? Would you like to have a talent?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“I Fly”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

I fly airplanes for a living.

I am a pilot.

Sometimes I take my little girl with me.

Her name is Bristol.
Bristol likes to look out the window of the airplane.
She likes to look at the clouds.
She thinks the clouds look like animals.
She points at one with her finger.
"I see a giraffe!" she says.

I also have a little boy.

My little boy does not like to be up high.
He does not come with me on the airplane.
He likes to play airplane with me.
We play airplane when I get home.
We run around the yard. We wave our arms in the air. We make airplane noises.

Questions:

1) Who is telling this story? 2) What does Bristol like to do in the

airplane?
A. Bristol
B. a little boy A. look out the window
C. a pilot B. run in the yard
D. a friend C. sit in the back
D. be the pilot

3) Bristol points at something outside 4) Why doesn't the little boy like to fly?
the window. What does she point
at? A. because he is very young
B. because he is very little
A. a giraffe C. because he doesn’t like
B. her dad airplanes
C. a cloud D. because he is afraid to be up
D. a tree high
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“My Family”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Hi, my name is Eric. I am 12. I want to talk about my family.

I have two sisters. Their names are Rachel and Carrie. Rachel is 18 years old.
Carrie is 10 years old. They are very nice.

My mother's name is Julia. She is 40 years old. My mother is also very nice.

My father's name is Andre. He is smart. He is an engineer. He builds bridges.

I also have a dog. My dog's name is Paw. He is a big dog. He is a brown dog. He
is a big brown dog.

I love my family.
Questions:

1) How many sisters do I have? 2) How old is my mom?

A. one A. twenty-five years old

B. two B. thirty years old
C. three C. thirty-five years old
D. four D. forty years old

3) My dad is 4) What is the name of my dog?

A. a doctor A. Julia
B. a lawyer B. Paw
C. an engineer C. Andre
D. a construction worker D. Carrie

5) What color is my dog? 6) What is the name of my younger

sister?
A. He is white.
B. He is black. A. Carrie
C. He is brown. B. Rachel
D. He is yellow. C. Andre
D. Julia

7) What is the name of my older 8) Is my dog small or big?

sister?
A. He is small.
A. Carrie B. He is big.
B. Rachel
C. Andre
D. Julia

What is your family like? Can you describe the people in your family?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“My Friend”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

My name is Julie. I have a friend.

My friend lives in California.

My friend is a girl.

She is seventeen years old.

Her name is Jessica Roberts.

Jessica is cool. I like her a lot.

She likes to read. She is a good reader.

She is good at math, too. It is her best subject.

Jessica is smart.

I like to eat lunch with her. We eat lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Jessica is my friend.

Questions:

1) Where does Julie’s friend live? 2) Is Julie’s friend a girl or a boy?

A. Colorado A. She is a girl.

B. Texas B. He is a boy.
C. California

3) How old is Julie’s friend? 4) What is Julie’s friend's first name?

A. 15 years old A. Jenny

B. 16 years old B. Jessica
C. 17 years old C. Julie
Questions (continued):

5) What is my friend's last name? 6) What is Jessica's best subject?

A. Rowan A. English
B. Randal B. math
C. Roberts C. science

7) How many days a week do I eat

lunch with Jessica?

A. 3
B. 5
C. 7

Do you have a good friend? What is he or she like? What things do you like to do

together?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“My House”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

My house is in the United States. I live in the United States.

The United States is a country.

My house is in North Carolina. I live in North Carolina.

North Carolina is a state. The weather in North Carolina
is nice. It is sunny. The sky is blue.

My house is in Chapel Hill. I live in Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill is a city. It is a city on a hill. It is a city
on a small mountain.

My house is red. My house is brick.

I live in a red brick house.

Questions:

1) What is the United States? 2) What is North Carolina?

A. a city A. a city
B. a state B. a state
C. a country C. a country

3) What is Chapel Hill? 4) How is the weather in Chapel Hill?

A. a city A. rainy
B. a state B. sunny
C. a country C. cloudy

5) What is my house made of? 6) What color is my house?

A. wood A. red
B. brick B. blue
C. metal C. yellow

7) What is a hill?

A. a forest
B. a large river
C. a small mountain
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“New Shoes for Maddy”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Maddy loves to jump rope, ride her scooter, and ride her skateboard. One day,
Maddy gets a hole in the shoes she likes best while riding her scooter. They are
pink with hearts and a Velcro tab. Now she needs new shoes.

Maddy's mom takes her to the department store on Saturday morning. The store
is filled with people looking for shirts, dresses, pants, and toys. Maddy's mom
takes her to the shoe area.

The shoe area is crowded, and there is a long wait. Maddy does not mind.
Maddy sees a pair of purple sneakers with orange laces. She sees a pair of red
sandals with dots. She sees a pair of green flip-flops. She wants the purple
sneakers.

"But you do not know how to tie your laces," says Maddy's mom.

"I will learn," says Maddy.

Maddy's mother thinks. She does not want to tie Maddy's laces each morning
before school.

"If we buy the purple sneakers, you must learn to tie them before you can wear
them to school," says Maddy's mom.

"I will! I promise!" says Maddy. She is very happy.

Maddy practices tying her laces for the rest of the day. She practices more on
Sunday. Finally, she learns how to tie her laces.

She gets to wear her new shoes to school on Monday.

"I did it," she says with a big smile.

Questions:

1) Why does Maddy need new shoes? 2) How does Maddy get a hole in her
shoes?
A. Her shoes are too small.
B. Her shoes are very old. A. riding her skateboard
C. She lost her favorite shoes. B. riding her scooter
D. She got a hole in her shoes. C. jumping rope
D. playing basketball
Questions (continued):

3) Which shoes have a hole? 4) Which shoes does Maddy want to

buy?
A. the green flip-flops
B. the red sandals A. the pink shoes with hearts
C. the pink shoes with hearts B. the purple sneakers
D. the purple sneakers C. the green flip-flops
D. the red sandals with dots

5) How does Maddy feel about the long 6) Who does Maddy see in the store?
wait at the store?
A. a lot of people
A. She is mad about it. B. her older sister
B. She is happy about it. C. her friends from school
C. She is excited about it. D. one of her neighbors
D. She feels okay about it.

7) When can Maddy wear her shoes to 8) As used in paragraph 8, what does
school? promise mean?

A. when she learns how to tie the A. that Maddy wants to learn to tie
laces B. that Maddy will learn to tie
B. as soon as she leaves the store C. that Maddy cannot learn to tie
C. after summer vacation D. that Maddy might learn to tie
D. tomorrow

9) What does Maddy's mom not want 10) How might Maddy feel after
to do? learning to tie?

A. buy Maddy new shoes I. happy

B. buy Maddy green flip-flops II. proud
C. buy more than one pair of shoes III. nervous
D. tie Maddy's shoes each morning A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

11) What lesson did Maddy learn?

A. Practice makes perfect.

B. Do not ride a scooter with pink shoes.
C. Be careful what you wish for.
D. School is fun with new shoes.
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“One Hundred Dollars”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Leonard James is a homeless man. For him, life is always hard.

He is always hungry. His shoes have holes in them. He needs a haircut. His
clothes are old and dirty.

“What I would do with one hundred dollars!” Leonard says. This is a game he
likes to play with himself to take his mind off things.

He is walking down the street on a Thursday night. The winter air is cold on his
face.

“If I had one hundred dollars, I could buy new socks,” he says. He continues to
walk down the street.

“If I had one hundred dollars, I could get a haircut,” he says. He continues to walk
down the street.

“If I had one hundred dollars, I could buy new pants,” he says. He continues to
walk down the street.

“If I had one hundred dollars, I could get a hamburger,” he says. His stomach
rumbles at the thought.

“If I had….” Leonard looks down at the sidewalk. He cannot believe what he
sees!

Someone has lost his wallet. Leonard picks it up. Inside are five twenty-dollar
bills.

“One hundred dollars!” Leonard says. He is very excited. “Now I can buy
everything I want!”

Then Leonard begins to think. “But this is not my money,” he says.

Leonard goes to the police station. He gives a police officer the wallet and
money.

“Thank you,” says the police officer. “You are a very honest man.”
Leonard smiles. He turns around and begins to leave the police station.

“Hold on,” the police officer says. He reaches in his own pocket and gives
Leonard ten dollars. “Get yourself something to eat.”
Questions:

1) What is life like for Leonard? 2) How does the reader know that
Leonard is poor?
A. It is hard.
B. It is easy. I. He finds a wallet.
C. It is warm. II. He has no home.
D. It is full of good food. III. He is always hungry.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) Why does Leonard think about what 4) What time of year is it?
he would do with a hundred dollars?
A. spring
A. It helps him go to sleep. B. summer
B. It takes his mind off things. C. fall
C. The police officer asks him to. D. winter
D. He knows he will find the
money.

5) What does Leonard say he would do 6) Why does Leonard's stomach

with a hundred dollars? rumble?
I. get a haircut A. because he is hungry
II. buy new clothes B. because he is tired
III. get a hotel room C. because his clothes are dirty
A. I only D. because he is homeless
B. I and II ________
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

7) “He cannot believe what he sees.” 8) Why does Leonard go to the police
What is another way to write this station?
sentence?
A. because he owes money
A. He thinks what he sees is crazy. B. because he wants a reward
B. He feels what he sees is good C. because the wallet is not his
luck. D. because he has committed a
C. He thinks what he sees cannot crime
be true.
D. He thinks what he sees is scary.
Questions (continued):

9) What kind of man does Leonard 10) As used at the end of the story,
seem to be? what does it mean to be honest?

A. bad A. to feel good

B. dumb B. to want more
C. good C. to be truthful
D. old D. to be hopeful

11) How does Leonard seem to feel 12) What does the police officer give
about what he has done? Leonard?

A. angry A. advice
B. happy B. a handshake
C. sad C. money to eat
D. unsure D. the one hundred dollars

13) What kind of man does the police 14) Why does the police officer give
officer seem to be? Leonard ten dollars?

A. angry A. to surprise Leonard

B. busy B. so Leonard feels better about
C. kind returning the wallet
D. mean C. because it is part of his job
D. because he wants to get
Leonard off the streets

If you found one hundred dollars, would you keep it? Why or why not?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“Paul Cooks”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Paul’s wife knows Paul loves to read cookbooks.

She decides to get him one for his birthday.

Paul tells her he will try to make a new recipe for three days in a row.

On Monday, Paul makes blueberry pancakes for breakfast. He gets the

blueberries from the farmers’ market.

On Tuesday, Paul makes beef soup for dinner. He puts in cubes of beef, carrots,
and onions.

The recipe calls for cream, but Paul does not like cream. He uses water instead.

On Wednesday, Paul makes a tomato salad with cucumbers and onions.

He picks the cucumbers and tomatoes from his garden.

He likes this dish best. It was also the easiest for him to make.

Questions:

1) Which ingredients does Paul use to 2) Where does Paul get his cookbook?
make beef soup?
A. Paul buys it.
I. onions B. His girlfriend gives it to him.
II. potatoes C. His wife gets it for him.
III. cucumbers D. Paul’s friend buys it for him.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) What does Paul say he will do? 4) On what day does Paul make
pancakes?
A. become a chef
B. grow his own food A. Sunday
C. cook every recipe in a week B. Monday
D. try a new recipe for three days in C. Tuesday
a row D. Wednesday
Questions (continued):

5) What does Paul get from the 6) Where does Paul get cucumbers
farmer's market? and tomatoes?

A. cubes of beef A. from his wife

B. blueberries B. from the store
C. tomatoes C. from his garden
D. cucumbers D. from the farmers’ market

7) Which dish does Paul like best? 8) Why doesn't Paul use cream?

A. the creamy one A. He doesn’t like it.

B. beef soup B. There was none at the store.
C. tomato salad C. There was none in the garden.
D. blueberry pancakes D. There was none at the farmers’
market.

9) What does Paul use instead of 10) Which dish was the easiest for
cream? Paul to make?

A. milk A. pancakes
B. onions B. beef soup
C. water C. tomato salad
D. butter D. chicken tenders

Do you like to cook? What is your favorite dish?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“Rainy Day”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

My name is Mimi.
Today is July 5, 2010.
Today is a rainy day.
I am happy today.

Why am I happy?
I am happy because it is raining!
Is that strange?
Well…maybe.

But I like it when it rains. The rain makes me happy.

I like rainy days. I do not like sunny days.

I like the sound of the rain.

I like the clouds. The clouds are gray. The clouds are big.
I like the rain.

Questions:
1) What is the weather like in the 2) What is the date in the story?
story?
A. March 4, 2012
A. It is hot and sunny. B. July 5, 2010
B. It is cool and cloudy. C. April 10, 1990
C. It is dark and snowy. D. November 28, 1987
D. It is cloudy and rainy.

3) Why is Mimi happy? 4) Does Mimi like sunny days?

A. because it is her birthday

B. because she passed the test A. Yes, she does like sunny days.
C. because it is raining B. No, she does not like sunny
D. because she won the game days.

5) What are the clouds like? 6) What does Mimi like about the rain?
I. the smell of the rain
A. high and red II. the sound of the rain
B. blue and scary A. I only
C. big and gray B. II only
D. green and small C. I and II
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“Running”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Dieter loves to run.

He runs in the morning. He runs in the afternoon. He runs in the
evening. He runs at night.
Dieter loves to run, but it hurts to run.
When Dieter runs, it hurts.
His legs hurt. His arms hurt. His back hurts. His head hurts. When
Dieter runs, his whole body hurts.
Then, Dieter starts thinking. He starts dreaming.
He dreams about his job. He dreams about his home.
He dreams about his family. He dreams about
his friends. He dreams about the world.
At first, running hurts. No one likes it when it hurts.
When it hurts, Dieter dreams about things that do not hurt.
This is why Dieter loves running. Running gives him the best dreams.
Sometimes, Dieter forgets that he is running. Sometimes, he runs all morning.
Sometimes, he runs all afternoon. Sometimes, he runs all night.
Dieter runs and dreams.

Questions:

1) What does Dieter love to do? 2) When Dieter runs, it hurts. What
does this mean?
A. He loves to run.
B. He loves to dream. A. He feels good.
C. He loves to think. B. He feels bad.
D. He loves to hurt.

3) What does Dieter do while he is 4) What does Dieter dream about?

running?
I. his job
A. He dreams. II. his family
B. He sleeps. III. his future
C. He eats. A. I only
D. He drinks. B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“Seeing Stars”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Yana is my mother.

Tony is my father.

My name is Sasha.

We live in a red house.

We have a blue car.

We sit in the yard at night.

We look at the stars.

Father says the stars make him happy.

Mother says the stars make her want to sing.

I like to think about how many stars are in the sky.

We hear a baby cry next door. My mother sings.

The baby stops crying. We think he heard my mother’s pretty song.

We all smile.

Questions:

1) Who is Yana? 2) What color is Sasha's house?

A. Sasha's father A. red

B. Sasha’s mother B. blue
C. Tony's father C. purple
D. Tony’s mother D. orange
Questions (continued):
3) Who is telling the story? 4) When does the family sit in the
yard?
A. father
B. mother A. in the morning
C. Sasha B. in the afternoon
D. the baby C. in the evening
D. at night

5) How do the stars make Sasha's 6) What happens after Mother sings?
father feel?
A. A friend comes by.
A. funny B. Father gets sleepy.
B. happy C. Sasha counts stars.
C. like counting D. The baby stops crying.
D. like singing

7) What does Sasha like to do when 8) What do Mother, Father, and Sasha
she sees the stars? do at the end of the story?

A. She likes to sit in the car. A. They cry.

B. She likes to hold the baby. B. They laugh.
C. She likes to sing with her C. They smile.
mother. D. They talk.
D. She likes to guess how many
there are.

Do you ever look at the stars? What do they make you think about?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
●●●ReadTheory.Org © 2010 Name________________
EnglishForEveryone.Org © 2008 Date________________

“Talia’s Special Day”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Today is a special day for Talia. She is getting ready for a dinner celebration.
She wants to look very nice for her night out.

First, she gets her hair cut at a salon. A salon is a place where people go to get
their hair and nails done.

Then, she gets her fingernails painted pink. A woman who works at the salon
paints Talia’s nails.

Talia is not happy with the color. She asks the woman to change the color to
purple.

She likes the purple very much.

It is almost time to go out. Talia goes home and looks in her closet.

She tries on a pair of light blue pants with a white shirt.

She tries on a purple dress with a black belt.

She tries on a brown skirt with a green top.

She wears the purple dress.

Many of her friends and family are at the restaurant when she gets there.

She hugs her mother and father.

She gives her grandfather a kiss.

Talia’s sister gives her a big smile.

Her best friend, Asra, gives her a present.

Tomorrow is Talia’s birthday, but she is celebrating it tonight.

“Happy Birthday, Talia,” they say. “You look great!”

“I feel great because all of you are here,” says Talia, “for my last night as a
teenager.”
Questions:

1) What is Talia doing for her special 2) Why does Talia want to look nice?
day?
A. She is celebrating.
A. She is having a party at home. B. It is a national holiday.
B. She is going to her friend's C. She is going to church.
house. D. She is going a dance.
C. She is making dinner.
D. She is going to a restaurant.

3) What does Talia do first? 4) Why does Talia change the color of
her nails?
A. She picks out a dress.
B. She gets her nails painted. A. It does not match her dress.
C. She gets her hair cut. B. She is not happy with pink.
D. She goes out to eat. C. Her friends tell her to change the
color.
D. She is not happy with purple.

5) What does Talia wear out? 6) What does Talia do when she sees
her parents?
A. light blue pants
B. a brown skirt A. She smiles.
C. a purple dress B. She says hello.
D. a green top C. She gives them a hug.
D. She gives them a kiss.

7) Who smiles at Talia? 8) How old is Talia?

A. her mother A. 15
B. her sister B. 16
C. her father C. 19
D. her friend D. 21

9) As described in the beginning of the 10) Why does Talia feel great?
story, what is a salon?
A. because she looks great
A. a restaurant B. because her friends and family
B. a place where people talk about are there
business C. because her hair is cut
C. a gift shop D. because her nails are purple
D. a place to get hair and nails
done
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“The 20”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

It is Levi’s birthday.
He has a party at home with his family.
Everyone sings, “Happy Birthday!”
Levi has nine candles on his cake. He blows them out. He opens his presents.
Levi’s mother and father give him a bicycle.
Levi’s little sister gives him a game.
Levi’s uncle gives him a baseball jersey.
Levi’s grandma and grandpa give him 20 dollars!
"Thank you!" he yells to everyone.
Levi is excited. He likes all his presents.
He likes the 20 dollars best.
It means he can go to the store. He can buy anything he wants!
“Can we go to the store now, Mom?” asks Levi.
Mom frowns. “Levi, your guests are still here. I will take you to the store
tomorrow.”
That night, Levi dreams of all the things he might buy with his 20 dollars.
Maybe I will buy a video game!
Maybe I will buy a guitar!
Maybe I will buy a camera!
Maybe I will buy a tool kit!
In the morning, Mom takes Levi and his little sister to the store.
“Will you buy me something, too?” asks Levi’s little sister.
“Maybe,” Levi says. He runs to look around the store.
Ugh!
The guitar costs more than 20 dollars.
The video game costs more than 20 dollars.
The camera costs more than 20 dollars.
The tool kit costs 12 dollars.
Levi buys the tool kit.
He buys his little sister a key chain.
He buys his mom a pack of gum.
“You are a sweet boy,” Levi’s mom tells him.
Questions:

1) Who is at Levi's party? 2) How old is Levi?

I. his parents A. 9
II. his friends B. 10
III. his teachers C. 11
A. I only D. 12
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) What does Levi's sister give him? 4) How does Levi feel about his
presents?
A. a baseball jersey
B. a bike I. He likes all of them.
C. a game II. He likes the money best.
D. money III. He likes the game least.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

5) Levi dreams about buying a 6) Levi's mom frowns at Levi because

he
A. bike
B. camera A. is mean to his sister.
C. key chain B. asks for more money.
D. baseball jersey C. does not thank everyone for his
gifts.
D. wants to go to the store during
the party.

7) When Levi goes to the store, it is 8) Levi doesn't know that

A. morning A. he has received many presents

B. afternoon B. his baseball jersey is too big
C. evening C. most things he wants cost more
D. night than 20 dollars
D. his sister has more money than
he does
Questions (continued):
9) Levi goes to the store with his 10) Levi buys himself a
I. sister
A. pack of gum
II. mother
B. key chain
III. uncle
C. guitar
A. I only D. tool kit
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

11) Levi buys himself a tool kit. What 12) Levi's mom call him a sweet boy
else does he buy? because

A. a game and a pack of gum A. it is his birthday

B. a key chain and a pack of gum B. he eats a lot of candy on his
C. a key chain and a guitar birthday
D. a game and a key chain C. he waits until the next day to go
to the store
D. he buys something for his mom
and little sister

If you had twenty dollars, what would you buy with it? Why?

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“The Drive”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Gustavo works far away from his home.

He drives a car to work. It takes him 3 hours to get there.

Gustavo drives.

While he drives, he thinks about many things.

He thinks about his little girl. She likes to ride horses.

He thinks about his little boy. He plays fireman all the time.

He thinks about his wife. She milks the cows on the farm.

Gustavo thinks of things he needs to do when he gets home.

He needs to cut the grass. It is too long.

He needs to water the flowers so they will grow.

He wants to read a story to his little girl.

He wants to play a game with his little boy.

He wants to sit with his wife. He wants to tell her about his day.

Questions:

1) How does Gustavo get to work? 2) What does Gustavo do while he

drives?
A. by bus
B. by car A. He sings.
C. by horse B. He talks.
D. by train C. He thinks.
D. He works.
Questions (continued):
3) What does Gustavo think about 4) How long does it take Gustavo to
while he drives? get to work?
I. his work
II. his wife
A. 15 minutes
III. his little boy
B. 30 minutes
A. I only C. 2 hours
B. I and II D. 3 hours
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

5) What does Gustavo’s little girl like to 6) What does Gustavo’s little boy like
do? to do?

A. milk cows A. milk cows

B. play fireman B. play fireman
C. ride horses C. ride horses
D. water flowers D. water flowers

7) What does Gustavo need to do 8) What does Gustavo want to do

when he gets home? when he gets home?
I. milk the cows I. sit with his wife
II. cut the grass II. read to his little girl
III. water the flowers III. play a game with his little boy
A. I only A. I only
B. I and II B. I and II
C. II and III C. II and III
D. I, II, and III D. I, II, and III

9) Why does Gustavo need to cut the 10) What does Gustavo need to water
grass? when he gets home?

A. So it will grow. A. the grass

B. It is too brown. B. the cows
C. It is too long. C. the horses
D. It is too old. D. the flowers
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“The Interview”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Jethro gets ready for his job interview.

He takes a shower.

He shaves.

He brushes his teeth.

He cuts his fingernails.

He combs his hair.

He puts on the new suit he bought just for today.

Jethro feels confident. He is also very nervous.

Here is why. Jethro graduated at the top of his class in college. Still, Jethro
knows the economy is bad. His dad just lost his job at the bank a few weeks ago!
Many people are interviewing for the very same job. There is a lot of
competition.

Jethro is still positive. He thinks he has a good chance of getting the job at the
technology company.

Jethro arrives at his interview at 9:45. He is 15 minutes early. He realizes the

importance of being prompt. He does not want to be late.

“Have a seat. Mr. Stone will be right with you,” the receptionist says.

Jethro sits. He thinks about what he has learned to do in an interview.

Look people in the eye.

Give a firm handshake.
Speak clearly.

Jethro feels ready.

“Mr. Stone is ready to see you now,” the receptionist says.

Jethro takes a deep breath and walks into Mr. Stone’s office.

“Good to meet you, sir,” Jethro says and gives Mr. Stone a firm handshake and a
smile.
Questions:

1) What kind of job is Jethro 2) What is one thing Jethro does to get
interviewing for? ready?

A. a college job I. He talks to his dad.

B. a banking job II. He calls Mr. Stone.
C. a technology job III. He combs his hair.
D. a receptionist job A. I only
B. I and II
C. III only
D. I, II, and III

3) What time is Jethro's interview? 4) What does it mean to be

confident?
A. 9:30
B. 9:45 A. to be early
C. 10:00 B. to be sure
D. 10:15 C. to be worried
D. to be nervous

5) Why might Jethro be nervous? 6) What is competition?

A. He did not do well in school. A. when people get ready to go out

B. He is not a very good speaker. B. when people go for a job
C. He does not like to wear suits. interview
D. Many others are interviewing for C. when people feel they are not
the same job. good enough
D. when many people are going
after the same thing

7) Why is it good that Jethro gets to 8) What has Jethro learned to do in an

his interview early? interview?

A. It gives Jethro time to think. A. be positive

B. It helps Jethro speak clearly. B. tell good jokes
C. Mr. Stone likes people to be C. talk about his college experience
early. D. look people in the eye
D. The receptionist asks him to be
there early.
9) Why might Jethro be positive about 10) Which of the following can help
getting this job? make a good impression at an
interview?
A. The economy is bad.
B. He did well in school. I. looking people in the eye
C. Jethro's dad lost his job. II. wearing a new suit
D. He knows Mr. Stone well. III. being well groomed
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

11) What has Jethro learned to do in 12) If you are prompt, this means you
order to be understood by an are
interviewer?
A. positive
A. speak clearly B. intelligent
B. look people in the eye C. on time
C. give a firm handshake D. in control
D. feel confident

Have you ever felt nervous about doing something new? Explain.

______________________________________________________________________________

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“The Singing Bird”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Ben has two cats.

Their names are Max and Tito.

Max is black. Tito is brown.

Max has green eyes. Tito has blue eyes.
Max is black with green eyes. Tito is brown with blue eyes.

They are fast. They are beautiful. They are fast and beautiful.

Ben also has a bird. Her name is Lilly. Lilly likes to sing. Lilly sings every day.
Sometimes she sings very loud.

Max and Tito try to discover who is singing.

They look everywhere!
Finally, they see who is singing.
It is Lilly!
They sit and watch her sing.

Questions:

1) How many cats does Ben have? 2) What are Max and Tito like?
I. big
A. Ben has one cat.
II. beautiful
B. Ben has two cats.
C. Ben has three cats. A. I only
D. Ben has four cats. B. II only
C. I and II

3) Tito's eyes are 4) What is the name of the bird?

A. blue A. Tito
B. red B. Max
C. green C. Lilly

5) What color is Max? 6) Who is singing?

A. Max is orange. A. Tito

B. Max is brown. B. Max
C. Max is black. C. Lilly
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“Time to…”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

It is 6:15 a.m.

It is time to wake up.

It is time to take a shower.
It is time to brush teeth.
It is time to get dressed.
It is time to eat breakfast.
It is time to go to work.
It is time to eat lunch.
It is time to go back to work.
It is time to go home.
It is time to eat dinner.
It is time to go to sleep.

“Billy,” she says.

“What?” Billy says.
"It is time to wake up!"

Questions:

1) What time is it? 2) What is it time to do first?

A. 5:30 in the morning A. brush teeth

B. 5:30 at night B. take a shower
C. 6:15 in the morning C. wake up
D. 6:15 at night D. go to work

3) What is it time to do second? 4) What is it time to do last?

A. brush teeth A. go to sleep

B. wake up B. go to work
C. take a shower C. go to a movie
D. go home D. eat dinner
Questions (continued):

5) What is it time to do after it is time 6) Billy wakes up. This means he

to go home?
A. starts sleeping
A. eat dinner B. starts working
B. brush teeth C. stops sleeping
C. get dressed D. eats dinner
D. wake up

7) Billy is 8) It is time to brush teeth. This

means it is time for Billy to
A. busy
B. short A. clean his teeth
C. nervous B. chatter his teeth
D. honest C. bite with his teeth
D. chew with his teeth

9) Billy goes back to work. This means 10) What is the correct order?
he
A. Breakfast – Dinner – Lunch
A. likes work B. Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
B. is late for work C. Dinner – Lunch – Breakfast
C. returns to work D. Lunch – Dinner – Breakfast
D. stays home

Do you dream? What do you dream about?

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“What Number?”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Becca and Kai played together all day.

The two friends played outside in the morning. They rode bikes and scooters.
They ate lunch on the porch. Becca’s mom made sandwiches and lemonade.
They played hide-and-seek in the house right after lunch.
Then they did not know what to do.
“I know! Let’s play the number game,” said Becca. “What number am I thinking
of?”
“Is it five?” asked Kai.
“No, it is higher than five,” Becca said.
“Okay, is it one hundred?”
“No, it is lower than one hundred,” Becca said.
“Let’s see,” said Kai. “Is it sixty?”
Becca gave Kai a hint. “It is between twenty and thirty.”
“Hmm, is it twenty-five?”
“No, but you are very close!” Becca said.
“Well, is it higher or lower than twenty-five?”
“It is lower,” Becca said.
“Okay, I think I know. Is it twenty-two?”
“Yeah! You guessed it.” Becca said. “Good job!”

Questions:

1) Where did Becca and Kai play 2) What did Becca and Kai do in the
today? morning?

A. at school I. They rode bikes.

B. at the park II. They played outside.
C. at Kai's house III. They played hide-and-seek.
D. at Becca's house A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
3) Where did Becca and Kai eat 4) Whose idea was it to play the
lunch? number game?

A. in the kitchen A. It was Kai’s idea.

B. by the swing B. It was Mom’s idea.
C. at the park C. It was Becca’s idea.
D. on the porch D. It was Kai and Becca’s idea.

5) What was Kai’s second guess? 6) Why does Kai guess one hundred?

A. five A. It is lower than twenty-two.

B. twenty-two B. It is higher than sixty.
C. sixty C. It is higher than five.
D. one hundred D. It is lower than sixty.

7) Which is correct? 8) Which is correct?

A. 178 is lower than 177 I. 239 is lower than 247

B. 178 is higher than 177 II. 224 is higher than 256
C. 178 is between 177 III. 224 is between 220 and 230
D. 178 is the same as 177 A. I only
B. I and III
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

9) Kai's guess of twenty-five 10) What does it mean to give

was close because someone a hint?

A. twenty-five is a big number A. to give someone a clue

B. it is near the number Becca was B. to make a question hard
thinking about C. to tell someone to give up
C. it is far away from the number D. to give someone the answer
Becca was thinking about
D. it is lower than the number
Becca was thinking about

11) What number was Becca thinking 12) What other number could Becca
about? have been thinking about?

A. nineteen A. ten
B. twenty B. fifteen
C. twenty-one C. twenty-three
D. twenty-two D. twenty-eight
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“A Call to the Pool”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

My name is Sam. Today is very hot. The sun is very strong. I am hot.
I want to be cool. How can I get cool?

Wait...I know!
I can go to the pool. The pool is cool. I can swim in the pool.
Is the pool open? Or is the pool closed?
Where is the phone? I need to call the pool. I need to find out if the pool is open
or closed.

— Ring! Ring! —

“Hello. My name is Andrea. I am at the pool. Can I help you?”

“Hi, Andrea. Is the pool open?”
"Yes. The pool is open."
“Okay. Thank you!”
“You are welcome. Bye!”
Great! The pool is open! Now I can cool down!

Questions:
1) What is the weather like today? 2) Sam is hot, but Sam wants to be

A. It is cold. A. cold
B. It is cool. B. cool
C. It is warm. C. warm
D. It is hot. D. hot

3) How can Sam get cool? 4) Why does Sam talk to Andrea?

A. He can go to the library. A. because she is his friend

B. He can go to the pool. B. because she knows his sister
C. He can go to school. C. because Sam needs to know
D. He can go to work. what time it is
D. because Sam wants to know if
the pool is open

5) Is the pool open?

A. Yes, the pool is open.

B. No, the pool is not open. The
pool is closed.
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“A Happy Visitor”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

It is Thursday. It is raining today. It is a rainy day.

Anna is inside the house. Anna is watching TV. Anna is watching TV inside the
house.

Anna cannot go outside. It is raining outside. Anna cannot go outside because it

is raining outside.

Anna is bored.

Wait!

Anna hears someone at the door. Someone is at the door of her house.

Anna opens the door. What does Anna see?

Anna sees a dog. The dog is small. Anna sees a small dog.

The dog is wet. The dog is wet from the rain.

"Awww! You are all wet!" Anna says to the dog. "You are very cute!"

"Mom!" Anna says.

"Yes, dear?" says Anna's mom.

"There is a dog here! There is a dog at the door!" Anna says.

"What?" says Anna's mom. "A dog?"

Anna's mom comes to the door. Anna's mom sees the wet dog. The wet dog
looks cute.

"Can we keep it?" asks Anna.

"Yes, we can," says Anna's mom.

The dog is happy.

Questions:

1) What is at the door of the house? 2) What happens at the end of the story?

A. a man A. Anna keeps the dog.

B. a cat B. Anna takes the dog to the
C. a dog hospital.
D. a snake C. Anna’s mom feeds the dog.
D. Anna dries the dog with a towel.

3) Is the dog dry or wet? 4) How does the wet dog look?
A. The dog is dry. I. strong
B. The dog is wet. II. cute
III. small
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

5) What day of the week is it in the

story?

A. Monday
B. Tuesday
C. Wednesday
D. Thursday

Do you think Anna should keep the dog? Why or why not?

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“An Adventure”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Jaime is a boy.

Jaime lives in a house. Jaime lives in the country. Jaime lives

in a house in the country.

Jaime has a dog. The dog is named Go-Go. Jaime and Go-Go are friends.

Jaime and Go-Go are bored. They want to do something new. They want to do
something fun. They want to do something exciting.

Jaime and Go-Go walk out of the house. They walk across the yard.
They walk across the field. They jump over the fence. The fence is on
the other side of the field.

Jaime sees a mountain. The mountain is very tall. The top of the
mountain is in the clouds. Jaime looks at the mountain.

“We are going to the top of that mountain,” Jaime says.

Go-Go looks nervous.

“Don't be nervous,” Jaime says.

Go-Go runs after Jaime. They walk toward the mountain. Jaime stops. He looks
back at the house.

“I am a little tired,” Jaime says to Go-Go.

Go-Go licks Jaime’s face.

Jaime turns around.

“Come on, Go-Go. We will climb the mountain tomorrow,” Jaime says.

Jaime starts to walk home.

Go-Go runs after Jaime.

Questions:

1) Where does Jaime live? 2) What kind of animal is Go-Go?

A. He lives in a house in the city. A. a dog

B. He lives in an apartment in the B. a cat
country. C. a pig
C. He lives in a house in the country. D. a bird
D. He lives in an apartment in the city.

3) In the middle of the story, they walk 4) What does Jaime do at the beginning of
across the field. This means they walk the story?

A. under the field A. go home

B. close to the field B. walk out of the house
C. away from the field C. go fishing in the river
D. from one side of the field to the D. climb a mountain
other side

5) What does Jaime want to do at 6) Why is Go-Go nervous?

the end of the story?
A. He is hungry.
A. go home B. He wants to play catch.
B. climb a mountain C. He doesn’t want to go home.
C. go fishing in the river D. He doesn’t want to climb the
D. play a game with Go-Go mountain.

7) Jaime says he will climb the mountain

tomorrow. Is this true?

A. probably
B. probably not

Would you like to live in the city, or would you like to live in the country? Why?

I would like to live in the _ because _______________________

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“Bella Hides”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Bella is hiding. She is behind the sofa with her pet puppy, Sir.
Bella is hiding from her mom. She does not want to go to the doctor.
“Bella?” calls Bella’s mom in a sweet voice. “Where are you?”
Bella’s mom looks in the closet. She looks in the kitchen. She looks next to the
bookcase. Bella always hides when she is scared.
Bella is very quiet. Sir begins to jump around behind the sofa.
Bella’s mom hears the noise. She looks behind the sofa with a smile. She holds
out her hand.
“Don’t be scared,” says Bella’s mom. “The doctor just wants to check your ears.”
“Will I have to get a shot?” asks Bella.
“No,” says her mom.
That makes Bella feel better. Bella grabs her mom’s hand. They go to see the
doctor.

Questions:

1) Why is Bella hiding? 2) Who or what is hiding with Bella?

I. She is looking for her puppy. A. her mom
II. She is scared. B. her sister
III. She is doesn’t want to go to the C. her puppy
doctor. D. her friend
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) Who is looking for Bella? 4) Where does Mom find Bella?

A. her mom A. in the kitchen

B. her puppy B. in the closet
C. the doctor C. next to the bookcase
D. her sister D. behind the sofa
Questions (continued):
5) How does Mom find Bella? 6) When does Bella hide?

A. Bella makes a noise. A. when she is bored

B. Dad helps Mom. B. when she is scared
C. Mom sees Bella's leg. C. when she is happy
D. The puppy makes a noise. D. all the time

7) What does Mom say will happen 8) How does Bella feel when Mom
when Bella sees the doctor? says she will not get a shot?

A. Bella will get her ears checked. A. angry

B. Bella will get a shot. B. better
C. Bella will get to bring her puppy. C. smart
D. Bella will get her eyes checked. D. tired

Have you ever been nervous about going to the doctor? Explain.

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“Big City Noise”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

My name is Olaf.

I live in a big city.

I live on a busy road.
During the day and at night, cars go by.
Buses go by.
Trucks go by.

People do not seem to hear the noise during the day.

But at night, the noise makes it hard to sleep.

My road has a lot of animals, too.

People keep their animals outside in their yards at night.
There are cats.
There are dogs.

The dogs make a lot of noise.

To me, the dogs are like the trucks.
The dogs are like the cars.
The dogs are like the buses.
All of them are loud!

One dog barks more than the others do. His name is Simba.
Simba is Mr. Cheek’s dog.
“That is a very bad dog. He keeps me up at night,” says Mr. Lucas. Mr. Lucas
lives next door to Mr. Cheek. “You should give him away,” says Mr. Lucas.
This makes Mr. Cheek very mad. "You should not sleep with your windows
open," says Mr. Cheek.
"You should take your dog inside at night," yells Mr. Lucas.

The two men argue about Simba’s barking almost every day.
I think this is funny.

To me, Simba is as bad as the cars.

He is as bad as the buses.
He is as bad as the trucks.

This is what living in a big city is like. There is a lot of noise.

Questions:

1) In what place does Olaf live? 2) According to Olaf, what makes

noise?

A. in a small apartment I. dogs

B. in a big city II. buses
C. in a quiet neighborhood III. airplanes
D. in a busy town
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) What goes by at night? 4) Why may people not seem to hear

the noise during the day?
A. bikes
B. cats A. because it is quiet
C. dogs B. because they are sleepy
D. trucks C. because they are busy doing
other things
D. because they do not hear well
during the day

5) What is Olaf’s road like? 6) Which noise makes Mr. Lucas

mad?
I. It is dirty.
II. It is noisy. A. cats meowing
III. It is busy. B. trucks going by
A. I only C. a dog barking
B. I and II D. people talking
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

7) Who argues every day? 8) What could Mr. Cheek do to help

Mr. Lucas sleep?
A. Mr. Lucas and Olaf
B. Olaf and Mr. Cheek A. get a cat
C. Simba and Mr. Lucas B. not argue with him
D. Mr. Lucas and Mr. Cheek C. not drive his car at night
D. take his dog inside at night
Questions (continued):
9) What could Mr. Lucas do to sleep 10) Who says Simba is a bad dog?
better?
A. Olaf
A. close his windows at night
B. Mr. Lucas
B. not argue with Mr. Cheek
C. Olaf and Mr. Lucas
C. go to bed later
A. no one
D. talk to Olaf

11) Who does Mr. Cheek live next door 12) What does Olaf mean when he
to? says Simba is as bad as the buses?

A. Olaf A. that Simba barks at the buses

B. Mr. Lucas B. that Simba and the buses argue
C. Olaf and Mr. Lucas C. that Simba runs down the street
D. no one at night
D. that Simba and the buses both
make noise

13) According to Olaf, what could be

done about noise in a big town?

A. People could ride bikes.

B. Dogs could be inside.
C. People could walk everywhere.
D. Nothing can be done.

Is it better to live in the city or in the country? Why?

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“Late”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Martin is in a hurry.
He is late to work again.
Martin's boss doesn't like it when he is late. Martin was late last week. His boss
told him not to be late again. He really wasn’t joking either. He was serious. “I
mean it,” Martin remembers him saying.
Martin thinks he might lose his job if he is late again.
The time is now 7:15 am. Martin needs to be at work by 7:30. It takes him 22
minutes to drive to work.
“Things don’t look good,” he says to himself.
Martin runs out of the house. He jumps in his car. He puts the car in reverse. He
backs up without looking.
BOOM!
There is a sound like someone hitting a drum. Martin’s car jerks
to a stop. He has hit the car parked behind him.
“Oh, no!” Martin exclaims. He is angry now.
Martin looks at his watch. It is 7:18. He needs to get to work.
He looks around. There is no one on the street. There is no one nearby.
He looks in the parked car. It is empty.
Martin drives off quickly.
He gets to work 10 minutes late.
Martin’s boss is not around. “Thank goodness,” he says to himself.
He stops worrying. He sits at his desk to work.
During lunch, Martin goes out to the parking lot. He looks at his car. There is a
big dent in the back.
Then he thinks about the other car— the car he hit this morning. "I know that car
is damaged too," he thinks.
He feels guilty.
“That was not right,” Martin says to himself.
He will see if the car is still outside his house when he gets off work.
Questions:

1) At the beginning of the story, Martin 2) Why is Martin in a hurry?

is in a hurry. What does this mean?
A. because he is late
A. He is running. B. because he is running
B. He is angry. C. because he is moving fast
C. He is late. D. because he had a car accident
D. He is moving fast.

3) Martin remembers when his boss 4) What does Martin think will happen
told him, “I mean it.” What does this if he is late to work again?
mean?
A. He will get a pay cut.
A. The boss is serious. B. He will need to buy a watch.
B. The boss is angry. C. He will get fired from his job.
C. The boss is emotional. D. He will need to adjust his
D. The boss is interested. schedule.

5) What time does Martin need to be at 6) If Martin leaves the house at 7:15,
work? what time does he get to work?

A. 6:30 A. 7:32
B. 7:15 B. 7:37
C. 7:30 C. 7:40
D. 8:15 D. 7:52

7) What is the loud noise? 8) Martin checks if there is anyone

nearby. What does nearby mean?
A. Martin yelling
B. police sirens sounding A. in
C. Martin driving off the road B. next to
D. Martin hitting someone’s car C. close by
D. far away

9) Why doesn't Martin get in trouble 10) Who does Martin talk to in the
with his boss today? story?

A. His boss is not around. I. himself

B. He gets to work on time. II. his boss
C. His boss feels sorry for him. III. his friends
D. Martin says he is sorry for being A. I only
late. B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

11) How do Martin's feelings change 12) Why did Martin look around after
during the story? he hit the car?

A. from hurried to guilty to angry A. He needed help.

B. from angry to guilty to hurried B. He wanted a ride to work.
C. from hurried to angry to guilty C. He needed to check the time.
D. from angry to hurried to angry D. He wanted to check if anyone
saw him.

13) As used at the end of the story, 14) What might Martin do if the car he
what does it mean to feel guilty? hit is still there after work?

A. to feel bad about doing I. He might try to hide the dent.

something II. He might try to find the owner.
B. to feel worried about doing III. He might leave a note on the
something windshield with his phone
C. to feel unsure about doing number on it.
something A. I only
D. to feel like you want to change B. I and II
something C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

Do you think Martin is a good employee? Why or why not?

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“The Brenners”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

The Brenner family has a mom, a dad, three boys, two dogs, a hamster, and four
frogs.
They are very happy.
Their house is very small.
Mom and Dad share one bedroom.
The three boys share one bedroom. Their names are Billy, Bobby, and Brad.
All the pets sleep in the living room.
Mr. and Mrs. Brenner came home today from the doctor with news. It is very big
news.
“There are going to be two more of us,” Mrs. Brenner says with a smile.
“I am pregnant.”
Billy, Bobby, and Brad cheer. “We will have a basketball team,” Billy says.
“And do you know what Dad and I have decided we need?” asks Mrs. Brenner.
“A coach?” asks Bobby.
“No,” Mr. Brenner says with a laugh. “A bigger house.”
Over the next week, the Brenner family starts looking for a new house.
On Monday, they see a brick house with a big front porch. It has three bedrooms.
Mr. Brenner likes this one.
On Thursday, they see a wooden house with a big backyard. It has four
bedrooms. Mrs. Brenner thinks this house is great.
On Saturday, they see a house with four bedrooms and a pool. The boys like this
house a lot. They dream of having their friends over for a swim.
“But it’s smaller than the house we live in now!” Mrs. Brenner says.
All of the houses cost a lot of money.
“I think we need to save more money before we buy a bigger house,” says Mr.
Brenner. Mrs. Brenner agrees.
Soon, two new babies arrive in their very small house. Their names are Brandi
and Brooke.
The two baby girls sleep in a crib by their parents’ bed.
Mr. Brenner buys a basketball hoop and puts it in the driveway.
Questions:

1) What is the Brenner house like? 2) Who shares a bedroom?

I. crowded I. Billy and Mom
II. small II. Mom and Dad
III. dirty III. Billy, Bobby, and Brad
A. I only A. I only
B. I and II B. I and II
C. II and III C. II and III
D. I, II, and III D. I, II, and III

3) What pets do the Brenners have? 4) How many dogs do the Brenners
have?
I. two dogs
II. a hamster A. one
III. four cats B. two
A. I only C. four
B. I and II D. five
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

5) What can be said about all the kids' 6) As used in the beginning of the
names? story, what is the “big news”?

A. They are all girls’ names. A. Mrs. Brenner is pregnant with

B. They all start with the letter B. twins.
C. They are all long names. B. The Brenners are moving to a
D. They all end in the letter Y. new house.
C. The Brenners are starting a
basketball team.
D. The Brenners are getting some
new pets.

7) Why does Bobby say the Brenners 8) Which house does Mr. Brenner
need a coach? like?

A. because Mr. Brenner is too busy A. the one with a pool

to coach B. the one with a big backyard
B. because they need help buying C. the one with a big front porch
a house D. the one with four bedrooms
C. because they will soon have
enough kids for a basketball
team
D. because Mrs. Brenner will not
be able to coach while she is
pregnant
Questions (continued):

9) Which house does Mrs. Brenner 10) Why do the boys like the house
like? with the pool?
I. the one with a big front porch A. It has the biggest yard.
II. the one with a big backyard B. It is the biggest house.
III. the one with four bedrooms C. They are on the swim team.
A. I only D. They want to have their friends
B. I and II over to swim.
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

11) How are all the houses they see 12) What must Mr. and Mrs. Brenner
alike? do before buying a new house?

A. They are all very pretty. A. get new jobs

B. They are all very big. B. have the babies
C. They each have four bedrooms. C. save more money
D. They all cost a lot of money. D. move to a new city

13) What does Mr. Brenner put in the 14) What do the Brenners’ newborn
driveway? babies have in common?

A. a car I. They have the same gender.

B. a dog crate II. They sleep in the same place.
C. their new van III. Both their first and last names
D. a basketball hoop start with the same letter.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

How big is your family? Do you like this size? Why or why not?

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“The Bus Driver”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Dana Miller is a bus driver.

She drives a bus in the city of Philadelphia.

She works the night shift. That means she starts work at 10:00 at night and gets off at
6:00 in the morning. In the world of bus driving, this is sometimes called third shift.

Dana has been driving a bus for 15 years. She started when she was 23 years old.

She loves her job most of the time. She gets to see the beautiful city from her seat.

She gets to meet all kinds of people.

There is the guitar player. He lugs his heavy guitar on the bus every Friday night. He
plays at a nightspot downtown.

People call him Get Low. That is because he likes to play the guitar on his knees.

If the bus is not too crowded, Get Low plays in the back of the bus. The bus is seldom
crowded at night. He likes to warm up on the bus before shows.

There is the woman who works at the pretzel factory. Each day the “Pretzel Lady”
brings Dana a bag of fresh, soft pretzels. They fill the bus with a wonderful smell!

Sometimes Dana’s job is hard. It is hard when Dana sees people down on their luck.

One time, a young woman left her sleeping baby on the bus. There was a note on the
baby's blanket asking for help. Dana had to call the police.

Another time, a teenaged boy stole money from Dana on the bus. He had a fake gun.
Dana thought it was real. She was very scared.

Occasionally, driving the bus can be scary. But most of the time, driving the bus is
great. Dana does not want to work anywhere else.

“How was your night?” Dana’s husband likes to ask when she gets home.

“Good music, good food, and a great view of the city,” she says.
Questions:

1) Where does Dana drive the bus? 2) What shift does Dana work?

A. around Philadelphia A. third shift

B. to the police station B. evening shift
C. to pick up guitar players C. afternoon shift
D. to pick up school children D. second shift

3) How old is Dana? 4) How long is Dana's shift?

A. 15 A. 6 hours
B. 23 B. 8 hours
C. 38 C. 10 hours
D. 39 D. 12 hours

5) What is one reason Dana loves her 6) Why is the guitar player called Get
job? Low?

A. She finds sleeping babies. A. He has a low voice.

B. She gets to call the police. B. He likes to play sitting down.
C. She gets to sleep during the C. He likes to play on his knees.
day. D. It is the name of his favorite
D. She gets to meet all kinds of song.
people.

7) What does lug mean? 8) The main reason Get Low rides the
bus is because
A. to throw
B. to push easily A. he likes to see the city
C. to carry on one's head B. he enjoys talking to Dana
D. to carry something that is hard C. he likes to play guitar there
to move around D. he needs to get to a show

9) How often does Get Low play guitar 10) Who gives Dana pretzels?
on the bus?
A. the guitar player
I. when the bus is not crowded
B. the young mom
II. when he doesn’t have a show
C. the teenager
III. every Friday night
D. the woman who works at the
A. I only factory
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions:

11) Why might the young woman have 12) Who steals money?
left her baby on the bus?
A. Get Low
A. She forgot it there. B. the baby’s mother
B. It was sleeping. C. a teenager
C. She meant to come right back. D. Dana
D. She felt she could not take care
of it.

13) Why does Dana seem to think 14) As used at the end of the story,
people do bad things? which is the best synonym
for occasionally?
I. They are down on their luck.
II. They are bad by nature. A. seldom
III. They know Dana is vulnerable. B. one time
A. I only C. frequently
B. I and II D. usually
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

15) What great view of the city does

Dana have?

A. the view from a tall building

B. the view from a mountain top
C. the view from the sidewalk
D. the view from her bus seat

Do you think Dana has a good job? Explain.

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“The New School”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Tracey is starting a new school today.

She is very sad. She is very scared.

“I don’t want to go to school today,” Tracey tells her dad.
“I understand, sweetheart,” Dad says. “Starting a new school can be very scary.”
Tracey has moved to a new town. She has moved to a new house. She is
starting a new school today. She has done all of this in a week!
“I feel sick,” Tracey says. “My stomach hurts. I can’t eat breakfast.”
“I think that is because you are nervous,” Dad says. He pats Tracey’s hair. He
gives her a little hug. “Try drinking just a little juice. Then I will walk you to
school.”
Tracey and her dad walk to school.
Tracey thinks about many things.
Will I make friends?
Will I like my teacher?
What if I don’t know the answer to a question?
Will kids laugh at me?
What if no one likes me?
“We’re here,” says Dad.
Tracey looks up at the big building. Her other school was small.
Tracey wishes she could run away.
She knows she cannot.
She takes a deep breath.
She walks up the steps to school.
She walks into her third grade classroom.
“That must be Tracey,” she hears a boy say.
“Hello, Tracey!”
“Welcome, Tracey!”
“Let me show you around.”
Everyone seems kind. Tracey feels a little better.
Bu she is still not happy. She is still a little scared. She cannot eat her lunch.
Dad picks Tracey up after school.
“How was your day?” he asks.
“Okay,” she says.
“It will get better,” Dad says. “Big changes are hard.”
“I know,” says Tracey. She reaches for her dad’s hand to hold as they walk
home.

Questions:

1) Why is Tracey sad and 2) What has Tracey done during the week?
scared?
I. made a new friend
A. She is moving to a new II. moved to a new town
house today. III. moved to a new house
B. She is moving to a new
A. I only
town today.
B. I and II
C. She is starting a new
C. II and III
school today.
D. I, II, and III
D. She is walking to school
alone today.

3) What grade is Tracey in? 4) Why can't Tracey eat breakfast?

A. second grade I. She is nervous.

B. third grade II. Her stomach hurts.
C. fourth grade III. She is late for school.
D. fifth grade A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

5) Why does Tracey's dad think 6) As used at the beginning of the story,
she feels sick? what does nervous mean?

A. because she is sleepy A. to be happy

B. because she is nervous B. to be hungry
C. because she has a cold C. to be mad
D. because she ate too much D. to be scared
Questions (continued):

7) What does Dad tell Tracey to do 8) How do Tracey and Dad get to
before school? school?

A. stop crying A. They drive.

B. get her bag B. They walk.
C. drink some juice C. They run.
D. put on her shoes D. They take the bus.

9) What does Tracey think about most 10) When does Tracey seem to be
as she walks? brave?

A. her math test A. when she cannot eat

B. answering questions B. when she feels better
C. having friends C. when she holds her dad's hand
D. her teachers D. when she walks up the steps to
the school

11) What is Tracey's new school like? 12) How do the children in Tracey's
class seem?
A. big
B. dirty A. kind
C. loud B. smart
D. small C. funny
D. different

Have you ever felt nervous about doing something new? Explain.

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“The Park”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Reem likes to go to the park with her mom.

She likes to play at the park with her friends.

Today when Reem goes to the park, she looks around and becomes very sad.

“What is wrong, Reem?” Mom asks.

“There is so much trash on the ground,” Reem says. “It seems like each day, I see
more trash here.”

Reem and her mom look around.

There are old boxes on the ground.

There are popped balloons on the ground.

There are old cans, too.

“You are right,” Mom says. “The park is very dirty.”

“What can we do?” Reem asks.

“I am sure you will think of something,” Mom says.

Reem and her mom go home. Reem paints a picture of a park. She uses blue,
green, brown, and yellow paint.

PLEASE KEEP OUR PARK CLEAN, she writes in big letters on top of her picture.

“Let’s go back to the park, Mom,” Reem says.

“Okay,” Mom says.

Reem grabs a bunch of trash bags to take with her. She also brings along some
tape.

When Reem gets to the park, she tapes her picture on a big trash can.

“Here you go!” she says to her mom. She hands her mom a bag. “Will you help
me pick up the trash?”
“I sure will,” Mom says.

The children at the park run over to see what is going on.

Reem hands them bags. “Let’s clean this place up,” she says.

The children pick up lots of trash. They talk and laugh as they work. Soon all the
bags are full.

“We need to come back another day. There is still some trash on the ground,”
Reem says. “But the park looks much better.”

“It does,” Mom says. “I knew you would think of some way to help.”

Questions:

1) Why is Reem sad? 2) What is on the ground?

3) What does Reem do when she gets 4) What is the purpose of Reem’s
home? picture?

A. She makes a sign. A. to encourage people to clean up

B. She eats dinner. the park
C. She paints her face. B. to make the park more beautiful
D. She cleans her room. C. to improve her skills as an artist
D. to show people how beautiful
the park is

5) Why does Reem tape her picture to 6) Who helps Reem pick up trash?
the trash can?
I. her dad
A. so people can see it II. her mom
B. so it falls to the ground III. other children
C. so people get mad A. I only
D. she is tired of holding it B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

7) What does Reem give the children? 8) What does Reem learn at the park?

A. brooms A. that she can help make things

B. gifts better
C. mops B. that people do not care about
D. trash bags the park
C. that her mom does not like to
pick up trash
D. that the park has no trash cans

9) How might Reem and her friends 10) How does the park look after
feel after cleaning up? everyone cleans it up?

A. cold A. all clean

B. good B. better
C. mad C. very dirty
D. sad D. dirtier

11) At the end of the story, why does

Reem say that she needs to come
back another day?

A. to play at the park

B. to clean up more trash
C. to empty the trash bags
D. to show her dad her work

What are some ways we can fight pollution and preserve the environment?

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“The Rent Man”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Someone is knocking on Amanda’s door.

Amanda is home, but she does not answer.

It is the man who owns the house where she lives.

His name is Mr. Campbell. Amanda calls him the Rent Man.

He has come by to get the rent money Amanda owes.

Amanda does not have the money to pay him.

Amanda lost her job at the auto factory three and a half weeks ago.

“I worked there for 15 years,” Amanda thinks to herself. She is bitter. “But it took
them just one day to take my job away.”

Amanda has no idea when she will find another job. Lots of other people from her
factory lost their jobs three weeks ago, too.

She looks for work every day.

She looks for work at a restaurant. “You have never worked at a restaurant,” the
owner tells her. “This job is not for you.”

She looks for work at the bookstore. “We don’t have any jobs right now,” the clerk
tells Amanda.

She looks for work at the grocery store. “I will call you to let you know,” the
manager says.

Amanda is worried. She is running out of money quickly.

There is another loud knock at the door. Amanda sits quietly in her kitchen. She
hopes the Rent Man will go away soon.
Questions:

1) Who is knocking at Amanda's door? 2) What does Mr. Campbell want?

A. the restaurant owner A. a book

B. the clerk B. a car
C. Mr. Campbell C. a job
D. the manager D. money

3) Why doesn't Amanda answer the 4) When did Amanda lose her job?
door?
A. ten days ago
A. she is feeling sick B. two weeks ago
B. she is not home C. three weeks ago
C. she has very little money D. almost a month ago
D. she doesn't hear the doorbell
ring

5) If Amanda is bitter, how does she 6) What seems to be the reason

feel? Amanda lost her job at the factory?

A. disappointed and angry A. She was bitter.

B. happy and sure B. She was a bad worker.
C. hungry and tired C. She had worked there too long.
D. quiet and alone D. Business was slow.

7) Where does Amanda look for a new 8) Which job might Amanda get?
job?
A. none of them
I. a restaurant B. the factory job
II. a bookstore C. the bookstore job
III. a grocery store D. the grocery store job
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

9) Where is Amanda? 10) It could have been helpful for

Amanda to
I. in her kitchen
II. at the table A. call the police
III. at the factory B. tell Mr. Campbell to stop
A. I only knocking
B. I and II C. tell Mr. Campbell that she lost
C. II and III her job
D. I, II, and III D. lock the back door in addition to
the front door

11) What would it be reasonable for 12) Why does Amanda sit quietly?
Mr. Campbell to do next?
A. so she can think
I. break the door down B. so she can hear the door
II. come back another day C. so Mr. Campbell will not know
III. call Amanda on the phone she is home
A. I only D. because Mr. Campbell is a scary
B. I and II man
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

Is Mr. Campbell a bad man? Why or why not?

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“The Runaway”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

My name is Uma.
I was 17 when I ran away from home for good.
I stole $45 from my dad’s drawer one morning.
He had already left for work.
I stuffed some clothes in my backpack.
I headed for the bus station.
I caught the first bus that came in.
It did not matter to me where I was going.
It just mattered that I was leaving.
That night I ended up in Springfield, Massachusetts.
I got here around sunset.
My first night here, I was scared. I was alone. I slept behind an old store so no
one would see me.
That first night I was so cold. The January wind was so cold it stung my face.
Today, I am still in Springfield. I am 28 years old. I have a son who is 11.
I wait tables at a restaurant. The food is not so good. The people who eat there
are not so nice.
I think about my dad sometimes.
“Do I have a grandma?” my kid asks.
“No,” I say.
“Do I have a grandpa?” he asks.
“Not to speak of,” I say. That is when I think of my dad.
I think about what he is doing.
I think about if he misses me or not. I don’t miss him much at all. But it’s nice to
feel like someone misses you.
Questions:

1) What does the expression "for good" 2) How old was Uma when she ran
mean as used in the beginning of away?
this story?
A. 11
A. forever B. 16
B. for a little while C. 17
C. to have a good time D. 28
D. to make things better

3) Where did Uma get $45? 4) How did Uma run away?

A. She stole it. A. She walked.

B. She borrowed it. B. She drove.
C. She worked for it. C. She caught the bus.
D. She got it from her drawer. D. She caught the train.

5) Uma probably didn’t care where the 6) What kind of person does Uma
bus was going because she seem to be?

A. was exhausted A. honest

B. was desperate B. funny
C. had a fight with her dad C. irresponsible
D. thought she would come back D. sad

7) Uma slept behind the store because 8) In what month did Uma run away?

A. it was an easy place to find food A. August

B. no one would see her there B. January
C. there were other people nearby C. December
D. her friends wanted her to stay D. Not enough information is
there provided

9) Where does Uma work? 10) When does Uma think about her
dad?
A. She works at a school.
B. She works at a restaurant. A. all the time
C. She works at a bus station. B. never
D. She works at a store. C. when her child asks about his
grandpa
D. when she works at the
restaurant
Questions (continued):
11) What does Uma say about herself 12) Given what you know from the
in the story? story, which of the following is Uma
likely to do?
I. She is a runaway.
II. She wants a new job.
A. go back home
III. She is sad.
B. get a new job
A. I only C. kiss her child
B. I and II D. stay in Springfield
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

13) Why does Uma run away from home?

A. Her father abused her.

B. She stole money from her father.
C. She was pregnant.
D. The story does not say why.

Is it ever a good idea to run away? Explain.

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“Time with Grandpa”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Ben jumped from bed as soon as the first bit of sun peeped through
his window. He grabbed his backpack from his closet and opened it on the floor.

Ben put in some of his favorite things to take with him on his trip to visit Grandpa.
He put in a book on building forts, a book on making go-carts, and a new book he
had gotten from the library about a kid detective who creates his own spy gear.
He also put in a model car kit and his stuffed bear. He was ready to go!

Going to visit his grandfather for a week by himself was always Ben’s favorite
part of summer vacation. Grandpa would take him fishing and to baseball games.
Grandpa also taught Ben how to fix things around the house.

Last year, when he was eight years old, Ben had learned how to replace a
broken doorknob and how to fix a leaky faucet. Grandpa was patient and did not
mind taking many hours to show Ben how to use his tools.

Ben’s mom stuck her head in his bedroom door. “Grandpa’s here,” she said with
a smile.

Ben grabbed his backpack and ran into the kitchen where Grandpa was waiting.
“Ready, big guy?” asked Grandpa. “Or do you want to eat breakfast before we
leave?”

“Ready,” said Ben. As he kissed his mother goodbye, he felt his stomach rumble.
“We can eat later!”

Questions:

1) Ben jumps out of bed because 2) How old is Ben?

A. he is late A. seven years old

B. he is scared B. eight years old
C. he is excited C. nine years old
D. he is worried D. ten years old
Questions(continued):

3) What time of year is it? 4) What is Ben’s favorite part of

summer vacation?
A. spring
B. summer A. fixing stuff
C. autumn B. going fishing
D. winter C. visiting his grandfather
D. going to a baseball game

5) Used in paragraph 4, what is the 6) Judging by the things Ben puts in his
meaning of patient? backpack, what does he like to do
most?
A. very slow
B. sick in the hospital A. make things
C. good about sharing B. ride go-carts
D. taking time without complaint C. spy on people
D. read big books

7) Where and when does this story 8) According to the story, what is one
take place? of the things Ben’s grandpa taught
him to do?
A. at Grandpa’s house in the early
afternoon A. use a drill
B. at Ben’s house in the early B. build a fort
afternoon C. fix a leaky faucet
C. at Grandpa’s house in the D. build a model car
morning
D. at Ben’s house in the morning

9) What is the most likely reason Ben 10) Which of the following things does
does not eat breakfast? Ben seem to like?

A. He is not hungry. I. baseball

B. He does not like his mother’s II. reading
cooking. III. fishing
C. He wants to leave for his A. I only
grandpa's house. B. I and II
D. He has already eaten. C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
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“Vet Emergency!”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

It is 10:00 on a Saturday night. The doors to the animal emergency room

fly open.
Cyrus carries a tiny, black lab puppy into the building.
"Save him. Please!" cries Cyrus. "He ran out into the street and got hit by a car."
The puppy is whining. There is a lot of blood.
Dr. Williams comes from behind the desk. She reads the puppy’s name tag.
“Here, let me take Lobo from you,” Dr. Williams tells Cyrus gently. “I will take him
in the back for x-rays and see what needs to be done.”
When Dr. Williams gets to the back, she takes a closer look at Lobo. Her face
is grim. She can see the dog's leg is broken badly. She fears there is other
damage she cannot see.
The assistants in the room are silent. Everyone knows that Lobo may not survive.
If he does survive, his leg injury may be so severe that walking will be hard for
him to do.
The x-rays show that Lobo’s front leg has been broken in three places. He is also
bleeding inside.
Dr. Williams gets to work. She knows she must stop the bleeding quickly.
The surgery takes just under two hours. Dr. Williams fixes the damage to Lobo's
leg. She stops the bleeding inside his chest.
“I will go tell Lobo’s owner that this little pup is going to make it,” Dr. Williams
says. “We’ll see in a few weeks how well he will walk again.”

Questions:

1) The story takes place in a(n) 2) What does the mood in the room
seem to be?
A. police station
B. waiting room A. angry
C. doctor's office B. joyful
D. animal hospital C. relaxed
D. tense
Questions (continued):

3) Dr. Williams knows just how badly 4) Around what time did Lobo's
Lobo has been hurt when surgery end?

A. Cyrus asks for help A. 10:00 at night

B. she takes a closer look B. 10:00 in the morning
C. she sees Lobo is a lab puppy C. noon
D. she looks at the x-rays D. midnight

5) As used in the middle of the story, 6) For about how long is Lobo in
which is the best synonym surgery?
for grim?
A. 45 minutes
A. calm B. 1hour, 30 minutes
B. serious C. 1 hour, 50 minutes
C. hopeful D. 2 hours, 15 minutes
D. pleasant

7) Dr. Williams is a(n) 8) To have a severe injury means to

A. pediatrician A. have a mild injury

B. dentist B. have a lot of pain
C. internist C. not be able to walk
D. veterinarian D. have a very bad injury

9) In how many places was Lobo's leg 10) What does the reader know about
broken? Lobo by the end of the story?

A. 1 I. He will survive.
B. 2 II. He is a black lab.
C. 3 III. He will walk fine.
D. 4 A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

How do you think Cyrus will react when Dr. Williams tells him about Lobo? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

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“Wanga”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

I, Nancy Norris, believer of nothing, order my spell kit on the Internet.

This might sound crazy, but I have run out of more sane ideas.

I have looked in the want ads. I have sent my resume to a million companies. I
have gone to businesses up and down my block asking for work.

I need a job. I need money. I need these things fast. I am desperate.

I am about to lose my house. I am about to lose my car. I have been out of work
for 8 months.

The Internet is free at the library. This is a very good thing. I see a site that sells
witch doctor spell kits.

WARNING: Do not ask for something unless you truly want it to come true!

There are Love Kits. These get someone to love you back. There are New Life
Kits. These make you happy. There are Money Kits. These bring you money,
riches and an easy life.

Of course, I choose the Money Kit. This is what I need. I truly want it to come
true.

I have $20 left on my credit card. I use it all to order my spell kit. Don’t laugh.

I order the kit on Monday. It says it should arrive in two days. So I wait.
Wednesday passes. I wait and wait. Finally it gets here after four days. I am kind
of upset it took so long. I hope it doesn’t take that long for the spell to work.

Like a wild animal, I tear open the box. Inside is the kit with a Wanga doll. The
doll has been blessed by an actual witch doctor and is a very important part of
making my spell come true. That is what the box says, anyway.

Wanga is about 6 inches tall. He has bushy black hair. He is dressed in a furry
outfit that looks like a bathrobe. Hopefully, he will be my new best friend.

There are three different powders in the kit. Each has its own separate bag.

The kit also comes with a set of detailed instructions. I am to follow them exactly.

I spread the powders out on the floor and place my Wanga doll next to them. I
hope for the best. My mortgage is due tomorrow.
Questions:

1) As used at the beginning of the 2) Why does Nancy order a spell kit?
story, what does sane mean?
I. She needs a cure.
A. absurd II. She needs a job.
B. powerful III. She needs money.
C. rational
D. foolish A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) Given what is said in the passage, 4) What can be said about Nancy from
what is another way to write the this passage?
following sentence?
A. She is well read.
“I am desperate.” B. She is very serious.
C. She was once very wealthy.
A. I am crazy. D. She can make fun of herself.
B. I full of hope.
C. I am willing to try anything.
D. I am not sure about anything
anymore.

5) If something comes true, it 6) Which kit does Nancy order?

A. happens A. the Love Kit

B. tells the truth B. the New Life Kit
C. brings money C. the Money Kit
D. is fantastic D. the New Job Kit

7) What does the Wanga doll look 8) Which sentence from the story is
like? most likely an exaggeration?

I. It is black. A. “I need a job.”

II. It is six inches tall. B. “Wanga is about 6 inches tall.”
III. It has bushy hair. C. “Finally it gets here after four
days.”
A. I only D. “I have sent my resume to a
B. I and II million companies.”
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

9) According to the story, why would a 10) The Wanga doll is special because
person buy the New Life Kit?
A. it has a furry outfit
A. to have a baby B. it comes with detailed
B. to become happy instructions
C. to move to a new town C. it is given to Nancy by her best
D. to be cured from sickness friend
D. it has been blessed by a witch
doctor

11) The kit arrives on 12) As used at the end of the story,
which would be the opposite of
A. Monday detailed instructions?
B. Wednesday
C. Thursday A. many instructions
D. Friday B. vague instructions
C. specific instructions
D. funny instructions

13) How does Nancy pay for her spell 14) “Like a wild animal, I tear open the
kit? box.” This is an example of

A. with cash A. simile, meaning a comparison

B. with a check using like or as
C. with a credit card B. metaphor, meaning a
D. with a money order comparison in which one thing is
represented as another
C. hyperbole, meaning the use of
exaggeration to emphasis an idea
D. allusion, meaning a passing or
casual reference

Are you superstitious? Why or why not?

________________________________________________________________________

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“Worth Working For”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Paola and Imran have been married nearly 8 years.

They have had many good times together.
They have traveled the world together.
They have had two little girls together.
They have started a chocolate shop together.
Lately, Paola and Imran have been fighting a lot.
Business at the chocolate shop is slow. Imran thinks it is Paola’s fault.
They are having trouble with money. Paola thinks Imran spends too much.
One evening, Paola decides to visit her mom for advice.
Paola knocks on her mom’s door. Paola’s mom is happy. It is a surprise visit.
She quickly sees, however, that something is wrong.
Paola looks sad and tired. “Paola, what is the matter?” Mom asks.
Paola tells her mom all that is going on.
Mom smiles gently. She rubs Paola’s back. Then she tells Paola a story.
“Your father and I have a wonderful marriage. But we don’t always get along.
There was a time when things were very bad between us. We fought all the time.
You were just a little girl. One day we watched you playing on the floor. We knew
we wanted to make our marriage work. We loved you very much. We loved each
other very much. We knew we had to work harder on our marriage.”
“What did you do?” asks Paola.
“We agreed to talk more. We planned a special night each week for the two of
us. We went to see someone who helps people with their marriages,” Mom says.
“It was worth it. I can’t imagine not having your father in my life.”
Paola begins to feel better. “You are right,” she says. “What Imran and I have is
worth working for.”

Questions:

1) Paola wants to see her mom to 2) The talk takes place at

A. hear a story A. Paola’s mom's house

B. get advice B. a restaurant
C. make her mom happy C. Paola's house
D. get a back rub D. the chocolate shop
Questions:

3) What good times have Paola and Imran 4) In discussing her own problems, what idea
had? does Mom give Paola about fixing her
problems with Imran?
I. They have had children together.
II. They have started a business I. Paola can do something special with
together. Imran.
III. They have done extensive traveling II. Paola can inform the children about the
together. problems she is having with Imran.
III. Paola can avoid talking to Imran when
A. I only she is feeling upset.
B. I and II
C. II and III A. I only
D. I, II, and III B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

5) How long have Imran and Paola been 6) At the end of the talk with her Mom, Paola
married? seems

A. 6 years A. puzzled
B. 7 years B. convinced
C. 8 years C. doubtful
D. 10 years D. surprised

7) Why does Mom seem to know how 8) What kind of relationship does Paola
Paola feels? seem to have with her Mom?

A. She is a good guesser. I. open

B. She has been told by Imran. II. loving
C. She and Paola have discussed this III. tense
problem before. A. I only
D. She has experienced the same B. I and II
problem in her own marriage. C. II and III
D. I, II, and III.

9) What does the reader not learn in this 10) What lesson does Paola learn?
story?
A. Two children is too many.
A. what Imran has to say B. Marriage should always be easy.
B. why Paola visits her mom C. Eight years of marriage is too long.
C. how many kids Paola and Imran D. Even a good marriage can sometimes
have be hard work.
D. what kind of business they have
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“A Christmas in March”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Just before Christmas in 1944, a letter arrived at our house in Philadelphia.

The postmark was from Tuskegee, Alabama, so we all knew who it was
from. We excitedly gathered around Mother as she opened it at the
kitchen table.

My Dear Mother,

I did not get the leave I expected for Christmas. I will miss all of you. Please
leave the Christmas tree up until I make it back. I hope to be home by March.

Love from your son,

Clifton

I was 17 years old at the time. My heart sank. I felt a profound sadness that my
favorite brother would not be home for Christmas. He was one of the Tuskegee
Airmen and was responsible for maintaining the airplanes flying off to fight in
World War II.

My mother, being the optimist she always was, said, “Well, it looks like we’ll get
to have two Christmases this year!”

After Christmas, my sister and I worked together to make sure we kept that
Christmas tree looking as pretty as possible. This was no easy feat.

By mid-January, the branches drooped so low to the ground that they became a
sliding board for the decorations. Each day, ornaments would come crashing to
the ground and there were brand new sprinklings of pine needles all over the
wooden floor. My sister and I took turns sweeping them up. We repositioned the
ornaments to the stronger branches on the tree, hoping they would stay on.

Each time we freshened that tree up, my sister and I were full of thoughts about
Clifton and how happy we would be to see him again. It made us feel that he was
close by, even though he was hundreds of miles away.

On March 5, the doorbell rang. We ran to the door and gave Clifton a big hug. As
he hugged Mother, I could see him peek over her head at the Christmas tree.

“It’s beautiful,” he said. “Thank you.” Clifton opened his presents and told us all
sorts of stories about his work in Tuskegee.

That night as we slept, we heard a crash in the living room. We all ran to see
what had happened. The tree had toppled onto the sofa and there were needles
and broken ornaments everywhere. We all had a good laugh. It was
fortuitous Clifton got home when he did!
Questions:

1) After Clifton's letter is read to the 2) In the middle of the story, we learn
family, the narrator’s mood shifts that the mother is an optimist. This
from means she

A. arrogant to humble A. is not easily upset

B. sad to joyful B. upholds high standards
C. uncertain to clear C. maintains a positive viewpoint
D. excited to disappointed D. considers all outcomes before
making a decision

3) What can we conclude about Clifton 4) Which of the following words best
by reading the letter? describes the work the sisters did to
help keep the tree looking pretty?
I. He will not be home for
Christmas. A. miracle
II. He will be home by March. B. disaster
III. He is one of the Tuskegee C. drudgery
Airmen. D. teamwork
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

5) What is the most likely reason the narrator compared the tree limbs to
a “sliding board”?

A. They were so high in the air.

B. The ornaments were slipping off.
C. The sisters liked to play on them.
D. The branches looked ugly without their needles.

6) The main reason the narrator found it necessary to maintain the Christmas
decorations so carefully was because she

A. holds a deep respect for Christmas

B. needed something to take her mind off Clifton
C. wanted the decorations to look good for Clifton
D. did not want to disappoint her mother
Questions (continued):

7) "Each day, there were brand new sprinklings of pine needles all over the
wooden floor."

"My sister and I took turns sweeping them up."

Which of the following is the best way to combine the above sentences while
keeping their meaning the same as used in the story?

A. Each day, there were brand new sprinklings of pine needles all over the
wooden floor; despite this, my sister and I took turns sweeping them up.
B. Each day, there were brand new sprinklings of pine needles all over the
wooden floor, and so my sister and I took turns sweeping them up.
C. Each day, there were brand new sprinklings of pine needles all over the
wooden floor because my sister and I took turns sweeping them up.
D. Each day, there were brand new sprinklings of pine needles all over the
wooden floor unless my sister and I took turns sweeping them up.

8) For the sisters, caring for the tree 9) What other title would best fit this
came to represent passage?

A. a continual hardship A. "Flying Home"

B. a way of being close to their B. “A Christmas War”
brother C. "Granting Clifton's Wish"
C. the hope that the war would end D. “The Disappointing Letter”
soon
D. an ongoing Christmas
celebration

10) How does Clifton seem to feel 11) Which of the following describe
when he sees the Christmas tree? fortuitous circumstances?

A. appreciative I. getting the last seat on the bus

B. disappointed II. having an umbrella when it
C. estranged unexpectedly begins to rain
D. remorseful III. receiving a passing grade on a
test you studied hard for
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
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“A Cold Day”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

It is a frigid January day in York, Pennsylvania.

The temperature is below freezing. Snow is starting to fall.

Dr. James turns on the television to check the weather.

He must leave for his work at the hospital soon.

“Today is going to be very cold,” says the TV weatherman. “Be sure to wear very
warm clothes when you go outside. Also, be careful driving on the roads.
Snowfall will make them slippery. In fact, if you can stay home today, do it!”

Dr. James cannot stay home. Very sick people are waiting to see him at the
hospital.

He goes to his closet. He takes out the warmest clothes he has.

He puts on a sweater, jacket, gloves, socks, boots, and a hat.

He opens his front door to go to work. A gust of cold air blows inside.

“Wow, it is very cold outside,” Dr. James says. He is from Miami and is not used
to the cold. “The weatherman was right!”

Before he can drive to work, Dr. James must clear the snow off his car.

He does this very fast. He hops in the car. He shivers. His neck feels especially
cold.

Dr. James drives slowly to work. Everyone else is driving slowly, too. There is a
lot of traffic on the road. There are cars in front of and behind him.

Suddenly, the cars in front of Dr. James come to a stop. There has been
an accident!

Dr. James hurries from his car to check on the driver of the car that has swerved
off the road. “Is everyone okay?” Dr. James asks.

“Yes, yes, we are fine. We slipped on a patch of ice,” the driver says. “This would
have been a good day to stay home in bed.”
Questions:

1) If the weather is frigid, it is very 2) In what city does this story take
place?
A. cold
B. rainy A. Florida
C. windy B. Miami
D. slippery C. Pennsylvania
D. York

3) Dr. James doesn’t stay home 4) What could Dr. James have put on
because his neck to keep it warm?

A. There are sick people waiting for A. gloves

him. B. a scarf
B. He listens to the weatherman. C. another hat
C. He has to clear snow off his car. D. a jacket
D. He must help the people in the
accident.

5) What does Dr. James do before he 6) Given what is said in the story, what
leaves for work? is probably true about Miami?
I. He dresses warmly. A. It is a warm place.
II. He checks the weather on TV. B. It is a rainy place.
III. He clears snow from his car. C. It is a windy place.
A. I only D. People drive slowly there.
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

7) How are people driving today? 8) As described in the beginning of the

story, what does it mean if the
A. badly roads are slippery?
B. slowly
C. very fast A. The roads are full of cars.
D. like they do not care B. The roads are easy to slide on.
C. The roads are very long and
curvy.
D. The roads lead to a place with
lots of snow.
Questions (continued):
9) Why does Dr. James clear the snow 10) There is a lot of traffic on the
off his car quickly? road. How can we rewrite this
sentence?
A. because he is very cold
B. because he is late for work A. There is a lot of snow on the
C. because he knows his patients road.
are waiting B. There are a lot of cars on the
D. because he knows he will have road.
to drive slowly C. There are a lot of accidents on
the road.
D. There are a lot of people walking
on the road.

11) Why did the car have an accident? 12) What is an accident?

A. because it was snowing outside A. something that hurts people

B. because Dr. James hit the car B. something that happens only in
C. because it was so cold outside the snow
D. because the car slipped on a C. something that happens that has
patch of ice not been planned
D. something that happens
because other people want it to

13) What is the weatherman right 14) Why does Dr. James hurry from his
about? car after the accident?
I. It is a windy day. A. because he is very cold
II. It is very cold outside. B. because he wants to get to the
III. The roads are slippery. hospital as soon as possible
A. I only C. because he is worried about his
B. I and II patients waiting at the hospital
C. II and III D. because he wants to make sure
D. I, II, and III the people in the car are okay

Do you like the weather where you live? Why or why not?

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“A Day Like No Other”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Frank Wilcox has been Chief of Police in Lansett County for 25 years. He took
the job when he had just turned 30.
He has seen murders. He has seen robberies. He has seen cats stuck in trees.
He has found missing children.
But today would be like no other day on the job.
It is 11:00 at night. Chief Wilcox begins putting together his things. He is tired. He
wants to go home.
“Chief Wilcox,” calls an officer walking quickly into his office. It is Officer
Simpson. He looks nervous. He looks like he would like to be anywhere else but
there.
“What is it, Simpson?” asks the Chief.
“Holman’s Grocery was just held up at gunpoint,” Simpson says. His voice
is shaky. He coughs to clear his throat.
“Was anyone hurt?” asks Chief.
Lansett is a very small county. The Chief knows just about everyone who lives
there. If anyone was hurt, there is a good chance he knows the person. Maybe
that's why Officer Simpson looks nervous.
“No one was hurt,” says Simpson. “But we caught the suspect.”
“Ah, well, Simpson. You guys can take care of that. I’m—” Chief Wilcox stops in
mid-sentence.
He understands what is wrong. From behind Officer Simpson, the Chief sees his
youngest daughter, Devon. She is in handcuffs.
Chief Wilcox gets a lump in his throat. He sits in his chair, stunned. “How could it
be?” he thinks.
“Devon, will you please tell me what is going on?” the Chief demands.
Devon does not look at him. The Chief can feel anger growing inside of him.
He refuses to let that anger show.
“Take her back for questioning,” the Chief says to Officer Simpson in a calm
voice.
“Devon, whatever you do, tell the truth,” the Chief says. “I’m your dad. I love you.
We will figure this out.”
Questions:

1) What is the main problem in this 2) For how long has Wilcox been Chief
story? of police?

A. Devon won't look at her dad. A. 15 years

B. Officer Simpson is nervous. B. 25 years
C. The Chief's daughter has been C. 30 years
arrested. D. 35 years
D. The Chief is tired and wants to
go home.

3) What can the reader tell about Chief 4) Why does the Chief want to go
Wilcox? home?
I. He wants the truth. A. He is hungry.
II. He has seen a lot in his job. B. He is tired.
III. He is 30 years old. C. He does not want to see Devon.
A. I only D. He is worried about his family.
B. I and II
C. II and II
D. I, II, and III

5) Why is Officer Simpson nervous? 6) If someone’s voice is shaky, it is

A. He is scared of Chief Wilcox. I. loud

B. He has just been held up at II. unsure
gunpoint. III. unsteady
C. He has just arrested the Chief's A. I only
daughter. B. I and II
D. He has just found an important C. II and III
piece of evidence in a new case. D. I, II, and III

7) When does the Chief discover what 8) "He refuses to let that anger show."
is wrong with Officer Simpson? Which sentence below means the
same thing?
A. when he sees the gun
B. when he stands up A. He is forced to let that anger
C. when Officer Simpson tells him show.
D. when he sees his daughter B. He is about to let that anger
show.
C. He wants to let that anger show.
D. He decides not to let that anger
show.
Questions (continued):

9) When Chief Wilcox asks Devon what 10) How do the Chief's feelings
is going on, Devon change during the story?

A. does not look at him A. from tired, to surprised, to angry,

B. starts crying to loving
C. takes off the handcuffs B. from tired, to loving, to
D. runs away surprised, to angry
C. from tired, to loving, to angry, to
surprised
D. from tired, to angry, to surprised,
to loving

11) How old is Chief Wilcox? 12) What crime is Devon suspected
of?
A. 30
B. 45 A. being missing
C. 55 B. holding up a grocery.
D. 60 C. murder
D. having a gun

How do you think Chief should handle this case? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________

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“A Mystery”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

“Something is very wrong,” says the detective.

“I know!” says Ms. Gervis. “It is wrong that someone has stolen from me!”

The detective looks around Ms. Gervis’ apartment. “That is not what I am talking
about, ma’am. What is wrong is that I do not understand how the robber got in
and out.”

Ms. Gervis and the detective stand in silence. Ms. Gervis’ eyes are full of tears.
Her hands are shaking.

“The robber did not come through the window,” says the detective. “These
windows have not been opened or shut in months.”

The detective looks at the fireplace. “The robber did not squeeze down here.”

The detective walks to the front door. He examines the latch. “And since there
are no marks or scratches, the robber definitely did not try to break the lock.”

“I have no idea how he did it,” says a bothered Ms. Gervis. “It is a big mystery.”

“And you say the robber stole nothing else?” asks the detective. “No money, no
jewelry, no crystal?”

“That’s right, detective. He took only what was important to me,” Ms. Gervis says
with a sigh. “There is only one thing I can do now.”

“And what is that?” the detective asks with surprise.

“I will stop baking cakes,” Ms. Gervis says. “They are mine to give away. They
are not for someone to steal.”

“You can’t do that!” says the detective with alarm. “Who will bake those delicious
cakes?”

“I am sorry. I do not know,” says Ms. Gervis.

“I must solve this case immediately!” says the detective.

Questions:

1) Where does this story take place? 2) Near the beginning of the story,
“Ms. Gervis’ eyes are full of tears.
A. in a bakery Her hands are shaking.” How does
B. at the police station Ms. Gervis probably feel?
C. in Ms. Gervis' house
D. in Ms. Gervis' apartment A. She is upset.
B. She is tired.
C. She is hungry.
D. She is confused.

3) What makes the detective sure that 4) "And the robber definitely did not
the robber did not come through the use the front door." Which is the
windows? best way to rewrite this sentence?

A. The windows are locked. A. "And the robber may not have
B. The windows face the police used the front door."
station. B. "And the robber probably did not
C. The windows have not been use the front door."
used in months. C. "And the robber was not able to
D. The windows are too small for a use the front door."
person to fit through. D. "And the robber certainly did not
use the front door."

5) What else could the detective have 6) What does Ms. Gervis do with her
asked Ms. Gervis in order to solve cakes?
the mystery?
A. She eats them.
I. Which types of cakes does Ms. B. She sells them.
Gervis know how to bake? C. She hides them.
II. Does someone else have a key D. She gives them away.
to the apartment?
III. Does Ms. Gervis ever leave the
door unlocked?

A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

7) What does the detective seem to 8) What is a mystery?

think will happen if he solves the
mystery? A. something that is wrong
B. something that happens at night
A. Ms. Gervis will start baking C. something a robber leaves
cakes again behind
B. Ms. Gervis will bake him extra D. something that cannot be
cakes explained
C. Ms. Gervis will give him her
secret recipe
D. Ms. Gervis will give him money
and jewels

9) What else was stolen from the 10) If something is said with alarm,
apartment? how is it said?

A. crystal A. with fear and panic

B. jewelry B. with bells and whistles
C. money C. with smiles and laughter
D. nothing D. with sadness and tears

Do you like mysteries? What is your favorite kind of story? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________

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“Ana Finds an Apartment”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Ana, her husband Mario, and their four-year-old son, Antonio, just moved to
North Carolina.

They need a temporary place to call home until they get settled into their new
surroundings.

Right now, they are staying in a hotel not far from Mario’s job.

Ana begins a search for an apartment for the family to live in.

First, Ana picks up an Apartment Book at the local newspaper stand. The
Apartment Book contains listings of all the major apartment complexes in her
area.

Ana starts by looking at the prices for apartments in the Apartment Book. Then,
she reads about the amenities that each apartment complex offers.

For example, some apartments have a clubhouse. Some have a gym, which is
also called a fitness center. Some have a pool. Some have all of these!

Ana notices that the more amenities an apartment complex has, the more it costs
each month. She wants the family’s new apartment to be nice, but she does not
want to spend too much money on it. Ana and Mario are trying to save money to
buy a house.

After considering prices, amenities, and locations, Ana finds several apartment
complexes that she thinks the family will like.

Ana calls the apartment complexes. She sets up appointments with the
apartment managers to see the apartments she thinks are interesting.

Ana makes five phone calls in total.

When Mario gets back to the hotel from work, Ana shows him the list of
apartments. “These look good,” he says.

The next day, while Mario is at work and Antonio is at daycare, Ana visits the
apartment complexes.

She likes the fifth one the best. It is in a good school district. It has a pool, but no
fitness center or clubhouse. It is near Mario’s job. Ana hopes to find a job nearby
as well.

When Ana gets back to the hotel, she discusses all that she has seen with
Mario. They decide to rent the last apartment Ana saw.
The next day, Ana calls the manager of the apartment complex with the news.

The manager asks Ana and Mario to sign a lease and pay a security deposit.

If the family damages the apartment in any way while they are living there, the
security deposit will help to pay for the cost of repairs.

Ana and Mario sign a lease and pay the money. The manager asks them when
they plan to move in and Ana looks up at Mario. He looks back at her for a
moment and then tells the manager, “In a few days.”

Finally, they have a place to stay.

Questions:

1) What kind of book does Ana get? 2) What did Ana consider while looking
through the Apartment Book?
A. a City Guide Book
B. a Map Book I. school districts
C. a House Book II. amenities
D. an Apartment Book III. locations
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) Where is Ana's family staying while 4) What does Ana realize as she looks
they look for a place to call home? through the Apartment Book?

A. in an apartment close to Mario’s A. that the nicest apartments are far

work away
B. at an apartment next to Antonio’s B. that all the apartments are small
school and cramped
C. in Ana’s mother’s house C. that it is easy to find a nice
D. in a hotel near Mario’s work apartment in a good school district
D. that the number of amenities is
related to cost

5) Why doesn't Ana want to spend too 6) As described in the beginning of the
much money on an apartment? story, which of the following is not
mentioned as an amenity?
A. Her husband will get upset.
B. She does not have the money. A. carpet
C. She cannot find one she likes. B. clubhouse
D. She wants to save money for a C. fitness center
house. D. pool
Questions (continued):

7) What makes Ana like the fifth 8) Where is Antonio while Ana looks at
apartment best? apartments?
I. It has many amenities. A. at daycare
II. It is near Mario’s job. B. at the hotel
III. It is in a good school district. C. at school
A. I only D. at work
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

9) As described in the middle of the story, what does it mean to consider something?

A. to rent it
B. to think about it
C. to make it happen
D. to read a book about it

10) "When Ana gets back to the hotel, she discusses all that she has seen with Mario."

Which of the following is the best way to rewrite the above sentence while keeping
its meaning the same?

A. When Ana gets back to the hotel, she reads about all she has seen with Mario.
B. When Ana returns to the hotel, she writes about all she has seen with Mario.
C. When Ana returns to the hotel, she talks about all she has seen with Mario.
D. When Ana leaves the hotel, she talks about all she has seen with Mario.

11) When will the family move into their 12) As used at the end of the story, which
new apartment? is the best description of a security
deposit?
A. the next day
B. at the first of the month A. money given to landlord to pay for
C. in three or four days amenities
D. in just over a week B. money given to landlord to pay for
utilities and telephone
C. money given to landlord to prove
the tenant can pay rent on time
D. money given to the landlord to pay
for any damage to the apartment
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“Bail”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

The phone rang at Pratt Taylor’s house at nearly three in the morning.

Pratt fumbled for the phone in the dark. He answered groggily after the fourth
ring.

“Hello,” Pratt mumbled into the receiver.

“Mr. Taylor. Thank goodness. I need your help.”

Pratt knew the voice, for sure. But still drowsy, he could not quite place it.

“Mr. Taylor!” the man said again in a raspy, loud whisper. “I am in jail. I was
allowed one phone call. I’m calling you.”

Then, the fog cleared. Although nearly ten years had passed since their last
encounter, Pratt was able to discern something familiar in this voice. It belonged
to a boy named Martin Hall, easily one of the most brilliant math students he had
ever taught. But while Pratt recalled that Martin possessed an
enviable aptitude for math, he also had a knack for getting into trouble.

Still, they had forged a strong student-teacher bond, and when Martin graduated
from Linebrook High School, Pratt had told him, “Call me if there is anything you
ever need.”

So here it was – the call in the middle of the night.

“Yes, Martin. Is that you?”

“Yes, Mr.Taylor. Can you help?”

“What do you need?”

“Bail money.”

“What did you do?”

“We’ll talk about that later. Can you get me one thousand bucks?”

Pratt knew he could, but he was hesitant. What had Martin done? What was
Pratt getting himself into? Pratt’s belief in honoring his word determined his
decision. “Yes, I can. Where shall I bring it?”
“I’m at Jessup in Maryland. My brother will come by your place in the morning.
Give the money to him, and he will come and bail me out.”

“Okay.”

Upon hanging up the phone, Pratt was overcome by a dreadful feeling – his
intuition told him that the decision to bail Martin out would be one that
would vex him for a very, very long time.

Questions:

1) "Pratt fumbled for the phone in the dark. He answered groggily after the fourth
ring."

Which of the following is the best way to combine the above sentences while
keeping their original meaning as used in the story?

A. Pratt fumbled for the phone in the dark, he answered groggily after the
fourth ring.
B. Pratt fumbled for the phone in the dark and answered groggily on the
fourth ring.
C. While Pratt fumbled for the phone in the dark, he answered groggily after
the fourth ring.
D. Pratt answered the phone groggily after the fourth ring, fumbling for the
phone in the dark.

2) As used in the beginning of the 3) The beginning of the story states:

story, if someone is feeling drowsy, "Then, the fog cleared." What is
how might he or she most likely meant by this sentence?
act?
A. The weather had finally
A. irritated improved.
B. sleepy B. A light had been turned on in the
C. anxious room.
D. frustrated C. Something bad had happened to
Martin.
D. Pratt had gained understanding.

4) As used in the middle of the story, 5) As used at the end of the story,
which is the best synonym for which is the best antonym for
aptitude? hesitant?

A. characteristic A. comfortable
B. passion B. decisive
C. ability C. relaxed
D. certainty D. secure
Questions (continued):

6) Which best explains why Pratt 7) Which best describes the Martin who
decided to get the money for Pratt remembers?
Martin?
A. He was the smartest student he
A. Pratt had the money to give. had ever had.
B. Pratt believed Martin was B. He was a straight A student with
innocent. little work ethic.
C. Pratt had promised help many C. He was a gifted student with a
years ago. propensity for trouble.
D. Pratt feared Martin would hurt D. He was a kid from a bad
him if he did not comply. neighborhood trying to get out.

8) How does Pratt's mood change 9) What does the last line of this
from the beginning to the end of the passage seem to suggest?
passage?
A. that someone gets hurt
A. from sleepy, to forgetful, to B. that something bad happens
giving C. that Martin's brother never
B. from uncertain, to committed, to shows up
furious D. that Martin spent a very long
C. from groggy, to clearheaded, to time in jail
regretful
D. from proud, to reminiscent to
ambivalent

10) As used at the end of the story,

which is the best antonym for vex?

A. excite
B. heal
C. humble
D. please

If you were Mr. Taylor, would you have bailed Martin out? Why or why not?

________________________________________________________________________

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“BB”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

When I was about 12 years old, my older brother, James, smuggled

a BB gun into the house.

I’m not quite sure where he got it. This was in 1938, during the Great Depression.
He must have bartered for it with one of his friends.

Our parents had told us many times that we were not to bring home guns or
knives, even if they were just toys. Having any form of weaponry in our home
was strictly taboo.

James brought me to his room. He opened his closet door and took out a
shoebox that was buried beneath a heap of clothes. The BB gun was inside. I
was immediately enamored by the shiny (albeit plastic) wooden stock and the
steely-blue hue of the barrel. He let me touch it and walk with it around the room.
I fingered the trigger.

“Can I shoot it, Jamesie?” I asked, hopefully.

“No way,” James said, taking it from me and putting it back in its covert location.

I forgot about it for a while, but one day, when no one was home, I went into
James' closet and took it out.

For some inexplicable reason – I have no idea what I was thinking – I went to the
front window of the second floor in our row house. I cracked the window open. I
pointed the gun outside and shot. I quickly shut the window and peeked outside.

In a matter of seconds, old Mr. Schlosberg came out of his grocery store. He
looked back at his store window. He looked up the street. He looked down the
street. Then he looked straight across to our house. He could tell from the
trajectory just where that shot had come from – he knew someone in our house
was the culprit.

I ran back to James' room to return the gun and then sat downstairs, waiting
nervously for someone to get home. Thankfully, Jamesie made it home before
Mother or Father.

As he stepped through the door, I could hear old Mr. Schlosberg call his name.

“James, James,” he called. “Come here, son.”

I crept to look out the door and saw Mr. Schlosberg pointing feverishly at our
house (up to the second floor window!) and then at his shop window. James ran
back across the street and into the living room. I had retreated into the kitchen.

“Alma!” he screamed. “Get out here! You cracked Mr. Schlosberg’s window with
my BB gun!”

“Oh, please, Jamesie,” I begged. “Don’t let him tell Mother. She will whip my
bottom real good!”

Jamesie sighed. He wiped my tears and went back across the street to Mr.
Schlosberg’s.

I don’t know what James said to that man, but there was never a mention of the
incident again. I didn't know how I got out of it, but I got out of it, and that was all
that mattered to me then. I was too self-absorbed to realize what a great brother I
had.

Years later, I found out Jamesie had used the money he got from his newspaper
route to pay for Mr. Schlosberg’s cracked window. He only got one cent for every
paper he delivered. He managed to pay back the debt just before he went off to
fight in World War II.

Since that day, I have never touched a gun: a BB gun, a water gun, a real gun, or
any other type.

Questions:
1) Which is the best reason why the author 2) As used at the beginning of the story,
tells the reader the story takes place which is the best antonym
during the Great Depression? for enamored?

A. to let the reader know how old the A. annoyed

narrator is now B. amused
B. to let the reader know why guns C. repulsed
were taboo in the house D. scared
C. to let the reader know that World
War II had not occurred yet
D. to let the reader know how
economically strained things were

3) If something is taboo it is 4) As used in the beginning of the story,

which is the best definition for covert?
A. illegal
B. forbidden A. dark
C. incomprehensible B. secret
D. dangerous C. worn
D. unknown
Questions (continued):

5) How did the incident seem to affect 6) A culprit is

Alma at the time?
A. guilty
I. It made her cautious with guns. B. nervous
II. It made her appreciate her brother. C. obedient
III. It made her certain her brother D. dangerous
would be a good soldier.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

7) What is a trajectory? 8) What did Alma seem most worried

about?
A. a hole
B. a crack A. getting caught by her brother
C. a path B. getting spanked by her mother
D. a sound C. having to pay for the broken glass
D. hiding the gun before her parents got
home

9) What kind of person does James 10) What kind of 12-year-old girl does Alma
appear to be? appear to be?

A. wealthy A. impulsive and self-involved

B. secretive B. feisty and indignant
C. responsible C. humble and loving
D. foolhardy D. reverent and respectful

Have you ever done something you regretted? Explain.

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“Blizzard in Birmingham”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

The Turner kids were not accustomed to snow. The most they
ever got in their southern city of Birmingham was an inch or so
per year. Even that was quite infrequent—it never snowed more than once or
twice each winter. And on the few occasions that it did snow, it was always too
warm for the snow to accumulate. The temperature almost never got below
freezing.

What was funny was that even the slightest bit of snow was enough to cancel
school and close businesses. No one knew how to drive in the stuff. It was never
enough for young Lily Mae Turner, though, because the snow that came was
always too sparse to build a snowman or to go sledding.

But one night, in March of 1993, something magical happened.

An unexpected blast of cold air from Canada and moist air from the Caribbean
converged on the eastern part of the United States to create the “Storm of the
Century.”

All that the Turner kids knew was that when they woke up Saturday morning,
there was 17 inches of unbelievable snow on their front lawn and as far as the
eye could see.

The Turner parents were in shock. Most folks in town were ill-prepared for such a
storm. They had no shovels to dig their way out and no salt to keep from slipping.
They had no idea what to do.

While the adults seemed paralyzed with disbelief, the Turner kids set about
having the time of their lives. Lily Mae discovered that a rope tied to a metal trash
can lid made a perfect sled. John Henry figured out that if he put his feet in
plastic grocery bags before putting on his rain boots, his feet stayed warm for a
longer time. Rachel made snow angels in every part of the yard. Together, all the
kids made a huge snowman and dressed it in their dad’s hat and jacket. (Mr.
Turner didn’t own a scarf!)

For three straight days, the Turner kids had a splendid time. On Tuesday, the
temperature hit 70 degrees, and life for these Southerners went back to normal.
Questions:

1) As used at the beginning of the 2) As used at the beginning of the

story, what does accustomed story, which is the best antonym
mean? for infrequent?

A. used to A. common
B. aware of B. long
C. scared of C. rare
D. interested in D. surprising

3) Which other title would best fit this 4) The author may have described the
passage? storm as magical because

A. “1993” A. Lily Mae believed the snow was

B. “A Cold March” magic
C. “Magical Snow” B. it was such an unusual thing to
D. “Ill-Prepared Parents” happen that it felt like magic
C. there was no other explanation
for why the storm occurred
D. the author wanted to cast doubt
on whether the storm actually
took place

5) How are the children different than 6) What conclusions can be drawn
the adults in this passage? about what the weather is typically
like in Birmingham during the month
A. The kids stayed warm, while the of March?
adults were very cold.
B. The kids knew the storm was I. It is warm.
coming, while the adults did not. II. It does not snow.
C. The kids went out and had fun, III. It is windy.
while the adults did not know A. I only
what to do. B. I and II
D. The adults still had to go to C. II and III
work, while the kids stayed D. I, II, and III
home.
Questions (continued):
7) What can be said about the Turner kids' ideas for playing in the snow without
the usual snow gear?
I. They were creative.
II. They were effective.
III. They were complicated.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

8) "What was funny was that even the slightest bit of snow was enough to
cancel school and close businesses."

"No one knew how to drive in the stuff."

Which of the following punctuation marks could best be used to combine the
above sentences?

A. a comma ( , )
B. a semicolon ( ; )
C. an ellipsis ( … )
D. a hyphen ( - )

9) What was going on outside of 10) As used at the end of the story,
Birmingham during the which is the best antonym
snowstorm? for splendid?

A. The rest of the country was A. great

also dealing with snow. B. perfect
B. Nothing—Birmingham was the C. happy
only area affected by the storm. D. terrible
C. The Eastern United States was
also hit by the storm.
D. The passage does not provide
enough information to say.
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“Bullied”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Bryan doesn't like going to school anymore.

He is tired of being bullied.

Some of the bigger boys at school are mean to him.

They push him to the ground.

They hide his books.

They call him names.

They are bullies.

When things get really bad, Bryan tells his mom he is sick.

“You should stay home and rest,” Mom says. “You'll feel better tomorrow.”

Then Bryan gets to stay home.

He reads books. He watches television. He eats what he wants. He is not scared.

“You should tell someone you are getting bullied at school,” says Bryan’s best
friend, Link.

But Bryan is scared. He doesn't want to tell an adult.

“That will make things worse, Link,” says Bryan. “You don’t go to my school. You
have no idea how mean these guys can be.”

“You can’t keep missing school,” says Link. “Your grades will fall. You will be in
trouble at home. And besides, you don't want to be in the seventh grade forever,
do you?"

Bryan thinks Link is probably right. He will tell his mom about the bullies when
she gets home from work tonight.

He will see what happens.

Questions:

1) Why doesn't Bryan like going to 2) How might Bryan feel when the kids
school anymore? at school are mean to him?

A. The work is hard. I. angry

B. The kids are mean. II. scared
C. His best friend does not go III. strong
there.
A. I only
D. He wants to read books at
B. I and II
home.
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) Who are the bullies in this story? 4) What grade is Bryan in?

A. Bryan and Link A. fourth grade

B. the gang members at Bryan's B. sixth grade
school C. seventh grade
C. the teachers D. tenth grade
D. the bigger boys at Bryan's
school

5) What do the mean kids do to Bryan? 6) Why hasn't Bryan's mom helped
him?
I. call him names
II. steal his money A. She is busy at work.
III. hide his backpack B. She does not care.
A. I only C. She does not know.
B. I and II D. She does not want to.
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

7) Why doesn’t Bryan tell his mom he 8) What does Bryan do when he stays
is being bullied? home from school?

A. She might hurt the mean kids. A. does his homework

B. He is scared of what the bullies B. plays video games
will do if he tells an adult. C. gets scared
C. She might talk to the teachers at D. reads books
the school.
D. She will make Bryan go to
school.
Questions (continued):

9) Who tells Bryan that he should tell 10) What is likely to happen if Bryan
someone about being bullied? keeps missing school?

A. Link A. He will get into a fight.

B. Bryan’s mom B. His grades will fall.
C. the school counselor C. Link will stop being his friend.
D. the school principal D. The bullies will come to his
house.

11) When does Bryan plan to tell his 12) Which of the following adjectives
mom about the bullies? accurately describe Link?

A. today I. shy
B. tonight II. caring
C. tomorrow III. helpful
D. tomorrow night A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

13) What does it mean to be bullied?

A. to not have friends at school

B. to have a lot of work
C. to have people say and do mean
things to you
D. to not like school

Have you ever been bullied? Do you know someone who has? Explain.

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“By the Water”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

I live in a house by the water.

I sit by the water each day.

I take my bag there with me. In it, I pack a book and a blanket. I also carry a chair
and a basket of food.

I walk down my back steps and sit in the same spot along the grass.

When I go out to the water in the morning, I am alone.

I hear the water.

I see the boats.
I feel calm.

It is the part of the day I like best.

Later, some children come to play by the water.

It is afternoon.
I hear them laughing.
I see them play ball.

“Nestor, Nestor!” the children yell when they see me on the beach.
I wave and smile.
“Play ball with us, Nestor!” the children shout.
“No, thanks,” I say. "I am too old to play ball. I walk with a cane and my hands
are no longer good at catching."

I try to read my book, but it is hard with all the noise.

I watch mothers and fathers fish along the shore. I am happy.

I hear the water.
I see the boats.
I eat my lunch.

Later, the sky gets dark.

I gather all of my things and go back to the house.
I get in bed. I hear the water through my open window.
The sound puts me to sleep.
Questions:

1) Where does Nestor live? 2) What does Nestor do each day?

A. on a farm A. He sits by the water.

B. on a mountain top B. He plays by the water.
C. in a boat on the water C. He runs by the water.
D. in a house by the water D. He swims in the water.

3) Which of the following things does 4) Nestor lives in a house “by the
Nestor bring with him to the water? water.” What is another way to write
this?
I. food
II. a blanket A. in the water
III. a fishing pole B. over the water
A. I only C. close to the water
B. I and II D. far away from the water
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

5) What do the children do by the 6) When do the children come to the

water? water?
I. fish A. in the morning
II. laugh B. in the afternoon
III. play ball C. in the evening
A. I only D. at night
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

7) What kind of person does Nestor 8) What does the children's noise
seem to be? make it hard for Nestor to do?

A. calm A. eat
B. sad B. catch fish
C. loud C. read
D. young D. sleep
Questions (continued):
9) Who fishes? 10) Why doesn't Nestor play with the
children?
A. Nestor
B. the children I. He is too tired.
C. mothers and fathers II. He cannot catch.
D. all of the above III. He feels he is too old.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

11) How do Nestor's feelings change 12) What does Nestor mean when he
during the story? says that the “sky gets dark”?

A. from calm to sleepy to happy A. that it is night

B. from sleepy to calm to happy B. that it is raining
C. from calm to happy to sleepy C. that the wind is blowing
D. from happy to sleepy to calm D. that the sky is angry

13) What is Nestor's favorite part of the 14) When does Nestor hear the water?
day?
A. only in the morning
A. the morning B. only in the afternoon
B. when he is watching the children C. only in the night
C. the afternoon D. all the time
D. the night

15) Nestor says, “It is the part of the day I like best.” What is another way to write
this sentence, while keeping its original meaning?

A. I do not like this part of the day.

B. I love this part of the day.
C. It is my favorite part of the day.
D. I like all parts of the day.

What is your favorite part of the day? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

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“Canopy of Nature”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Dad decided last Sunday that we should all go on a camping trip.

He read an article in the Sunday paper about camping and how it “brings families
together under the canopy of nature.”

“Overrated,” I joked. “What about the canopy of television or the canopy of

restaurant food?”

“This will be good for us,” Dad said, sliding the magazine across the coffee table.
“Let’s go next weekend.”

I shot a quick look over at my little brother, Paul. He gave me a slow eyebrow
raise which meant, “This will probably not go off completely as planned.”

My smile back said, "But it will surely be fun."

I started to think back. Once Dad decided we should all learn how to canoe. We
borrowed two canoes from our friends, hoisted them on the van and drove for
three hours to a secluded lake in Virginia. Alone in the middle of nowhere, we
discovered that we had forgotten the paddles.

Paul and I got in a canoe with Dad and our two younger sisters got in a canoe
with Mom. We floated aimlessly around the lake for hours. Then we all jumped in
with our life jackets on. We pushed the canoes back to shore. It was a fantastic
trip.

Another time, Dad decided we should all learn how to ski. All of us hate the cold
so we spent the weekend huddled by the fire, drinking hot cocoa in the ski lodge
and playing board games. It was great. We had a blast.

When I stopped daydreaming, Mom was saying, “Sweetheart, we don’t have a

tent.”

“We don’t need one!” Dad said happily. “We’ll take all the seats out the van when
we get to the campsite and put in an air mattress.”

I don't know what the punch line will be on this excursion, but I am sure with
Mom, Dad and the four of us kids scrunched in a van at some national park, we
are bound to have a good time.
Questions:

1) Which alternate title fits this 2) As used at the end of the story,
passage best? which is the best synonym
for excursion?
A. “No Paddles”
B. “Never as Planned” A. evolution
C. "Hot Cocoa by the Fire" B. exodus
D. "Van Camping for Beginners" C. expedition
D. hiatus

3) What literary term best describes the narrator's daydreams?

A. foreshadowing, meaning the use of hints to suggest what is to come

B. irony, meaning a contrast between what is stated and what is really meant
C. flashback, meaning a scene that interrupts the action to show what
happened at an earlier time
D. metaphor, meaning the direct comparison of two unlike things

4) As used in the middle of the story, 5) What lesson does the narrator's
which of the following could family seem to live by?
accurately be described as
secluded? A. Camping is sure to be an
adventure.
I. a hiking trail known only to a few B. Danger is only in the
II. a crowded movie theater imagination.
III. a popular beach on the C. Things don't need to go as
California coast planned to have fun.
A. I only A. Reading the newspaper is a
B. I and II recipe for trouble.
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

6) "Then we all jumped in with our life jackets on. We pushed the canoes back
to shore."

Which of the following is the best way to combine the above sentences while
keeping their original meaning as used in the story?

A. We all jumped in with our life jackets on as we pushed the canoes back to
shore.
B. Then we all jumped in with our life jackets on, while pushing the canoes
back to shore.
C. We pushed the canoes back to shore while we all jumped in with our life
jackets on.
D. After we all jumped in with our life jackets on, we pushed the canoes back
to shore.

7) Which best describes the narrator's 8) The narrator probably says the
tone? camping trip will have a punch line
because he or she feels it will
A. condescending
B. sarcastic A. be expensive
C. jovial B. have difficulties
D. annoyed C. have a funny ending
D. involve fighting and turmoil

Do you like to go on excursions? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________

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“Clean Water Act”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Josiah Hodge collapsed in a seat at the Café du Monde restaurant in New

Orleans. He put his head in his hands and let out a deep sigh.

Josiah had come to New Orleans to do a public service. He had come up with
the idea to develop a play for children affected by Hurricane Katrina, and he had
secured a modest grant from the government to do so. But he hadn’t accounted
for the major hindrance he would face: blistering heat in August with no clean
water to drink.

Buying water for his crew of 38 volunteers for weeks on end would be far too
expensive to do on his shoestring budget, and he had no one to turn to on such
short notice for help. Josiah feared he would have to close up the production and
return home.

As he sipped on a glass of soda, he found it ironic that water, which flooded this
city and left many residents without homes or hope, would now be his downfall
as he tried to spread the joy of theater to its children.

“Hello, sir,” a man at the table next to him said. “What brings you to New
Orleans?”

Josiah shook his head. Later, he would find it amusing that this man knew just by
looking that Josiah was not a local. For now, he was just tired and irritated.

“Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve had a bad day,” Josiah said. “I don’t much
feel like talking.”

“What brings you to town?” the man said, pleasantly.

Josiah grudgingly talked a bit about his work as a theater director in Manhattan
and his dream to bring a top-flight play to the children of New Orleans.

The next day, as Josiah left a blazing hot outdoor studio, he noticed the same
man from the restaurant, parked on the street. A shock of fluffy white hair framed
his dark face, making him look almost saintly.

“Look, sir, what do you want?”

“To help.”

“How?”

“What do you need?”

“What I really need is clean water. That’s all I need.” Josiah turned and walked
away. He had been rude, he knew, but he was so frustrated by this problem.

When he arrived back at his hotel room that evening, the front desk clerk handed
Josiah an unmarked envelope. Inside was a check for $2,000. The memo line
read, “For water.”

Josiah was flabbergasted. Who was this man?

As he pondered his good fortune, the phone rang in his hotel room.
“Will that get you some water?” a voice said on the other end.

“Why, yes, yes it will,” Josiah said. “Thank you so much for your generosity.”

“My wife and I would like to take you to dinner.”

Josiah could not refuse! This man was his savior, and his curiosity had gotten the
best of him. Who was this benefactor?

At dinner, Etienne Fanchon and his wife, Adelaide, formally introduced

themselves. Mr. Fanchon never graduated from high school, but inherited 5
acres of land from his father upon his death. For years, Mr. Fanchon grew
cucumbers on the land, barely making a living. One day, a neighbor offered
Fanchon a bag of money if Mr. Fanchon would let him bury three old trucks at the
back of his property.

Mr. Fanchon took the bag and agreed. Later, he could not believe how much
money was in the bag. “And just for letting him bury some trucks!”

The next morning, Mr. Fanchon said, he woke up, picked all the cucumbers off
his land, and converted the 5 acres into a waste management facility. He is now
one of New Orleans’ few multimillionaires.

“So, I have all this money now and live to help others,” said Mr. Fanchon. “That is
why I’ve helped you.”

Questions:

1) Which best describes Josiah's 2) Which of the following best

mood at the beginning of this describes Josiah's mood after he
passage? gets the check?

A. tired and vindictive A. surprised and curious

B. angry and conniving B. confused and questioning
C. pensive and high-strung C. excited and nervous
D. frustrated and overwhelmed D. suspicious and cautious
Questions (continued):

3) The climax of this story happens 4) In the middle of the story, the author
when writes, “A shock of fluffy white hair
framed his dark face, making him
A. Josiah opens the envelope look almost saintly.” Which of the
B. Mr. Fanchon shows up at the following literary devices is used in
studio this quotation?
C. Mr. Fanchon describes how he
got so rich
A. euphemism, characterized by
D. Josiah accepts Mr. Fanchon's
the replacement of a harsh or
invitation to dinner
direct word or phrase with a
vague or milder word or phrase
B. allegory, characterized by an
extended metaphor in which
concrete things represent
abstract ideas
C. foreshadowing, characterized by
hinting at what is to come
D. satire, characterized by the
making fun of a human flaw or
weakness to make a larger point

5) As used in the beginning of the 6) In paragraph 3, the author uses the

story, which is the best antonym term “shoestring budget.” This
for hindrance? means to

A. assistance A. accept help when it is offered

B. obstacle B. have to rely on luck
C. profit C. operate with little money
D. friend D. have extreme patience

7) As used in the beginning of the 8) What lesson does Josiah learn in

story, which is the best antonym this passage?
for irritated?
A. It is okay to be somewhat rude
A. acclimated on first meeting someone.
B. bashful B. Help can come from the most
C. melancholy unlikely of places.
D. pacified C. Frustration can often cloud one's
judgment.
D. Theater programs are an
excellent way to help those in
need.
Questions (continued):

9) Why does Josiah grudgingly talk to 10) In this passage, how are Josiah
Mr. Fanchon in the Cafe du Monde? and Mr. Fanchon alike?

A. He is hungry. A. Both are patient.

B. He is irritated and does not feel B. Both lack ambition.
like being bothered. C. Both are quick to show emotion.
C. He decided conversation might D. Both have philanthropic
make him feel better. interests.
D. He wanted to spread the word
about his theater program.

What does it mean to be altruistic? Are you an altruist? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________

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“Guermo’s Surprise”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Liz was just about finished wrapping up the final details for the
surprise party she was planning for her husband. She had
been meticulously preparing for this event, designing every aspect
of the party from the invitations to the food, and she was very excited
about it.

Family members whom Guermo hadn’t seen in years were flying in from Peru in
a few days. Liz had tracked down several college friends, and they were coming
from various places across the country. The caterer and band were set.

The best part for Liz: she knew Guermo did not have a clue about the party. She
could not wait to see the look on his face when he walked into a big “Surprise!” in
his own home.

The party was to be on Saturday. As Liz was daydreaming about picking

relatives up at the airport the next day and taking them to their hotel, Guermo
walked into the kitchen and said, quite certainly, “Sweetheart, I don’t want
anything special done for my birthday.”

“What do you mean?” Liz responded nonchalantly, though her heart began to
pound.

“I mean that I don’t want a surprise party.”

“Okay,” Liz said with a shrug. “Not a problem.”

Liz’s mind raced. There was nothing she could do about Guermo’s request now.
And, frankly, she didn’t want to. Liz had been planning this for more than a year.
The party would go off as she intended. She did not want all of her effort to be for
naught.

When Guermo came home Saturday evening from playing soccer with friends,
he was shocked. Tears filled his eyes. (This response was something Liz had not
predicted.) Among the crowd he saw friends whom he had not seen in nearly 20
years and family members who had come from Peru just for this evening.

But along with being deeply moved, he was also angry with his wife. He
felt ambushed. He knew he could be emotional, and he did not like people to
see him that way. That was why he did not like being surprised.

Salsa music filled the home of Liz and Guermo. Guests filled up on ceviche, lomo
soltado and empanadas. Liz whispered “I love you” in Guermo’s ear, they shared
a kiss, and the two danced the night away.
Questions:

1) As used in the beginning of the 2) As used in the middle of the story,

story, which is the best antonym which is the best antonym
for meticulously? for nonchalantly?

A. angrily A. assuredly
B. carelessly B. slowly
C. overtly C. dishonestly
D. quickly D. worriedly

3) Given the circumstances, the most 4) To ambush someone means to

likely reason that Liz's heart began
to pound in the middle of the story A. make someone cry
is because Liz was B. lie to someone repeatedly
C. attack someone in a surprise
A. angry manner
B. confused D. present someone with all their
C. nervous friends and family
D. heartbroken

5) When Guermo tells Liz that he does not want a surprise party, why did Liz
decide not to tell Guermo about the party?

A. She was embarrassed.

B. She would have had to cancel the party.
C. She had done a lot of work to make it a surprise.
D. The guests would have been disappointed.

6) "Salsa music filled the home of Liz and Guermo. Guests filled up on ceviche,
lomo soltado and empanadas."

Which of the following is the best way to combine the above sentences while
keeping their original meaning as used in the story?

A. Salsa music filled the home of Liz and Guermo, guests filled up on
ceviche, lomo soltado and empanadas.
B. While salsa music filled the home of Liz and Guermo, guests filled up on
ceviche, lomo soltado and empanadas.
C. Salsa music filled the home of Liz and Guermo; nevertheless, guests filled
up on ceviche, lomo soltado and empanadas.
D. Salsa music filled the home of Liz and Guermo; however, guests filled up
on ceviche, lomo soltado and empanadas.
Questions (continued):

7) What is the main reason Guermo did 8) What could the author have done to
not want to be surprised? add more tension to the passage?

A. He does not like to dance. I. describe Peruvian cuisine in

B. He does not like to get more detail
emotional. II. flashback to a previous incident
C. He did not want people to know in which one of Liz’s surprises
his age. had gone awry
D. He did not want to see his family III. included a scene in which
and friends. Guermo storms out of the party
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

9) What can the reader assume likely 10) Which excerpt best summarizes
happens at the end of the night? the moment in which conflict first
arises in the story?
A. Guermo forgives Liz
B. Guermo plans to get Liz back A. “Sweetheart, I don’t want
C. Liz never tries to surprise anything special done for my
Guermo again birthday.”
D. guests are upset that Guermo B. “I mean that I don’t want a
hates their surprise surprise party.”
C. “Okay,” Liz said with a shrug.
“Not a problem.”
D. “But along with being deeply
moved, he was also angry with
his wife.”

Do you like surprises? Why or why not?

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“Just One Touch”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

I am sitting in a chair next to Momma’s bed. I am watching her get ready for a
party.

She opens the beautiful jewelry box on her nightstand.

It is the size of a shoebox. It is wooden. It has colorful stones on top. They are
red, green, yellow, and blue. To me, the box looks magical. It looks like it has
special powers.

“Now, you know you must never touch this box, right?” Momma says. I feel like
she knows exactly what I am thinking.

I just want to touch it. I just want to open it.

I just want to try on all the jewelry inside and dance around the room!

“Yes, Momma,” I say. “I know.”

What do I know?

I know Momma has always told me not to touch the box. She has said it since I
was a little girl.

“You are not old enough to wear my jewelry,” Momma says.

I am almost eleven years old! What is the big deal?

I know that when Momma puts on the rings and bracelets from the box, she looks
different. She seems to glow.

There is one necklace with a yellow stone like a tiger’s eye. When Momma puts
this on, she seems to float instead of walk. Her feet do not seem to touch the
ground. She moves lightly and gracefully. She moves without effort.

Momma kisses me goodnight. She leaves for the party. I run to the window to
wave to her, but she is already gone.

Tonight I am very curious.

Just one touch.

I sit on the edge of Momma’s bed. I place my hand on the nightstand. I pause. I
think.
My hand moves up and rests on the jewelry box. The box quickly flips open by
itself! Jewels fly into the air. They dance around my head. I feel strange. I fall
down to the floor.

I wake up in a place I have never seen before.

Questions:

1) Where does most of this story take 2) Who is telling the story?
place?
A. Momma
A. at a party B. a young girl
B. in a pretend place C. Momma's friend
C. outside a window D. a pretend person
D. in Momma's bedroom

3) At the beginning of the story, where 4) The jewelry box looks magical.
is the girl sitting? What does this mean?

A. in a chair A. It looks simple.

B. on the bed B. It looks expensive.
C. on the floor C. It looks like it has special
D. next to the window powers.
D. It looks like it was made a long
time ago.

5) What does Momma tell her 6) Where is Momma going?

daughter about the box?
A. to a play
A. that it is magical B. to a party
B. that she must never touch it C. to a concert
C. that the jewels are expensive D. to a magic show
D. that she can touch it when she is
older

7) What does the jewelry box look 8) Which word best describes how the
like? girl feels about the jewelry box?
I. It is brown. A. angry
II. It is wooden. B. curious
III. It is the size of a shoebox. C. in love
A. I only D. scared
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

9) Momma seems to glow when she 10) What does the girl seem to be
puts on thinking about when she sits on
the edge of the bed?
A. makeup
B. a necklace A. going to a party
C. the rings and bracelets B. how to open the box
D. nice shoes and a fancy dress C. dancing around the room
D. if she should touch the box

11) How old is the girl? 12) What does the reader learn about
the box?
A. 11
B. 12 A. It is evil.
C. 10 B. It can fly.
D. 15 C. It is very heavy.
D. It has special powers.

13) What does it mean if something is 14) At the end of the story, what does
a big deal? the girl mean when she says that
Momma seems to float?
A. It is a heavy thing.
B. It is very important. A. that Momma is swimming
C. It cannot be forgotten. B. that Momma looks like a boat
D. It can make a lot of money. C. that it is difficult for Momma to
move
D. that Momma moves without
much effort

15) How might the end of the story make the reader feel?
I. unsure about what has happened
II. curious about the power of the jewelry box
III. wondering what will happen next
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
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“Accused”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Elizabeth was brooding in her room. She had sought asylum there
since spurious gossip about her began circulating at Seagrove
Academy last week.

Not that Elizabeth had ever been considered a social butterfly. She preferred to
live vicariously through the stories of her more brazen friends: late night partying,
fraternizing with boys, childish pranks. Still, she had taken to being more by
herself than usual since the allegations surfaced.

She was up for consideration for the highly coveted Blauvelt Award, a
scholarship recognizing “academic integrity and promise.” A student had given
headmaster Billings an anonymous “tip” that Elizabeth had cheated on several
tests this year.

The accusations were laughable. Elizabeth had long been a stellar student at
Seagrove. She lacked a natural intelligence – this was true. However, she
compensated for this deficit through diligence and perseverance; she was very
thorough in her studies and exhibited an almost relentless determination.

Still, the accusations had given the recommendation committee pause. On Friday
Elizabeth had been called to Mr. Billings’ grand office, where she was asked
copious questions about her recent exams. The experience was quite traumatic.

Seagrove was an elite school. Most of its students came from privileged
backgrounds. This was not the case for Elizabeth. Her family had little money.
She attended Seagrove on a full scholarship. The Blauvelt Award would help her
family pay for college.

So, it was with the same diligence which she applied to her studies that Elizabeth
planned to unmask her accuser. She opened the school directory on her bed and
began combing through the names.

Seagrove was such a small and insular community. Twenty-one kids would be in
her graduating class. Elizabeth knew it was inevitable that the person spreading
rumors about her would come to light. It was just a matter of time.
Questions:

1) As used at the beginning of the story, which is the best synonym for
spurious?

A. ashamed
B. ghastly
C. general
D. untrue

2) What is the meaning of “diligence and perseverance" as used in paragraph 4?

A. efficiency and willpower

B. natural ability
C. hard work and discipline
D. painstaking attention

3) Which of the following is best 4) Why would Elizabeth have likely

described as brazen? been disqualified from receiving the
Blauvelt Award if caught cheating?
A. A dog chases a cat up a tree.
B. A man walks his dog during the A. Mr. Billings said this was the
rain. case.
C. A woman steps in front of a bus B. Awards are never given to
to make it to stop. cheaters.
D. A little girl wins the National C. The award is based on academic
Spelling Bee with hard work. integrity.
D. Cheating would have made the
award illegitimate for college use.

5) How is Elizabeth different than many 6) Seagrove Academy was

of her peers?
A. a school for gifted students
A. She is diligent. B. a school with many wealthy
B. She is honest. students
C. She is not wealthy. C. a school where many kids lied
D. She likes to be alone. and cheated
D. a large school where it was hard
to get to know people
Questions (continued):

7) What does the reader learn about 8) As used at the end of the story,
the student who accused Elizabeth which is the best antonym
of cheating? for inevitable?
I. The student is a former friend of A. impossible
Elizabeth. B. unmistakable
II. The student does not want C. probable
anyone to know who he or she D. certain
is.
III. The student is either lying or
mistaken.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

9) Why is Elizabeth so sure that she 10) How did Elizabeth respond to being
will learn who has accused her of accused?
cheating?
A. She became frustrated.
A. Her friends will help her. B. She became reclusive.
B. The community is so small. C. She became encouraged.
C. She thinks the person will come D. She became enraged.
forward.
D. She thinks the person will be the
recipient of the Blauvelt Award.

11) Who is the antagonist in this story? 12) The Blauvelt Award is important to
Elizabeth because it will
A. Elizabeth, because she is the
leading character A. prove she is intelligent
B. Mr. Billings, because he is the B. help her pay for college
hero C. make her parents proud
C. the anonymous student, D. prove she did not cheat
because he or she struggles
against Elizabeth
D. the recommendation committee,
because it holds sway over
Elizabeth’s future
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“City Girl”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

I am a city girl at heart. I’ve never milked a cow – never wanted to.

I was shocked when I attended my first “pig pickin’” after my husband and
I moved to North Carolina from Boston. I had to avert my eyes from the huge pig,
skin and head still on, splayed open across an oil drum that had been sawed in
half lengthwise and fitted with hinges so it opened and closed. This, I later
learned, was called a “pig cooker.” Part of the pig’s insides were chopped up in a
pan beside it and referred to as “barbecue.” Seeing all of this did not improve my
appetite.

“Y’all in thuh country now, gul,” the host told me happily, apparently thrilled to be
the one to indoctrinate me into country living.

When, at 8 months pregnant, I volunteered to chaperone my son’s strawberry-

picking field trip, the other mothers looked at me strangely. I thought strawberries
grew on tall bushes, not low to the ground. All that squatting sent me into early
labor.

You should keep these incidents in mind in order to understand my attitude when
I heard a “huge hurricane” was headed toward our town. I thought back to the
snowstorms forecast during my days growing up in Philadelphia. The “20 inches”
predicted by the weatherman never seemed to materialize.

The local newspaper ran a long checklist of things townspeople should get to
prepare for the hurricane. My neighbor, Wayne, aware that I was new to town,
made a point of giving me a copy of the list. I took a cursory glance and thought
nothing more of it.

While my neighbors were running around taping their windows, buying fresh
batteries, and prepping their generators, I was, quite literally, sitting in my glass
house playing with the kids on the floor.

The rains started at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. To my amazement, this was

exactly what the weatherman had predicted.

These were no ordinary rains, either. From my glass living room, I could no
longer see the front lawn or the trees. The rain was as thick as a woolen curtain.
By nightfall, my husband’s car had begun to float out of the driveway. The water
started insidiously creeping up our front steps, overturning potted plants and
benches in its wake.

“This is unbelievable!” I yelled. I reached for the phone to dial Wayne. He had
been born and raised in these parts; surely he would know what to do.
“Wayne,” I said worriedly into the receiver. “The water is coming up our front
steps. It’s almost to our door!”

“Ours, too,” he said, quite calmly, I thought, given the circumstances.

“What should I do?”

“Put out your sandbags. It will keep the water out as long as it doesn’t get too
high.”

“Sandbags?”

“You didn’t get any?” he asked in disbelief. “They were on the list.”

No, I hadn’t.

Questions:

1) What other title might fit this 2) What seems to be the author's main
passage best? purpose in the first four paragraphs
of this passage?
A. "An Urban Attitude"
B. "Learning Hurricanes" A. to let the reader know that the
C. "Picking Strawberries" narrator went into early labor
D. "Snow Storms that Don't Come" B. to let the reader know that the
narrator does not like barbecue
C. to let the reader know that the
narrator is unfamiliar with
country life
D. to let the reader know that the
narrator wants to move back to
Boston

3) “I had to avert my eyes from the huge pig, skin and head still on, splayed
open across half of an oil drum that had been sawed in half lengthwise.”

Which of the following is the best way to rewrite the above sentence (from
paragraph 2) while keeping its original meaning as used in the story?

A. I had to open my eyes to the huge pig, skin and head on, splayed open
across an oil drum that had been sawed in half lengthwise.”
B. I had to direct my eyes towards the huge pig, skin and head on, splayed
open across an oil drum that had been sawed in half lengthwise.
C. I had to turn my eyes away from the huge pig, skin and head on, splayed
open across an oil drum that had been sawed in half lengthwise.
D. I had to fix my eyes upon the huge pig, skin and head on, splayed
open across an oil drum that had been sawed in half lengthwise.
Questions (continued):

4) As used in paragraph 5, which is 5) Which literary term best applies to

the best definition for materialize? the following quote: “Y’all in thuh
country now, gul.”
A. to be false
B. to increase in size A. yarn, meaning an improbable
C. to become actual or real tale
D. to be concerned with consumer B. trait, characterized as a habit or
goods. tendency in one’s personality
C. caprice, characterized as
expressing fanciful or odd
notions
D. vernacular, meaning the native
language of people in a
particular geographical area

6) Which best describes the narrator's 7) As used in the middle of the story,
attitude in this passage? which is the best antonym
for cursory?
A. disdainful of rural life
B. unaware of country ways A. angry and willful
C. anxious to get back to Boston B. fast and intelligent
D. wishful for her children to grow C. slow and deliberate
up in the city D. slow and superficial

8) What does it mean to literally do 9) What message does the author

something? convey by having the narrator wait
out the storm in a glass room?
A. to think about doing something
B. to do something exactly as said A. It signifies how vulnerable she
C. to do something and regret it is.
later B. It signifies the narrator's
D. to do something with a bad nontraditional tastes.
attitude C. It lets the reader know that she
has not taped up her windows.
D. It lets the reader know she can
see everything that's going on.
Questions (continued):

10) Which best describes the use 11) If the story were to continue, what
of woolen curtain in this passage? might reasonably happen next?
I. Water might get into the house.
A. simile, meaning the direct
II. The narrator might flee to
comparison of two different
Wayne’s house for safety.
things using “like” or “as.”
III. The narrator might drive back to
B. comic relief, meaning it offers
the store to get sandbags.
humor in a tense situation.
C. personification, meaning A. I only
something described as if it B. I and II
were human. C. II and III
D. satire, meaning it ridicules the D. I, II, and III
weakness of an institution.

12) Which lesson does the narrator 13) How might the narrator have been
most likely learn during the better able to deal with her
hurricane? immediate problem?

A. The early bird catches the worm. A. She could have taped her
B. Marry in haste and repent at windows.
leisure. B. She could have replaced the old
C. An ounce of prevention is worth batteries in her appliances.
a pound of cure. C. She could have prepped her
D. Actions speak louder than generator.
words. D. She could have purchased the
items from the hurricane list.

Which do you like better, the country or the city? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

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“Dreams”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

The relationship between my mother, sister and me had been cold

and inimical for as long as I could remember.

To me, my mother was irrational, hurling hurtful invectives for the slightest
infraction. “Don’t matter,” my mother grumbled when I asked her where she
moved my watercolor paints. “It ain’t like you got talent.” The time our mailbox got
knocked off she somehow got it in her head that I was the culprit. “Never
respected nothin’,” I heard her say. And my sister took my mother’s side against
me every time. Five years my senior, Tammy seemed not to have a brain in her
head. She dithered about everything, incapable of making any firm decision. No
matter how often my mother deprecated her— “dumb, ugly, fat”—Tammy made
futile attempts to fawn her way back into mother’s good graces.

My father would pontificate, “You three are more alike than you know.”

In April of 2000, my mother kicked us both out of the house. (Dad had been
exiled many years before.) After that, my sister and I went our separate ways. It
was then that I began having recurring dreams.

In one, I am running to catch up with a woman. Each time I get near, I trip and
fall. Another woman, smiling and shouting my name, comes with great
alacrity and offers her hand, but when I reach to grab it, she disappears.

In another, a female professor hands me a test. Although I have spent hours

studying for it, I know none of the answers. The professor derides me for my
poor performance. I watch while she relays my ignorance to the class with comic
hilarity.

These dreams were not hard to understand. In fact, it was just the opposite; they
were pellucid, and absent any knowledge of dream interpretation, I was still able
to devise their significance. I knew that they both reflected the pugnacious
relationship I shared with my mother and sister.

However, there was one dream I could never quite construe. I bite into an apple.
All my teeth fall out. I had this dream far more than any of the others.

Years later, in an effort to heal our fractious relationship, Mom, Tammy and I
elected to go to counseling together. After several sessions, I told my dream
about teeth tumbling out of my head.

“My God, Crystal,” said my mother. “I’ve had the exact same dream many times.”

“Me, too,” said Tammy solemnly.

Breakthrough? No idea. But I was reminded of the words of my now-dead father.
Maybe the three of us are more alike than we know.

Questions:

1) Which is most likely to make a 2) As used in paragraph 2, which is the

relationship inimical (paragraph 1)? best synonym for invectives?

A. great pathos A. insults

B. frequent maledictions B. names
C. magnanimous gestures C. profanity
D. ingenious discussions D. words
E. heated debates E. misfortunes

3) If the story were true, which would best describe its genre?

A. literary essay, based on a piece of literature

B. memoir essay, centered on a significant memory from the past
C. persuasive essay, characterized by choosing a side and refuting other
arguments
D. expository essay, meant to inform the reader of a body of knowledge
E. satire, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or
ridicule

4) The father's comment in paragraph 3 5) What is the tone of this story?

is best described as
A. matter-of-fact
A. hyperbole, an obvious B. sentimental
exaggeration for effect C. pompous
B. a paradox, an idea that contains D. uncertain
two conflicting concepts E. comical
C. symbolism, using one thing to
represent something else
D. foreshadowing, a hint at what is
to come
E. a simile, comparing two or more
things using like or as

6) How does the relationship between the narrator, her mother, and her sister
seem to change from the beginning of passage to end?

A. from brusque to florid

B. from egregious to impassive
C. from enervating to rejuvenating
D. from destructive to collaborative
E. from convivial to estranged
F.
G.

Questions (continued):

7) As used in paragraph 7, which is the best antonym for pellucid?

A. dirty
B. frightening
C. enlightening
D. strange
E. unclear

8) "The professor derides me for my poor performance."

Which of the following is the best way to rewrite the above sentence (from
paragraph 7) while keeping its original meaning the same?

A. The professor is in disbelief due to my poor performance.

B. The professor laughs mockingly at my poor performance.
C. The professor announces my poor performance.
D. The professor gives me a failing grade for my poor performance.
E. The professor gives me a tutorial because of my poor performance.

9) "I bite into an apple. All my teeth fall out."

Which of the following is the best way to rewrite the above sentences (from
paragraph 9) while keeping their original meaning the same?

A. I bite into an apple, so all my teeth fall out.

B. I bite into an apple, yet all my teeth fall out.
C. I bite into an apple, and all my teeth fall out.
D. I bite into an apple, because all my teeth fall out.
E. I bite into an apple, but all my teeth fall out.

10) Which of the following words from the story has/have a negative
connotation?
I. deprecated (paragraph 2)
II. alacrity (paragraph 5)
III. pugnacious (paragraph 7)
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III
D. II and III
E. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

11) If the professor in the narrator's dream (paragraph 7) represented someone

in her life, who would that person most likely be, and why?

A. the sister, because she was described in the passage as dithering

B. the mother, because she was described in the passage as mean-spirited
C. the narrator, because she seems to be testing everyone in the passage
D. the father, because he understood that that the three women were alike
E. herself, because she was hyper-aware of her own problems

12) Breakthrough? No idea.

Which is the best way to rewrite the above sentence fragments so that they
are grammatically correct, while keeping their original meaning as used in
the final paragraph?

A. Breakthrough, no idea.
B. Was this a breakthrough? I have no idea.
C. If this was a breakthrough; I have no idea.
D. I had no idea. This was a breakthrough.
E. Breakthrough or not, I have no idea.

What kind of dreams do you have? What do they mean—anything? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________

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“Flower Power”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

When her grandmother’s health began to deteriorate in the fall of 1994,

Mary would make the drive from Washington, DC to Winchester, VA every
few days.

She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and monotonous. She preferred to
take meandering back roads to her grandmother’s hospital. When she drove
through the rocky town of Harpers Ferry, the beauty of the rough waters churning
at the intersection of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers always captivated
her.

Toward the end of her journey, Mary had to get on highway 81. It was here that
she discovered a surprising bit of beauty during one of her trips. Along the
median of the highway, there was a long stretch of wildflowers. They were thin
and delicate and purple, and swayed in the wind as if whispering poems to each
other.

The first time she saw the flowers, Mary was seized by an uncontrollable urge to
pull over on the highway and yank a bunch from the soil. She carried them into
her grandmother’s room when she arrived at the hospital and placed them in a
water pitcher by her bed.

For a moment her grandmother seemed more lucid than usual. She thanked
Mary for the flowers, commented on their beauty and asked where she had
gotten them. Mary was overjoyed by the ability of the flowers to wake something
up inside her ailing grandmother.

Afterwards, Mary began carrying scissors in the car during her trips to visit her
grandmother. She would quickly glide onto the shoulder, jump out of the car, and
clip a bunch of flowers. Each time Mary placed the flowers in the pitcher, her
grandmother’s eyes would light up and they would have a splendid conversation.

One morning in late October, Mary got a call that her grandmother had taken a
turn for the worse. Mary was in such a hurry to get to her grandmother that she
sped past her flower spot. She decided to turn around, head several miles back,
and cut a bunch.

Mary arrived at the hospital to find her grandmother very weak and unresponsive.
She placed the flowers in the pitcher and sat down to hold her grandmother’s
hand. She felt a squeeze on her fingers. It was the last conversation they had.

Questions:
1) As used at the beginning of the 2) As used in the beginning of the
story, which is the best antonym story, which is the best definition
for deteriorate? for captivated?

A. improve A. energized
B. increase B. fascinated
C. adjust C. humbled
D. accumulate D. relaxed

3) "She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and monotonous."

Which of the following is the best way to rewrite the above sentence, while
keeping its original meaning?

A. She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and tedious.

B. She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and confusing.
C. She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and nerve-wracking.
D. She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and time-consuming.

4) "They were thin and delicate and purple, and swayed in the wind as if
whispering poems to each other."

Which of the following literary techniques is used in the above sentence?

A. vernacular, suggesting the dialect of a particular geographical area

B. assonance, characterized by the repetition of identical or similar vowel
sounds in successive words
C. foreshadowing, characterized by the use of hints to suggest what is to
come
D. personification, characterized by a thing or object being endowed with
human qualities

5) Which best describes what the act of 6) What other title would best fit this
stopping for flowers on the side of passage?
the highway became for Mary?
A. “The Fall”
A. monotonous B. "On the Road"
B. a ritual C. “Wildflower Poetry”
C. a regret D. "Living for Tomorrow"
D. torturous
Questions (continued):

7) In the final paragraph, the author 8) Which of the following accurately

writes, “She felt a squeeze on her describe Mary’s personality?
fingers. It was the last conversation
they had.” Which of the following I. impatient
best describes what the author is II. drawn towards beauty
trying to communicate in these III. loving
sentences? A. I only
B. I and II
A. Mary and her grandmother held C. II and III
hands and had a splendid D. I, II, and III
conversation
B. Mary’s grandmother was too
weak to communicate with Mary
C. Mary and her grandmother
communicated through touch
D. Mary’s grandmother liked the
flowers that Mary brought

9) As used in the middle of the story, 10) What do the flowers come to signify
which is the best antonym most for Mary?
for lucid?
A. the natural beauty of U.S.
A. false highways
B. realistic B. an opportunity to compose
C. muddled herself before visiting her
D. determined grandmother
C. a final chance to connect with
her grandmother
D. a way to make the hospital room
more pleasant

Do you have many routines? Do you like routines? Explain.

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“Fried”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

My cell phone rings again. It is futile to ignore it anymore; Valerie is

persistent. When Valerie wants something, she will continue to bedevil me until
I acquiesce.

“Hello,” I answer.

“State Fair, Bobbie?” she asks in her singsong voice. “When are we heading out?
Only two more days left!”

I abhor the State Fair. The boisterous crowds, the insanely long lines and the
impossibility of finding a clean restroom all combine to make this an event that I
dread.

For Valerie, my best friend since the angst of middle school, the State Fair is a
sign that divine powers really do exist.

“Really, Bobbie, where else can you pet a cow, ride a horse, fall ten stories, see
the world’s smallest person and eat fried macaroni and cheese?” Valerie asks
gleefully.

“Hell?” I guess.

The fried food at the State Fair is a gastronomical nightmare on its own. I once
tried a fried pickle at the fair and was sick to my stomach for hours. And a fried
donut hamburger with bacon, cheese AND a greasy egg? How could that not
be deleterious?

I have not seen Valerie for a good month; our schedules are both so hectic. My
hatred of the State Fair becomes inconsequential compared to my desire
to hang with Val.

Alas, I ignore my anti-fair bias for the umpteenth year.

“Pick me up at noon,” I say and hang up the phone.

Questions:

1) As used in paragraph 1, which is 2) As used at in paragraph 1, what

the best synonym for futile? does it mean to acquiesce?

A. arduous A. to give in
B. enervating B. to speak kindly
C. preposterous C. to pay attention
D. ineffective D. to answer the phone

3) " I abhor the State Fair." 4) According the passage, Valerie

regards the state fair with
Which of the following is the best
way to rewrite the above sentence A. ambivalence
(from paragraph 4) while keeping its B. condescension
original meaning as used in the C. jubilance
story? D. nonchalance

A. I really dislike the State Fair.

B. I am bored by the State Fair.
C. I have no time for the State Fair.
D. I am uncertain about the State
Fair.

5) Logically speaking, which of the 6) "And a fried donut hamburger with

following might otherwise be bacon, cheese AND a greasy
included in Bobbie’s description of egg?"
foods to be found at the state fair?
Technically speaking, which of the
I. fried candy bars following grammatical errors are
II. candy apples committed in the above sentence
III. ripe red tomatoes from paragraph 8?
A. I only I. There is no subject.
B. I and III II. There is no predicate.
C. II and III III. It is a sentence fragment.
D. I, II, and III
A. I only
B. II only
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):
7) Why might the author have chosen 8) As used in paragraph 8, which is
to capitalize all the letters in the the best antonym for deleterious?
word "AND" when writing about the
donut hamburger in paragraph 8? A. amicable
B. beneficial
A. to make sure the reader C. fortuitous
understood it was a list D. pathetic
B. to show that a greasy egg was
the last ingredient
C. to highlight that the sentence
was intentionally written
incorrectly
D. to emphasize how many
ingredients were on the
hamburger

9) In paragraph 9, the word hang is 10) Near the end of the passage,
used what does the author's use of the
word umpteenth suggest?
A. as a hyperbole, meaning an
exaggeration A. the fair has been around for a
B. as a slang expression, meaning long time
informal language B. this is the last time Bobbie will
C. as an analogy, meaning a agree to go to the fair
comparison between two things C. Bobbie goes to the State Fair
D. as a denotation, meaning the with Val frequently
literal definition of a word D. this is the first time Bobbie has
agreed to go with Val

Would you like to attend the State Fair as described in the story? Explain.

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“Love Train”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

When I was a little girl, I loved for my mom to tell me stories about
herself. No matter how tired she was, she never adumbrated them. She would
fill the tales with the minutest details, and they were always fascinating.

Another thing she did was tell the stories with such grandiloquence! At different
points she would stop and say, “Now what do you think that word means?” I
would try to piece together what was happening in the story and make my best
guess.

To this day, when I want to bug my friends, I use the huge words that I first
learned leaning on Mom's shoulder as she recounted a snippet of her life.

My favorite story was the one about how my mom met my dad:

“I was 17 years old, but I already knew the kind of man I would marry. Take note:

“He would not be too garrulous. I tell you, Rosa, it’s important for a man to make
interesting conversation, but he must also take time to listen to what you have to
say.

“And never impertinent. I’ll never forget when I was 16; a boy from my church
named Joe Turner came and knocked on our door. He didn’t look my momma in
the eye, and didn’t say, ‘Hello.’ He just leaned against the door jamb and said,
‘Rosa here?’

“My momma raised her brow and said, ‘She is, but not for boys such as yourself.’

“But I digress. I’m supposed to be telling you about the day I met your daddy,
right?

“Okay, so I was riding the Amtrak train between Providence and Philadelphia
during my freshman year at Brown, and the door at the end of my car rattled
open.

“He was tall and swarthy. He wore a thick, ivory, cable knit sweater with a gray
wool scarf wrapped firmly around his neck. I couldn’t tell what his heritage was
and that intrigued me. What was he -- Indian, Portuguese, Peruvian?”

Mom would pause here and I would shout, “Cape Verdean!”

She’d continue:

“Well, if I had been shy, I might have just looked out the train window. But then
where would I be now? You wouldn’t even be here! So I let my eyes lock with his
as he wobbled down the moving train.

“He smiled a slight smile, not a big one. His eyes raised just enough to let me
know he had spotted me too.”

I always loved this line and would smile at the image of my dad stumbling down
the train and then noticing my radiant mom.

“So Rosa, once we spotted each other, your dad found a number of reasons to
walk past me to go to the café car.

"I was sitting by myself along the aisle. So finally, I just slid over to the window,
leaving the seat next to me empty.

“Your dad came back with two cups of hot cocoa and sat down with a smile. And
we had the most delightful conversation!

“I could tell right then that this was no ephemeral crush – this was the real deal. I
was going to end up loving this man forever.”

And then the part I loved best about the story.

“We pull into the train station in Philadelphia, and it’s time for me to get off. He
was heading on to Washington where he was going to school.

“I prepared myself for some hackneyed expression as I got off the train. You
know, ‘Great meeting you,’ or ‘Good luck at school.’

"I also worried he might try to sneak a smooch, which would have been a big turn
off. We'd just met!

"Instead, he took my hand gently and gave it a little squeeze. He said, ‘If it’s the
thought that counts, consider yourself kissed.’”

Mama said she just about died when he said that! Then she said to herself, “That
man will be my husband.”

And so he is.

Questions:

1) As used at the beginning of the 2) As used in the beginning of the

story, which is the best antonym story, which is the best definition
for adumbrated? for grandiloquence?

A. detailed A. technical jargon

B. lengthened B. archaic speech
C. invented C. pithy expression
D. simplified D. overly ornate or pompous
E. understated language
E. foreign word or phrase
Questions (continued):

3) What is ironic about the title of this passage?

A. Rosa's mother does not like clichés.

B. The passage has nothing to do with a song.
C. It is where Rosa's mother meets her husband-to-be.
D. The train only went a short distance but their love continued forever.
E. Rosa's mother could not have possibly loved her father after such a short
train ride.

4) Why might the author have chosen Rosa as the narrator even though it is her
mother who is telling the main story?

A. to make the story harder to follow

B. to make the story seem more straightforward
C. to make it clear that Rosa’s mother has passed away
D. to make it clear that the story happened a long time ago
E. to allow the reader to hear the story from Rosa's perspective

5) As used in the beginning of the story, which is the best definition

for garrulous?

A. conceited
B. talkative
C. narrow-minded
D. fawning
E. patronizing

6) Which situation best describes someone who has been impertinent, as used
in the beginning of the story?

A. A man crashes into the car in front of him.

B. A student gestures rudely to his teacher.
C. A child rushes out the door, forgetting to say good-bye to his mom.
D. A woman refuses to let her son play video games before school.
E. A dog chases all the cats in the neighborhood.
Questions (continued):

7) As used in the story, which is the best antonym for digress?

A. stop
B. stray
C. shorten
D. remember
E. stay on course

8) What may Rosa’s mother intend to convey to her child by telling this story?

A. advice about what to look for in a partner

B. regret that she met her husband on a train
C. the suggestion that Rosa might find her husband on a train
D. a yearning to go back to that time and place
E. the idea that education should come before marriage

9) Judging from the passage, what does Rosa's mother find most important in a
husband?
I. humor
II. respectfulness
III. originality
A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II
D. II and III
E. I, II, and III

10) What is implied in the following paragraph from the middle of the story?

"Well, if I had been shy, I might have just looked out the train window. Where
would I be now? You wouldn’t even be here! But I let my eyes lock with his as
he wobbled down the moving train."

A. Rosa’s mother really wanted to simply look out the window.

B. It is best to be outspoken in nearly all circumstances.
C. As soon as their eyes locked they fell in love.
D. A slight change in circumstances could have greatly altered Rosa’s
mother’s life.
E. Life was hard before technology allowed trains to offer a smooth ride.
Questions (continued):

11) As used at the end of the story, 12) As used at the end of the story,
which is the best definition which is the best antonym for
for ephemeral? hackneyed?

A. fleeting A. happy
B. permanent B. humorous
C. ridiculous C. original
D. serious D. overused
E. young E. turbulent

Do you like this story? What is your favorite part? What is your least favorite

part? What might you do to make it better?

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“Museum Hours”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Dear Editor,

I have just learned that our town’s public art museum will eliminate Saturday
hours next month due to a protracted budget shortfall. Although the continued
shortfall necessitates some cuts in town programs or services, Saturday museum
hours are simply too important to lose.

It will be a severe hardship and loss to our town’s citizens if the museum closes
on Saturdays. For many working people like myself, Saturday is the only day of
the week we have to take advantage of the breathtaking and thought-provoking
artwork our museum has to offer.

Parents often use this day to take their children to the museum in order to
expose them to this important bit of culture.

The public museum has been a boon to this town since it opened in 1975. It has
fostered an interest in the arts, increased cultural awareness, and had a positive
impact on the local economy. Even people from many nearby towns choose
Saturday—a day free from obligation—to come and see artwork here.

This is no frivolous matter; efforts made in this direction would be well spent.
The increase of—for all intents and purposes—a nearly inconsequential amount
to the homeowner tax bill would suffice to keep the museum open. Isn’t our
museum worth it?

I beseech everyone who values our museum to contact his or her town
representative and ask for funding to keep the Saturday museum hours intact.

Sincerely,

Maria B. Williams

Questions:
1) Which best describes the tone of author of this letter?

A. florid
B. genuine
C. hostile
D. obtuse
Questions (continued):

2) In order to make Maria’s letter more convincing, she could have

I. included a heartfelt appeal made by the museum curator him/herself
II. listed other options for cultural enrichment on Saturdays
III. added signatures to the letter of those who feel the same way
A. I only
B. I and III
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

3) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best antonym for protracted?

A. curable
B. imagined
C. ridiculous
D. shortened

4) "For many working people like myself, Saturday is the only day of the week to
take advantage of the breathtaking and thought-provoking artwork our
museum has to offer."

The above sentence has a grammatical error—what is it and how should it be

corrected?

A. myself should be me
B. like should be such as
C. breathtaking should be breath taking
D. has should be had

5) To whom might this letter be 6) As used in paragraph 6, which is the

addressed? best antonym for boon?
I. the townspeople A. bore
II. a local newspaper B. curse
III. federal government officials C. boost
A. I only D. technicality
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

7) How might this type of writing best be described?

A. comparative, meaning demonstrates the similarities and differences

between two topics
B. instructive, meaning it teaches how to do something
C. persuasive, meaning it aims to change one’s feelings about something
D. narrative, meaning it tells a story via a sequence of events

8) As used at the end of the letter, which is the best antonym for frivolous?

A. complex
B. passionate
C. ridiculous
D. worthwhile

9) At the end of the letter Maria asks, “Isn’t our museum worth it?”

What does the word it in the above sentence refer to?

A. the townspeople contacting their town representatives

B. staying open on Saturdays
C. an increase in homeowners’ tax bills
D. lengthening the budget shortfall

10) Which of the following arguments does Maria make to keep the museum
open on Saturdays?
I. Some people can only visit the museum on Saturdays.
II. Parents take their children to the museum on Saturdays.
III. It wouldn’t cost much more to individuals to keep the museum open on
Saturdays.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
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“Remains of a Marriage”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

“Leave it.”

Kelsey could not begin to fathom what she was hearing. In fact, a part
of her began to feel she was in some sort of dream, unable to emerge to
wakefulness.

Even the contractor appeared flabbergasted. His mouth stayed in a half-open

position, like a marionette waiting for its strings to be tugged.

“Yes. Leave it,” Robert said again, speaking to the notion that someone in the
room had asked him to clarify his words. No one had, but Robert understood the
silence.

What were the chances that an Indian burial ground would be found on the
bucolic site where Robert and Kelsey had chosen to build their dream home?
Why in the world would Robert not want to have the remains carted away,
thought Kelsey. The last thing they needed were Indian poltergeists meandering
around their home while the two of them were trying to renovate their marriage.

Kelsey, usually deferential to her husband, knew that now was the time to make
her position heard.

She tried to cajole Robert away from the direction he was heading. “Sweetheart,”
she cooed. “We don’t want to build on a site with human remains. It would be
irreverent to the dead.”

Immediately, she saw contempt in Robert’s eyes; it was a subtle reminder of how
he often viewed her as superficial and self-absorbed.

“What would be irreverent,” said Robert, his voice dripping with condescension,
“would be to desecrate these Native graves and move them from their final
resting place. Remember the culture.”

No, Kelsey did not “remember the culture.” She could not care less about the
culture. However, Robert, the history professor, was obviously enthralled by the
contractor’s findings. He had an innate way of understanding other cultures and
other people that amazed Kelsey. He did not have that gift with her.

But something inside Kelsey said this was too much. She believed
wholeheartedly in ghosts and could not imagine a life of them haunting her,
rattling her cupboards, and shaking her floorboards.

Kelsey had an unnerving sensation that problems were ahead.

Questions:

1) Which of the following best explains 2) As used at the beginning of the

how Kelsey feels at the beginning of story, which is the best synonym
the story? for flabbergasted?

A. unable to comprehend the A. dumbfounded

current situation B. hostile
B. unable to comprehend the C. querulous
decision of her husband D. unimpressed
C. unaware of the problem at hand
D. unwilling to confront a potentially
life-threatening ordeal

3) In paragraph 2, the author writes, “His mouth stayed in a half-open position,

like a marionette waiting for its strings to be tugged.” Which of the following
literary techniques is used in this quotation?

A. allusion, characterized by a casual reference to a literary or historical

figure
B. simile, characterized by a comparison between two unlike things using
“like” or “as”
C. denotation, characterized by the usage of the literal definition of a word
D. hyperbole, characterized by a gross exaggeration

4) The title of this passage makes use of which literary device?

A. a pun, where one word has two meanings that are both used at the same
time
B. irony, where the words used mean the opposite of what they say
C. foreshadowing, which hints at what is to come later in the story
D. overstatement, where something is exaggerated for effect

5) Kelsey wants to have the remains 6) If Kelsey had chosen to

removed because be deferential (paragraph 6) to her
husband, what would she have
I. She is afraid of ghosts. likely told him regarding his plans?
II. Robert wants to leave them
there. A. "Good idea."
III. She respects Native cultures. B. "Don't be silly."
A. I only C. "I'll leave you."
B. I and II D. "I’m not sure."
C. I and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

7) Which adjective best describes 8) What about Robert seems to keep

Kelsey and Robert’s marriage? him from wanting to move the
gravesite?
A. busy
B. appalling A. He is controlling.
C. strained B. He fears the Indians.
D. good-natured C. He cares about cultural history.
D. He is afraid of ghosts.

9) In paragraph 7, the author writes, “She tried to cajole Robert away from the
direction he was heading."Which of the following is the best way to rewrite the
above sentence while keeping its original meaning as used in the story?

A. She tried to compromise with Robert to go the other direction.

B. She tried to force Robert to change directions.
C. She tried to entice Robert away from the direction he was heading.
D. She tried to threaten Robert about the direction he was heading.

10) As used at the end of the story, which is the best antonym for desecrate?

A. honor
B. excavate
C. defile
D. criticize

Whose side are you on— Robert’s or Kelsey’s? Explain.

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“Scorpion”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Soon after Navi got engaged to Roberto, she began learning about
his seemingly magical origins.

She had heard many stories of Roberto’s birth city of Guanajuato, and they had
all captivated her. She was spellbound by the many exotic tales he told her
about the region. At one time, this colonial city was the source of two-thirds of the
world’s silver.

“Our family goes to a beautiful church in Guanajuato,” Roberto had told her while
they courted in the United States. “It is said that silver dust was mixed into the
cement building blocks and that is why the church sparkles.”

Navi had been enthralled. Roberto always told such wonderful stories. She could
not wait to see the city and meet all of Roberto’s family. Navi was excited and
knew that the trip was sure to be inspirational.

While Roberto had imparted to Navi all the wonders of his beautiful city, it had
not occurred to him to mention any dangers. They were young. They were in
love. They lived only in the moment.

Navi was speechless when she saw the Oratorio de San Felipe. “It really does
sparkle!” she exclaimed.

Navi kissed Roberto on the cheek. “I’ll meet you outside,” she said, leaving the
church.

She pulled her sketchpad and pencils from her bag and went to sit against one of
the glorious palm trees outside the church. She began sketching the colossal
cupola, which extended mightily, three stories above the nave.

Suddenly, a sharp pain took hold of her left shoulder. It felt like an electrical
shock. The pain began to pervade the rest of her body.

She had been stung by a scorpion!

The last thing Navi remembered was Roberto kneeling by her side. She woke up
a week later with him holding her hand and telling her a story. “In Mexico,
scorpions are ubiquitous. There are more scorpion deaths here than in any
other place in the world. And they love palm trees,” he said, rubbing her hand
with tears of relief in his eyes. “I should have mentioned that before.”
Questions:

1) As used in paragraph 2, which is 2) As used in paragraph 8, which is

the best antonym for captivated? the best antonym for colossal?

A. dishonored A. banal
B. enthralled B. microscopic
C. repelled C. temporal
D. saddened D. inspiring

3) Based on information in the 4) Which of the following sentences

passage, it can be understood that from the story most clearly
which of the following conditions foreshadows that something bad is
may result from a scorpion sting? going to happen?
I. unconsciousness A. They lived only in the moment.
II. death (paragraph 5)
III. paralysis B. It had not occurred to him to
A. I only mention any dangers.
B. I and II (paragraph 5)
C. II and III C. “I’ll meet you outside,” she said,
D. I, II, and III leaving the church.
(paragraph 7)
D. Suddenly, a sharp pain took
hold of her left shoulder.
(paragraph 9)

5) In paragraph 5, the author writes, “They were young. They were in love. They
lived only in the moment." Which of the following is the best way to rewrite
these sentences, while keeping their original meaning as used in the story?

A. They were young and in love because they lived only in the moment.
B. They were young and in love; they lived only in the moment.
C. They were young and in love; therefore, they lived only in the moment.
D. They were young and in love; conversely, they lived only in the moment.

6) Where is Guanajuato? 7) As used in paragraph 9, which is

the best synonym for pervade?
A. Ecuador
B. Cuba A. numb
C. Guatemala B. paralyze
D. Mexico C. permeate
D. sicken
Questions (continued):

8) How does Roberto seem to feel 9) It can be inferred that Navi enjoys
about not having told Navi about
scorpions? A. surprises
B. writing and storytelling
A. questioning C. sketching and drawing
B. perplexed D. traveling to various exotic
C. remorseful destinations
D. validated

10) What type of narrator is telling this 11) As used in the final paragraph,
story? which is the best antonym
for ubiquitous?
A. first person, characterized as
being a person in the story A. scarce
B. second person, characterized as B. benevolent
speaking directly to the reader C. harmless
C. third person omniscient, D. omnipresent
characterized by knowing what
all the characters are thinking
D. third person focalized,
characterized by knowing only
what one character may be
thinking

Do you think Navi should be upset with Roberto? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________

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“Seeing Clearly”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

The announcement that Donna had reached middle age came

stealthily and without warning.

Donna, at 42 years old, was in perfect health. She was fit, trim, and ate only the
healthiest of foods, eschewing soda and candy. She was still asked for her
identification when buying wine at the grocery store. She ran several miles every
day; in local road races, she was known for beating people half her age.

“Forty is the new twenty!” her friends would say of Donna’s seeming
agelessness.

Donna heard the quip so often that a part of her believed that this aging thing
was surely only for other people.

That all changed during what should have been a fairly innocuous event: a trip
to the Department of Motor Vehicles to renew her driver’s license.

“Name?” the clerk asked, without looking up. Donna replied.

“Address?”

Donna gave it to her.

“Look through there, please,” The clerk gestured toward an eye-testing machine
perched at the edge of the desk. “Read the first four lines,” she sighed.

Donna pushed her head against the contraption.

“Go ahead.”

Donna was perplexed. Everything was fuzzy. “I think the glass is dirty,” Donna
said, searching the desk for a tissue to wipe off the lens.

“It’s not dirty,” the clerk said, her voice dripping with condescension.

“There must be some problem,” Donna said, pressing her head against the
machine once more.

“Ma’am, do you wear glasses?”

“No, no, I don’t,” Donna responded, a little embarrassed now, as other people in
the room began turning to see what was going on.

The clerk glanced down at Donna’s old license and back up at her. “Welcome to
middle age, sweetheart. Come back when you’ve had an eye exam and gotten
glasses.”
Questions:

1) What proverb best fits this story? 2) As used at the beginning of the
passage, which is the best antonym
A. Time marches on. for stealthily?
B. Time heals all wounds.
C. A stitch in time saves nine. A. secretly
D. There is no time like the present. B. patiently
C. blatantly
D. sneakily

3) As stated near the beginning of the 4) Using the passage as a guide,

story, if Donna is eschewing candy which best describes the meaning
and soda, she is of "Forty is the new twenty"?

A. overindulging in them A. If you are in good shape and

B. avoiding them health, being 40 can feel like 20.
C. eating them in moderation B. When people turn 40, they are
D. eating them responsibly likely to say they are in their 20s.
C. If you are 20 and are not in great
shape, you can feel like you are
40.
D. If you stay away from junk food,
you can look 40 even when you
are 20.

5) As used in the middle of the passage, which is the best antonym

for innocuous?

A. dangerous
B. difficult
C. juvenile
D. mature

6) What is the difference between the first four paragraphs and the rest of the
passage?

A. The first four paragraphs portray Donna's pride while the rest of the
passage displays her frustration.
B. The first four paragraphs highlight the good life Donna has had while the
rest of the passage shows her regret.
C. The first four paragraphs emphasize Donna's youth while the rest of the
passage shows that she has aged.
D. The first four paragraphs outline Donna's fitness while the rest of the
passage shows she is out of shape.
Questions (continued):

7) Which best describes the clerk's 8) As the word is used at the end of
attitude? the story, which of the following
statements suggest
A. hostile condescension?
B. incoherent
C. patronizing I. Peter is a bright student, he
D. domineering simply does not apply himself.
II. Ingrid is not invited to the party;
she has no sense of style.
III. Cindy’s not too dumb, for a sixth
grader.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

9) The tone of the passage is best 10) What is ironic about the clerk
described as calling Donna "ma'am"?

A. wry A. It is not proper English.

B. dark B. The clerk does not know
C. lighthearted Donna's name.
D. passionate C. It is a term often reserved for
older people.
D. It is unclear to whom the clerk is
speaking.

Do you feel younger than you actually are? Do you feel older? Explain.

________________________________________________________________________

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“Seeing Through”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Jeffrey brushed quickly past an elderly woman waiting on the platform ahead of
him to get onto the subway. He wanted to be sure to get a seat to read his New
Economics Journal. As the train screeched out of the station, he lifted his head
from the business news and stared at the man directly across from him.

A fierce wave – a tsunami – of antipathy came over him. Jeffrey knew this man,
knew him all too well. They had become bitter enemies.

Their eyes locked.

As the train reached full speed, the cacophony of speeding wheels against the
winding rails and of the wildly vibrating subway car filled Jeffrey’s ears. To this
frenetic beat, Jeffrey listed in his head all the reasons that this man, whose eyes
he gravely stared into, whose image seemed to appear nearly everywhere he
went, had become anathema to him.

He had climbed the upper echelons of the Wall Street firm using an imperious
manner with his subordinates: issuing directives; ordaining idiosyncratic decrees;
generally making certain everyone knew he was the boss.

Despite his impoverished upbringing, he had become ostentatious. Flush with

cash from the lucrative deals he made on Wall Street, he had purchased a yacht
and a home in Versailles. He used neither. But, oh, how he liked to say he had
them. Meanwhile—Jeffrey knew—this man’s father was on the verge of being
evicted from his decrepit tenement apartment in the South Bronx.

What bothered Jeffrey most about this man was that he never even attempted to
make amends for his evil ways.

Could this man change? Jeffrey did not know. But maybe, just maybe, he could
try.

The train screeched to Jeffrey’s stop at Battery Park. He gave the man one last
hard look. “See you around,” he mumbled to himself. And he knew he would—
the wrinkled brow, that part of graying hair, those cold metallic eyes in a subway
window reflection—were his own.

It would take years of hard work and self-contemplation, but Jeffrey would once
again encounter this man on the train, and marvel at what a kinder person he
had become.
Questions:
1) Which best describes Jeffrey's attitude in this passage?

A. anxious
B. studied
C. unfortunate
D. self-aware
E. self-pitying

2) A fierce wave – a tsunami – of antipathy came over him.

Given the imagery in this sentence, which word would be the best substitute
for came?

A. angled
B. drizzled
C. rained
D. washed
E. trampled

3) As used in paragraph 2, which word 4) Using the story as a guide, it can be

is the best antonym for antipathy? inferred that

A. ambivalence A. Jeffrey has few friends

B. desperation B. Jeffrey likes to be the boss
C. admiration C. Jeffrey has had a difficult life
D. infatuation D. Jeffrey is capable of change
E. happiness E. Jeffrey rides the subway
frequently

5) "As the train reached full speed, the cacophony of speeding wheels against
the winding rails and of the wildly vibrating train filled Jeffrey’s ears."
Which literary technique is used in the above sentence (from paragraph 4)?

A. metaphor, a direct comparison between two things which does not use like
or as
B. analogy, an extended comparison showing the similarities between two
things
C. imagery, characterized by appealing to a sense or combination of senses
D. irony, characterized by a contrast or incongruity between what is stated
and what is meant
E. personification, characterized by something being described as if it had
human qualities
Questions (continued):

6) Which of the following best 7) As used in paragraph 4, anathema

describes the main conflict in this is best defined as a(n):
passage?
A. curse
A. man versus man B. vision
B. man versus himself C. embarassment
C. man versus society D. antagonist
D. man versus machine E. problem
E. man versus nature

8) As used in paragraph 5, to have an 9) As used in paragraph 6, which is the

imperious manner means to be: best synonym for ostentatious?

A. ignorant A. assiduous
B. stoic B. extravagant
C. simpering C. modest
D. unaffected D. miserly
E. domineering E. refined

10) What is made clear by the end of story?

I. The man that Jeffery dislikes is himself.
II. Jeffery was eventually able to become a better person.
III. Jeffery’s father lives in the South Bronx.
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II
D. II and III
E. I, II, and III

Have you ever had feelings similar to Jeffery’s? Were you able to change?

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“Tattoo”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Justin’s mom had set down the house rules with aplomb. Only the most obtuse
person would have failed to understand: no tattoos, no body piercings, and no
co-ed sleepovers while living in the house of Elaine Tucker Brown.

Still, the day Justin turned 18, he lied to his mother about where he was going
and headed straight to the tattoo parlor, as if impervious to his mother’s wrath.
He got a light blue heart the size of an orange permanently etched on
his arm. Above this work of art was the word “Blessed.”

No, Justin was not stupid, but he was obstinate.

Elaine saw this as an act of sheer defiance. She was incensed, her anger
exacerbated by the fact that Justin had breezed into the house, found her in
the kitchen, taken off his shirt with a smile, and said, “Got it!”

“No, Justin. Let me tell you what you’ve got,” Elaine said angrily. “You’ve got five
minutes to go upstairs and pack a bag. I’m taking you to Pop-Pop’s.”

The ride to Pop-Pop’s house was chilly, to say the least. Elaine berated Justin for
everything she could think of, which wasn’t much because he was a straight-A
senior with a full academic scholarship to his top college pick. He had a kind
heart and had started a foundation in the ninth grade, which donated used
sporting equipment to underprivileged kids in South Africa.

Elaine pulled up to her father’s door and ordered Justin out. Not 10 minutes later,
her cell phone rang.

“Elaine, have you lost it? You are kicking a boy who is as good as him out of the
house for a tattoo – that says ‘Blessed,’ no less?” her father asked, incredulous.
“You will miss him so much. Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face, Elaine.
Come pick this young man up.”

Elaine, having grown up obeying most of her parents’ demands, turned her car
around and went back to pick up her son. Justin was surprisingly contrite. “Sorry
for being so disrespectful, Mom,” he said earnestly. “I will try to follow house rules
from now on.”
Questions:

1) What other title would best fit this 2) As used in paragraph 1, which is
passage? the best antonym for obtuse?

A. “House Rules” A. foolhardy

B. “Visiting Pop-Pop” B. intelligent
C. "Straight A's" C. passionate
D. “Body Piercings” D. stubborn

3) Which of the following proverbs 4) Which of the following proverbs

does Elaine seem to learn by the does Justin seem to learn by the
end of the story? end of the story?

A. much ado about nothing A. look before you leap

B. familiarity breeds contempt B. pleasure bought with pain hurts
C. no arguments will give courage C. youth’s first duty is reverence to
to the coward parents
D. if words suffice not, blows must D. if men had all they wished, they
follow would often be ruined

5) In the final paragraph, the author 6) What was Justin's attitude when he
writes, "Justin was surprisingly showed his mother the tattoo?
contrite." Which of the following is
the best way to rewrite the above A. willfully defiant
sentence while keeping its original B. cautiously jubilant
meaning the same? C. convincingly contrite
D. obviously melodramatic
A. Justin was surprisingly relaxed.
B. Justin was surprisingly
remorseful.
C. Justin had surprisingly lost his
bad attitude.
D. Justin had surprisingly become
somber.

7) As used in paragraph 2, which is 8) As used in paragraph 4, which is

the best antonym for impervious? the best antonym for exacerbated?

A. elated A. intensified
B. impenetrable B. evened
C. invigorated C. extinguished
D. vulnerable D. decreased
Questions (continued):

9) "You are kicking a boy as good as 10) Using the passage as a guide,
him out of the house for a tattoo – which is the best interpretation of
that says ‘Blessed,’ no less?” the idiom, "cut off your nose to spite
your face," as used in paragraph 8?
The above sentence from the story
has a grammatical error. Which of A. calling something bad that is not
the following correctly identifies this B. trying to teach something too
error? difficult
C. loving a person less for what he
A. good should be well has done
B. him should be he D. pursuing revenge and hurting
C. 'Blessed,' should be "Blessed," yourself in the process
D. less should be lest

Have you ever done anything rebellious? Explain.

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“The Mini Problem”

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Lily’s anger could not have been more palpable.

She awakened Christmas morning and, along with her brother, ran down to see
the gifts under the tree.

In the living room sat a magnificent mini bike. It was red with a pearly white gas
tank and side panels. For a brief moment, Lily was filled with what seemed like
insurmountable excitement. She couldn’t imagine anything better than getting
that bike. Then, her eyes caught sight of a baby doll sitting on the couch with a
huge bow.

She knew. She knew that the mini bike belonged to her brother and that she had
been relegated to that doll. It was par for the course.

Tommy always got cool things: skateboards, gliders, science kits. The mini bike
was just the latest cool thing.

Lily always got the boring gifts: a doll with a gown, a doll with a tutu, a doll with a
puppy. This doll seemed unusually blah. The doll wore a petticoat. The doll had
short, straight black hair.

Tommy had seen that mini-bike in the front window of Moore’s Bike Shop, but
hadn’t Lily too? Both had begged for the bike. Both had said it was the only thing
they wanted for Christmas. Hadn’t Lily asked for it with as much fervor as her
twin brother?

Tommy’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the bike he knew was his—no doll for
him. He ran into his parents’ room and jumped excitedly on the bed.

“Thank you, Mama! Thank you, Papa!” he yelled.

Meanwhile Lily simmered in the other room. She was furious. She was enraged.
She was incensed. It took a while for anyone to even realize she was missing.

“What’s wrong, Lil?” Papa asked. “Did you see your pretty doll?”

“I saw it,” she said sulkily.

“What’s wrong?” asked Mama.

Silence. Lily’s jaw was fixed. Her hands clenched. Her whole body trembled.

“Oh, Mama, you know Lily is never excited by presents!” her brother laughed.
“Come out and watch me ride!”

And so they did.

Questions:

1) In the beginning of the story, Lily's 2) As used in the beginning of the

anger was described as palpable story, which is the best antonym for
because it was insurmountable?

A. unusual A. sane
B. irrational B. phony
C. difficult to understand C. unjustified
D. easy to feel D. surpassable

3) As used in the beginning of the 4) As used in the beginning of the

story, which best describes the act story, the expression par for the
of being relegated? course implies that something

A. A star athlete is given a coveted A. is to be expected

award. B. cannot be undone
B. A disobedient dog is put in the C. is sure to cause anger
garage to sleep. D. was meant to be hurtful
C. After being tested, swimmers
are put into groups according to
their ability levels.
D. The birthday boy is taken to his
favorite restaurant.

5) What is ironic about the title of this 6) What could the author have written
passage? if she wanted to show Lily taking
steps to improve her situation?
A. Lily has a big problem.
B. Tommy is perfectly happy. A. a scene with Lily storming out of
C. Lily does not get a mini bike. the house
D. Lily’s parents do not realize B. a description of Lily getting to
there is actually a problem. ride the mini bike first
C. a paragraph describing Lily
pretending to appreciate the doll
D. a dialogue with Lily explaining to
her family why she was so angry
Questions (continued):

7) As used in the middle of the story, 8) Using the information in the story as
which is the best antonym a guide, it can be inferred that Lily's
for fervor? parents could reasonably be
accused of being
A. gluttony
B. indifference I. unloving
C. politeness II. insensitive
D. passion III. gender biased
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

9) In paragraph 6, the author most 10) As used at the end of the story,
likely repeats the word "doll" to which is the best antonym
for incensed?
A. highlight how extravagant the
dolls were A. pleased
B. juxtapose the number of dolls B. annoyed
with just one mini bike C. patient
C. emphasize how common this gift D. indignant
had become for Lily
D. make it clear that the doll she
got this Christmas was the worst
of all

What would you do if you were in Lily’s position? Explain.

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“The Storm”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

“Crack-crack…kowowww! Thunder, and then a shock of lightening etched its

reflection upon the corrugated metal siding,” Rowan read aloud.

She worked to read clearly, with depth and emotion. Her eyes scanned the next
paragraph. She took a breath to continue, but was interrupted by her younger
brother Nolan, stretched out on the living room couch, flicking a pencil against his
forehead.

“I was never a big fan of onomatopoeia,” Nolan said, in his usual, supercilious
manner. “It is impossible to write words that truly sound like a thunderstorm, a jar
opening, or a falling tree, yes? But please, do continue.”

Rowan sucked her teeth. “That’s why I can’t stand doing this in front of you, Nolli.
You are no help at all. Haven’t you something better to do?”

“Ha! Better than to annoy you before your moment of reckoning? I don’t think so.”
Nolan's enjoyment of getting under his big sister’s skin was fully conspicuous.

“Nolli, please keep quiet!” Mother Ann broke in. “This is important. Rowan
presents in less than an hour. She needs to focus. Row, sweetheart, please
continue.”

Mother Ann's comments seemed to assuage Rowan’s irritation. She cleared her
throat and continued where she had left off. “Farmer John knew this was a storm
of epic proportion. Even the cows retreated to their hutches. Not one person in
the…”

“The cows retreated? The cows retreated?” Nolan chortled upon hearing the
repetition of this line in his own voice. “That’s great. Even the stupid cows
retreated! Oh, man. That must have been one heck of a storm-a-brewin’. Mama,
I’m scared!” Nolan howled at the ceiling and curled up into a tight little ball of
laughter.

“Nolli!” Mother Ann shouted suddenly, her thunderous voice tantamount to the
rumbling storm Rowan was attempting to capture in her reading. Nolan gave a
little start. "You have no idea how difficult it is to speak in front of a crowd. Your
sister has been preparing for this presentation for weeks and I swear if you
don't..."

Mother Ann continued to castigate Nolan most thoroughly, scolding him for his
rudeness and lack of respect. Then, feeling as though she had achieved the
intended effect, she sighed rather contentedly and reclined in her chair.
Sometimes she reminded even herself the fury by which, if completely
necessary, she could quell any quarrel.

Nolan had fallen silent and was now sitting upright, his hands folded before him.
He actually appeared a bit remorseful.

“Oh, Mother,” Rowan sighed, crumpling to the floor, despondent . “It’s no use.
‘The Storm’ shall be the end of me.”
“Ahh, but Rowan, my dear,” Mother rejoined. “This is but a mere shower!”

Questions:

1) As used in paragraph 3, which is the best definition for onomatopoeia?

A. a story that is told orally

B. a word that imitates the sound it represents
C. the repetition of the initial letter sound
D. the repetition of similar vowel sounds
E. the use of very detailed description

2) Why does Rowan get upset with Nolan?

I. because he is annoying her

II. because he interrupts her reading
III. because he is making fun of her delivery of the reading

A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II
D. II and III
E. I, II, and III

3) As used in paragraph 3, which is the 4) Which of the following words best

best definition for supercilious? describes Nolan's personality?

A. arrogant and haughty A. juvenile

B. comical and carefree B. malicious
C. gifted with words C. intelligent
D. youthful and smart D. playful
E. playful and obnoxious E. easygoing
Questions (continued):

5) What is Nolan most likely referring to when he jokes about Rowan's "moment
of reckoning"?

A. the end of her life

B. an upcoming presentation
C. a time when Mother will yell at Rowan
D. a time when Nolan will annoy Rowan even more
E. the moment when Rowan's father returns home

6) In the middle of the story, the author writes, "Mother Ann's comments
seemed to assuage Rowan’s irritation." Which is the best way to rewrite this
sentence, while keeping its original meaning?

A. Mother Ann's comments made Rowan feel worse.

B. Mother Ann's comments were intended to defend Rowan.
C. Mother Ann's comments did nothing to help Rowan.
D. Mother Ann's comments helped to ease Rowan's irritation.
E. Mother Ann's comments proved that Rowan is rightfully irritated.

7) As used at the end of the story, which is the best antonym for despondent?

A. hopeless
B. irritated
C. optimistic
D. critical
E. humiliated

8) What does Mother Ann most likely mean when she tells Rowan, "This is but
a mere shower"?

A. It has started to rain outside.

B. Rowan's presentation will be a disaster.
C. The piece Rowan is to read is poorly written.
D. Mother's anger with Nolan was just for show.
E. Rowan’s present situation isn't that bad.
Questions (continued):

9) If X is tantamount to Y, then X

A. is longer than Y
B. is less than Y
C. equals Y
D. and Y have no connection

10) If Mother Ann is castigating Nolan, what is she doing?

A. yelling at him
B. abusing him
C. threatening him
D. punishing him
E. antagonizing him

Who is your favorite character in this story? Why?

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“The Transfers”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Loren had been surreptitiously moving money from the accounts of

his bank’s wealthiest clients to one he created for himself in the Cayman
Islands for over 8 years. He had every reason to believe that no one
suspected a thing, and he knew the money would be safe in an offshore
account.

He had been prudent with all the money he had embezzled from Signet Bank. He
wore secondhand suits to his job as a bank teller there. He rode his bike from
Anacostia— the squalid, blighted neighborhood he called home— to his Dupont
Circle branch each day.

He rarely traveled outside of the Washington, DC area. He did nothing at all

to raise a red flag. He appeared as nothing more than an 18-dollar-an-hour bank
employee in a town where many made millions.

No one, he was sure, had ever scrutinized the myriad of transactions that had
taken place – dozens, sometimes hundreds of small transfers that amounted to
$9,000 every other week. Otherwise, the truth would have surely come to light a
long time ago.

“Nine thousand dollars every other week is just a drop in the bucket to these
rich folks,” Loren reasoned. This assuaged his guilt.

In Loren’s mind, it was the greedy people who got caught doing these things. It
was the ostentatious ones, too. It was the guys who built multi-million dollar
homes with 24 rooms on a pauper’s salary.

To him, the bank was fraught with idiots; no one was capable of unraveling his
master plan. No – it was too late for them.

Today was the day Loren would begin reaping the benefits of all his patience and
cunning and begin living in blissful obscurity.

After an ordinary day at work, Loren got on his bike and road over the river to
National Airport.

As the plane lifted off the runway for the Caribbean, Loren watched intently out
the window. He had close to $2 million collecting interest in the bank and had
managed to pull it off, unnoticed.

As the plane landed, Loren finally allowed himself to fully dream of the carefree
life he was about to begin. He moved down the airplane steps, across the tarmac
and headed toward the airport. The balmy air felt comforting to his skin.

He breathed in slowly and deeply with anticipation, and then he was surprised to
hear a familiar voice.

“Hey, Loren. Not so fast.”

Questions:

1) As used in paragraph 1, which is the best synonym for surreptitiously?

A. easily
B. carefully
C. overtly
D. secretly

2) "He had been prudent with all the money he had embezzled from Signet
Bank."

Which of the following is the best way to rewrite the above sentence from
paragraph 2 while keeping its original meaning as used in the story?

A. He had been showy with the funds he had taken from Signet Bank.
B. He had saved all the money he had deposited into Signet Bank.
C. He had felt guilty about all the money he had taken from Signet Bank.
D. He had been discreet with all the money he had stolen from Signet Bank.

3) What were some of the things Loren 4) The expression "to raise a red flag"
did to not raise suspicion? (from paragraph 3) means to
I. He wore secondhand suits. A. be guilty
II. He rode a bicycle to work. B. appear impoverished
III. He only made a certain number C. seem very smart
of transactions per week. D. give a warning signal
A. I only
B. I and II
C. I and III
D. I, II, and III
Questions (continued):

5) What made Loren feel confident his 6) If Loren carried out his scheme for
crime would go undetected? exactly 8 years, how much money
would he have stolen?
I. The stolen money was being
held in the Cayman Islands. A. $9000
II. He felt no one would suspect a B. $2,000,000
bank teller of fraud. C. $72,000
III. He had done nothing to show D. $1,872,000
that he had become wealthy.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. I and III
D. I, II, and III

7) What kind of expression is "drop in 8) As used in paragraph 4, which is

the bucket" (from paragraph 5)? the best synonym for myriad?

A. demonstrative, characterized by A. overflow

the open expression of emotion B. number
B. idiomatic, characterized by the C. multitude
use of figurative, not literal, D. shortage
language
C. sarcastic, characterized by the
use of harsh or bitter derision, or
irony
D. understatement, characterized
by an expression that is weaker
than the facts would bear out

9) Which line from the passage best 10) Loren's attitude toward his bank
serves as its climax? colleagues was

A. “Hey, Loren. Not so fast.” A. benevolent

(the final paragraph) B. disdainful
B. Otherwise, the truth would have C. accepting
surely come to light a long time D. fearful
ago. (paragraph 4)
C. Now it was too late for them.
(paragraph 7)
D. After an ordinary day at work,
Loren got on his bike and road
over the river to National Airport.
(paragraph 9)
11) As used in paragraph 6, which is 12) As used in paragraph 7, what does
the best antonym for ostentatious? the phrase “fraught with” mean?

A. lavish A. filled with

B. conspicuous B. short on
C. childish C. lead by
D. modest D. visited by

Is Loren a bad person? If not, why? If so, what should be an appropriate

punishment or consequences? Explain.

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“Tracks”
Reading Comprehension—Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Lida sat outside her great aunt’s hotel

watching the steam engines go by and
listening to the clop-clop of horses as they
pulled wagons down the cobbled road.
She was taking a short break from her
chores at the inn: mopping the ballroom,
fixing cornbread for the guests, and tending
the fire in the wood-burning stove. She enjoyed
working there and was happy to help her illustrious
aunt bolster her growing business and notoriety around the city.

Lida had always had an assiduous nature and applied herself to almost any task
unremittingly. Today, however, she took this quick respite to daydream about the
dance she would be attending that evening.

At 17, it would be her first. Her friends had all purchased brightly colored, ornate
dresses to wear. Lida, as a reflection of her demure personality, had chosen a
modest, yet elegant dress in a charcoal gray.

“Are you ready, Miss Lida?” Hattie asked as she burst through the parlor doors
and into the kitchen. Mary and Florence were in step right behind her.

“Hattie, I done told you never to come in that way. You disturb the guests having
cocktails in the parlor!”

“Oh, hush, Lida. You worry too much. Let’s go.”

“I need to put a few more logs in the stove so Auntie can boil water for the
dishes,” Lida said. “Then we can go.”

Hattie gave a sigh, but did not bother to argue. She knew that when Lida had
something to do, she didn’t rest until it was done.

“Let’s take the tracks,” Hattie said when they finally headed out to the party.
Daylight was turning into dusk.

“Naw, Hattie,” Lida said. "You know that’s too dangerous in the night.”

“Look, Lida,” Hattie said impatiently. “We’re runnin’ late ‘cause of you. The tracks
will take 15 minutes off our walk.” Mary and Florence both mumbled in
agreement. “We can take the carriage back.”

Against her better judgment, Lida agreed to take the train tracks. After all, it was
her first real dance ever. Why adulterate it with acrimony?
The girls clumsily navigated the moonlit tracks and talked excitedly about the
dance: who would be there, who was the best-looking, who was the smartest,
and if anyone had remembered money for a carriage ride home. Then Lida heard
a whistle in the distance. It seemed to get louder as it persisted and then cut out
in a shock of tender silence. “We’ve gotta get off the tracks. Train’s coming,” said
Lida.

The girls scurried to the side but found the decline too precipitous. They made
their way forward along the tracks and finally found a suitable place to descend.
Lida tiptoed nimbly from the precipice. Finding herself safely below, she heard a
sudden thud. She gasped and turned about.

“Help!” she heard a voice cry, “Help…down here!” Hattie had fallen in the ash pit,
an 8 foot trench between the rails, about 20 feet long, where trains stopped to
empty ashes from the engine’s fire box when they pulled through town.

Hattie screamed and tried frantically to climb out, but the pit was too deep. Lida
scrambled to the edge, grabbing for her hand, the train getting closer, the whistle
growing evermore piercing.

Not wanting to appear scared herself, Lida’s calm voice belied the panic-stricken
beating of her heart.

“Just give me your hand, Hattie, and I’ll pull ya right out.”

They fumbled for each other’s hands in the dark. Lida lay down on the rails and
hooked her feet under the track to give herself more leverage. She had Hattie in
her fingertips. Then she lost her. Then she had her again. Lida pulled and she
could feel the joints in Hattie’s hands popping. In this instant, Hattie found better
purchase—on what, no one could be sure—and her hands came into view.
Wearing a mask of anguish, her teeth clenched and reflecting the pale moonlight,
Lida pulled and pulled. Hattie’s amorphous form appeared from below the
surface like some stygian phantom. Mary and Florence’s screams could be heard
intermittently in the night, watching helplessly as the train lights grew brighter.

Hattie’s torso finally eclipsed the edge of the pit and there she lay, catching her
breath. The girls hoisted her to her feet and hobbled away from the tracks like a
collection of frenzied grave robbers, their treasure in tow. It was there that they
stood, caked in ash, watching as the train screeched to a stop and dropped its
load of glowing cinders.

Questions:

1) Using the story as a guide, it can be inferred that

A. Lida lives in a hotel

B. Lida and her family are poor
C. Hattie and Lida are best friends
D. one of the story’s central themes is slavery
E. the story is not set in contemporary times
2) As used in the beginning of the story, 3) As used in the beginning of the story,
which is the best definition which is the best synonym for respite?
for assiduous?
A. continuation
A. cautious B. stop
B. efficient C. pause
C. energetic D. shelter
D. diligent E. pardon
E. passionate

4) Using the story as a guide, how do 5) What type of characters are Mary and
Hattie and Lida differ? Florence?

A. Hattie is good-natured; Lida is A. round, characterized by being well-

stoic. developed in the story
B. Hattie is trusting; Lida is B. foils, characterized by eliciting each
circumspect. other's traits through contrast
C. Hattie is carefree; Lida is C. confidantes, characterized by being
responsible. people whom the main character
D. Hattie is respectful; Lida is confides in
judgmental. D. flat, characterized as doing very
E. Hattie is excited about the party; little to advance plot
Lida is ambivalent about it. E. dynamic, characterized by changing
over time

6) As used in the beginning of the story, 7) As used at the end of the story, which
which is the best antonym is the best definition for belied?
for demure?
A. revealed
A. reckless B. disguised
B. aggressive C. protected
C. harmful D. calmed
D. outgoing E. relieved
E. reserved

8) Which literary device is used in the following sentence from the final paragraph:
“The girls hoisted her to her feet and hobbled away from the tracks like a collection
of frenzied grave robbers, their treasure in tow”?

A. personification, characterized by the attribution of human qualities to inanimate

objects or abstract notions
B. flash forward, characterized by an interjected scene that temporarily jumps the
narrative forward in time
C. irony, characterized by a discrepancy between expectation and reality
D. simile, characterized by the use of a comparison using “like” or “as”
E. symbolism, characterized by the use of iconic representations that carry
particular conventional meanings
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“Ursula Pugh”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

At an earlier time in her life, Ursula Pugh was – before injuries,

before a disastrous marriage, before the death of her beloved
sister – a glorious dancer.

Now, she was regarded by many as an angry has-been and

a horrible teacher.

I was not cognizant of these details as I made my way through the doors of The
Ursula Children’s Theater with my three rambunctious boys in tow. And if I had
known such information, it would not have biased my decision in the least.

I was looking for a safe haven in the neighborhood – someplace free from the
drugs and gangs that made their way around the community after hours – for the
boys to spend time after school. Staying at home by themselves was not an
option. They definitely needed adult supervision if I expected my home to still be
standing when I got home from work. The children’s theater, much to my
boys’ chagrin, was more convenient for me to get to than the karate studio.

“No, Mama, we want karate,” the boys had implored pitifully. I’m glad I wasn’t
swayed though I would not realize until much later what a fortuitous decision
this was.

Ms. Pugh looked up over her glasses as we arrived at the studio. “Boys!” she
exclaimed before I could even introduce myself. “Wonderful.”

It turned out that Ms. Pugh’s program was woefully short of boys and mine were
immediately thrown into every production possible at the theater.

The rumors were right, in some respects. Ms. Pugh could be brusque and rude
with her charges and did not tolerate any signs that a student was not fully
dedicated to the program.

My boys flourished in this environment. My wild, rough boys, who were often so
rude that they embarrassed me in public, gradually became a different species.

They will certainly never be world-class dancers, but Ms. Pugh’s strict ways
taught them to be respectful and on time. Moreover, it taught them to follow
directions and always strive to do their best.
Questions:
1) Based only on information in 2) As used in paragraph 3, which is
paragraph 1, which statement about the best antonym for cognizant?
Ms. Pugh can reasonably be made?
A. doubtful
A. She is a bitter woman. B. forgetful
B. She is an old woman. C. unaware
C. She has been through a lot. D. mindful
D. She was a world-class ballerina. E. resentful
E. She has become a dance
teacher.

3) As used in paragraph 3, which is the 4) As used in paragraph 4, what does

best synonym for biased? the term “safe haven” imply?

A. affected A. a refuge
B. partial B. a theater program
C. underscored C. a religious building
D. halted D. a healthy alternative
E. explained E. an inexpensive activity

5) As used in paragraph 4, which is 6) As stated in paragraph 5, why was

the best synonym for chagrin? the narrator's decision fortuitous?

A. disappointment A. The children's theater was close

B. fortune to her home.
C. confusion B. Her sons learned many valuable
D. disgust life lessons.
E. anger C. She expected her sons to
become good dancers.
D. She got to see Ms. Pugh's bad
temper firsthand.
E. There were not many boys in
the program for her sons to get
in trouble with.
Questions (continued):

7) Which best describes the literary technique used in the following sentence
from paragraph 9.

"My wild, rough boys, who were often so rude they embarrassed me in public,
gradually became a different species."

A. literal, meaning it is to be understood exactly as it is written

B. figurative, meaning it is not intended to be interpreted in its literal sense
C. foreshadowing, meaning it offers hints and clues of what is to come
D. inversion, characterized by a reversal of the usual order of words for
emphasis
E. symbolism, characterized by something that has meaning in itself but
which also stands for something larger

8) How does the author seem to feel about Ursula Pugh?

A. She is no longer effective or useful as a teacher.

B. She is strict, but that is good for the boys.
C. She is nasty, mean, and abusive.
D. She is a wonderful theater director.
E. She is actually a sensitive soul, who is hard to get to know.

Would you enjoy being a part of Ms. Pugh’s theater class? Why or why not?

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“Wild”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

I was 16 when my father unequivocally decided he would send me to

wilderness camp for several months. He had threatened to do it many times
before, but my mother had always managed to prevent him from actually packing
me up and shipping me off. This time he was dead set on it.

My latest transgression was viewed as the last straw. In a fit of unbridled rage, I
had shoved my math teacher down a flight of steps at school. He broke his arm
in two places and severely dislocated his shoulder. The man hadn’t done a thing
to me. I am hard-pressed to remember why I was so irritated at him.

Anyway, Mr. Ford, my math teacher, had agreed not to press charges as favor to
my dad. He was a friend of my dad’s from way back. Mr. Ford knew what was at
stake. We all did.

Dad was in the middle of a tight race for sheriff in our town. This latest “Danny
Thing,” as my reckless behavior was now called, had all my dad’s closest
advisors talking.

“John, he’s your son and he’s a kid, but he is dragging you down,” I heard Jake
Hutch tell my dad through his closed office door the night after I pushed Mr. Ford.
“If it appears you can’t set the course for enforcement in your own home, how
can you set the course for this town?”

So, off to Pisgah National Forest I went. I knew in my heart that “Wilderness
Camp” was surely just a euphemism for “Torture Center.” I imagined hours of
untold abuse at the hands of some lumberjack-sized drill sergeant. I resolved not
to be broken and to emerge from the program unchanged. I was who I was.

Nearly every day for six months, a small group of other troubled teens and I
lugged our 30-pound backpacks on a trek that covered about 10 miles. We hiked
in a rugged wilderness that seemed untouched by civilization. The grandeur of
the sky, rock, and wilderness made me reverent.

Our counselors were firm but kind, not the ogres I had imagined. We learned
how to make a fire without matches and create a shelter with twigs, branches,
and grass. We learned which plants were safe to eat out in the wild. Late into the
night, we talked about our fears and hopes.

We were devoid of radios, televisions, and cell phones. I felt myself change. I
was calm and often reflective. My old, impulsive self was gone.

One morning, six months later, my dad came to pick me up. I ran to hug him and
saw relief and love in his eyes.

“So what’s it like being sheriff?” I asked on the ride home.

“I lost the race, Danny,” he said.

“I’m sorry, Dad.” I knew my behavior probably had a lot to do with his defeat.

Dad squeezed my shoulder and brought me close. “As long as I don’t ever lose
you, I’m okay.”

Questions:

1) Which best describes the double meaning of the title?

A. Danny goes to wilderness camp; it is in a national forest.

B. Danny is out of control; he is sent into the wilderness.
C. Danny changes at wilderness camp; his father loses a tight race for sheriff.
D. Danny hikes in the rugged wilderness; he becomes respectful of nature and
others.

2) "I was 16 when my father unequivocally decided he would send me to wilderness

camp for several months."

Which of the following is the best way to rewrite the above sentence (from
paragraph 1) while keeping its original meaning as used in the story?

A. I was 16 when my father angrily decided he would send me to wilderness camp

for several months.
B. I was 16 when, over the course of several months, my father decided he would
send me to wilderness camp.
C. I was 16 when my father tentatively decided he would send me to wilderness
camp for several months.
D. I was 16 when my father decided without question he would send me to
wilderness camp for several months.

3) What does the idiomatic 4) As used in paragraph 2, which is the

expression, "the last straw," best antonym for unbridled?
(in paragraph 2) suggest?
A. amusing
A. the biggest problem of all B. peaceful
B. the worst thing someone could C. restrained
have done D. understandable
C. the last in a line of unacceptable E. scarce
occurrences
D. the deed someone wishes he or
she could take back
Questions (continued):

5) What lesson did Danny seem to 6) What is a euphemism (paragraph 6)?

learn in this passage?
A. a code word
A. Fight fire with fire. B. a nickname
B. Faith will move mountains. C. a different name
C. Nature exceeds nurture. D. a less offensive term
D. A reed before the wind lives on, E. a meaningless title
while mighty oaks do fall.

7) What kind of character is Jake 8) "The grandeur of the sky, rock, and
Hutch in this passage? wilderness made me reverent."

A. round, meaning he/she is fully Which of the following is the best way to
developed rewrite the above sentence (from
B. protagonist, meaning he/she is paragraph 7) while keeping its original
the main character meaning as used in the story?
C. antihero, meaning he/she lacks
heroic traits A. I was awed by the majesty of the
D. flat, characterized by having sky, rock, and wilderness.
only enough traits to fulfill B. I felt small in comparison to the
his/her function in the passage sheer size of the sky, rock, and
E. antagonist, meaning he/she is wilderness.
the person who is opposed to or C. The power of the sky, rock, and
struggles against another wilderness made me regret my past
character behavior.
D. The inherent danger of the sky,
rock, and wilderness made me
nervous.

9) What is evident by the end of the 10) If the counselors at the wilderness
passage? camp had been ogres (paragraph 8),
how might have they behaved?
I. how much Danny has changed
II. how much John loves his son A. by giving teenagers water only when
III. that John has given up running they were thirsty
for office B. by making the teenagers figure out
A. I only how to build a fort in the rain
B. I and II C. by refusing to treat the teenagers’
C. II and III wounds when they got injured
D. I, II, and III D. by encouraging the teens to
socialize with one another even if
they didn't want to

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