Short Story

ReadTheory.
Org 2010
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EnglishForEveryone.Org 2008
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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
by bus
by car
by horse
by train
2) What does Gustavo do while he

drives?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He sings.
He talks.
He thinks.
He works.
Questions (continued):
3) What does Gustavo think about
while he drives?
I. his work
II. his wife
III. his little boy
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) How long does it take Gustavo to

get to work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
15 minutes
30 minutes
2 hours
3 hours
5) What does Gustavos little girl like to 6) What does Gustavos little boy like
do?
to do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
milk cows
play fireman
ride horses
water flowers
7) What does Gustavo need to do

when he gets home?
A.
B.
C.
D.
milk cows
play fireman
ride horses
water flowers
8) What does Gustavo want to do

when he gets home?
I. milk the cows

II. cut the grass
III. water the flowers
I. sit with his wife

II. read to his little girl
III. play a game with his little boy
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
9) Why does Gustavo need to cut the

grass?
A.
B.
C.
D.
So it will grow.
It is too brown.
It is too long.
It is too old.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
10) What does Gustavo need to water

when he gets home?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the grass
the cows
the horses
the flowers
ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Zachs Animals
My name is Zach.
I have a bird. She flies.
I have a dog. He is white.
I have a pig. He is very dirty.
I have a rabbit. She has a lot of hair.
Sometimes I feel like I live in a zoo.
The name of my bird is Sky.
The name of my dog is Snow.
The name of my rabbit is Fur Ball.
I do not have a name for my pig yet.
I want to have a lamb.
I want to have a kitten.
I want to have a duck.
Mom says, Not yet.
I cant live without my animals.
Questions:
1) Why is Snow a good name for
Zach's dog?
A.
B.
C.
D.
because he is cold
because he is white
because he eats snow
because he plays in snow
3) Zachs pig is
A.
B.
C.
D.
fat
dirty
sweet
cute
2) Which animals does Zach want?

I. a pig
II. a duck
III. a kitten
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) Zach says, "I can't live without my

animals." What does he mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He will die without animals.

He loves his animals a lot.
He has lost all his animals.
He wants his animals in the
house.
5) What can we say about Zack?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He is a man.
He likes clean animals.
He lives in a zoo.
He wants more animals.
7) Which animals does Zach have?

I. a rabbit
II. a lamb
III. a duck
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
9) Why is Sky a good name for Zach's

bird?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is blue.
That is where she lives.
That is where she flies.
That is where Zach found her.
6) What can be said about Zach from

this story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He lives in a zoo.
He wants a horse.
He likes animals.
He has six animals.
8) Zach's pig is very dirty. What could

be a good name for him?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Muddy
Oink
Pinkie
Porky
10) How many animals does Zach

have?
A.
B.
C.
D.
two
four
six
seven
Do you like animals? Do you have any pets? Why or why not?
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ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Griffins Talents
Griffin plays the violin.

He takes lessons after school on Tuesdays.
Griffins 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, Griffins 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?
I. tennis
II. soccer
III. the violin
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) When does Mr. Thomas tell Griffin

to practice?
A.
B.
C.
D.
every day
most days
only on Tuesdays
when he wants to
2) When does Griffin take violin

lessons?
A.
B.
C.
D.
on Tuesdays after soccer

on Thursdays after soccer
on Tuesdays after school
on Thursdays after school
4) When does Griffin practice the

violin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
every day
most days
never
only on Tuesdays
5) How does Griffin feel about the
violin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
I. read books
II. fix old clocks
III. play soccer with his friends
He loves it.
He thinks it is hard.
He hates to practice.
He does not like the sound.
7) What does Mr. Thomas teach

Griffin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
6) What things does Griffin love to do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
8) If you have many talents, this

means you
to play soccer
to fix old clocks
to play the violin
to build birdhouses
A.
B.
C.
D.
want to do a lot
are good at playing the violin
are busy doing many things
are good at doing a lot of things
9) Why does Griffin not play the violin every day?

A.
B.
C.
D.
He does not like the violin.

He wants to play the piano.
He is busy doing other things.
His mom says not to play every day.
Do you have a talent? What is it? Would you like to have a talent?
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ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
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A Happy Visitor
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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a man
a cat
a dog
a snake
3) Is the dog dry or wet?

A. The dog is dry.
B. The dog is wet.
2) What happens at the end of the story?

A. Anna keeps the dog.
B. Anna takes the dog to the
hospital.
C. Annas mom feeds the dog.
D. Anna dries the dog with a towel.
4) How does the wet dog look?

I. strong
II. cute
III. small
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
5) What day of the week is it in the

story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Do you think Anna should keep the dog? Why or why not?
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ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
An Adventure
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 Jaimes 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?
A. He lives in a house in the city.
B. He lives in an apartment in the
country.
C. He lives in a house in the country.
D. He lives in an apartment in the city.
3) In the middle of the story, they walk
across the field. This means they walk
A.
B.
C.
D.
under the field

close to the field
away from the field
from one side of the field to the
other side
5) What does Jaime want to do at

the end of the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
go home
climb a mountain
go fishing in the river
play a game with Go-Go
2) What kind of animal is Go-Go?

A.
B.
C.
D.
a dog
a cat
a pig
a bird
4) What does Jaime do at the beginning of

the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
go home
walk out of the house
go fishing in the river
climb a mountain
6) Why is Go-Go nervous?

A.
B.
C.
D.
He is hungry.
He wants to play catch.
He doesnt want to go home.
He doesnt want to climb the
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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ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
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Running
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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He loves to run.
He loves to dream.
He loves to think.
He loves to hurt.
3) What does Dieter do while he is

running?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He dreams.
He sleeps.
He eats.
He drinks.
2) When Dieter runs, it hurts. What

does this mean?
A. He feels good.
B. He feels bad.
4) What does Dieter dream about?

I. his job
II. his family
III. his future
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Paul Cooks
Pauls 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
make beef soup?
I. onions
II. potatoes
III. cucumbers
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Paul buys it.

His girlfriend gives it to him.
His wife gets it for him.
Pauls friend buys it for him.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) What does Paul say he will do?

A.
B.
C.
D.
2) Where does Paul get his cookbook?
become a chef
grow his own food
cook every recipe in a week
try a new recipe for three days in
a row
4) On what day does Paul make

pancakes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
5) What does Paul get from the
farmer's market?
A.
B.
C.
D.
cubes of beef
blueberries
tomatoes
cucumbers
7) Which dish does Paul like best?

A.
B.
C.
D.
the creamy one

beef soup
tomato salad
blueberry pancakes
9) What does Paul use instead of

cream?
A.
B.
C.
D.
milk
onions
water
butter
6) Where does Paul get cucumbers

and tomatoes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
from his wife

from the store
from his garden
from the farmers market
8) Why doesn't Paul use cream?

A.
B.
C.
D.
He doesnt like it.

There was none at the store.
There was none in the garden.
There was none at the farmers
market.
10) Which dish was the easiest for

Paul to make?
A.
B.
C.
D.
pancakes
beef soup
tomato salad
chicken tenders
Do you like to cook? What is your favorite dish?
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ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Bella Hides
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 Bellas mom in a sweet voice. Where are you?
Bellas 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.
Bellas mom hears the noise. She looks behind the sofa with a smile. She holds
out her hand.
Dont be scared, says Bellas 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 moms hand. They go to see the
doctor.
Questions:
1) Why is Bella hiding?
I. She is looking for her puppy.
II. She is scared.
III. She is doesnt want to go to the
doctor.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
her mom
her sister
her puppy
her friend
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) Who is looking for Bella?

A.
B.
C.
D.
2) Who or what is hiding with Bella?
her mom
her puppy
the doctor
her sister
4) Where does Mom find Bella?

A.
B.
C.
D.
in the kitchen
in the closet
next to the bookcase
behind the sofa
5) How does Mom find Bella?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Bella makes a noise.

Dad helps Mom.
Mom sees Bella's leg.
The puppy makes a noise.
7) What does Mom say will happen

when Bella sees the doctor?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Bella will get her ears checked.

Bella will get a shot.
Bella will get to bring her puppy.
Bella will get her eyes checked.
6) When does Bella hide?

A.
B.
C.
D.
when she is bored

when she is scared
when she is happy
all the time
8) How does Bella feel when Mom

says she will not get a shot?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry
better
smart
tired
Have you ever been nervous about going to the doctor? Explain.
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First Prize
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?
I. in shows
II. at school
III. on a farm
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) Why did Tess probably name her

horse Twin?
A. because Tess has a twin
B. because there are two horses
C. because another horse looks
very similar to Twin
D. because Tess feels the same as
Twin when she rides her
5) Why does Tess's father yell?

A.
B.
C.
D.
He is angry.
He needs help.
He is surprised.
He is excited.
7) What color ribbon does Tess get?

A.
B.
C.
D.
green
blue
purple
red
2) What does Tess need to do while

her horse runs and jumps?
A.
B.
C.
D.
dance
hold on
sing
stand up
4) Where is Tess's mother during the

show?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is at work.
She is at the show.
She is at home.
She is with Tess father.
6) What prize does Tess win in the

horse show?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Gold Star

Winners Prize
new riding boots
First Prize
8) How does Tess's mom feel about

the ribbon?
I. worried
II. happy
III. proud
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
ReadTheory.Org 2010
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What Number?
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. Beccas 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! Lets 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.
Lets 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
today?
A.
B.
C.
D.
at school
at the park
at Kai's house
at Becca's house
2) What did Becca and Kai do in the

morning?
I. They rode bikes.
II. They played outside.
III. They played hide-and-seek.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) Where did Becca and Kai eat

lunch?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in the kitchen
by the swing
at the park
on the porch
5) What was Kais second guess?

A.
B.
C.
D.
five
twenty-two
sixty
one hundred
7) Which is correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.
178 is lower than 177

178 is higher than 177
178 is between 177
178 is the same as 177
9) Kai's guess of twenty-five

was close because
A. twenty-five is a big number
B. it is near the number Becca was
thinking about
C. it is far away from the number
Becca was thinking about
D. it is lower than the number
Becca was thinking about
11) What number was Becca thinking

about?
A.
B.
C.
D.
nineteen
twenty
twenty-one
twenty-two
4) Whose idea was it to play the

number game?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It was Kais idea.

It was Moms idea.
It was Beccas idea.
It was Kai and Beccas idea.
6) Why does Kai guess one hundred?

A.
B.
C.
D.
It is lower than twenty-two.

It is higher than sixty.
It is higher than five.
It is lower than sixty.
8) Which is correct?
I. 239 is lower than 247
II. 224 is higher than 256
III. 224 is between 220 and 230
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and III
II and III
I, II, and III
10) What does it mean to give

someone a hint?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to give someone a clue

to make a question hard
to tell someone to give up
to give someone the answer
12) What other number could Becca

have been thinking about?
A.
B.
C.
D.
ten
fifteen
twenty-three
twenty-eight
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The Interview
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. Stones 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
interviewing for?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a college job
a banking job
a technology job
a receptionist job
3) What time is Jethro's interview?

A.
B.
C.
D.
9:30
9:45
10:00
10:15
5) Why might Jethro be nervous?

A.
B.
C.
D.
He did not do well in school.

He is not a very good speaker.
He does not like to wear suits.
Many others are interviewing for
the same job.
7) Why is it good that Jethro gets to

his interview early?
A. It gives Jethro time to think.
B. It helps Jethro speak clearly.
C. Mr. Stone likes people to be
early.
D. The receptionist asks him to be
there early.
2) What is one thing Jethro does to get

ready?
I. He talks to his dad.
II. He calls Mr. Stone.
III. He combs his hair.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
III only
I, II, and III
4) What does it mean to be

confident?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to be early
to be sure
to be worried
to be nervous
6) What is competition?
A. when people get ready to go out
B. when people go for a job
interview
C. when people feel they are not
good enough
D. when many people are going
after the same thing
8) What has Jethro learned to do in an

interview?
A.
B.
C.
D.
be positive
tell good jokes
talk about his college experience
look people in the eye
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.
I. looking people in the eye
B. He did well in school.
II. wearing a new suit
C. Jethro's dad lost his job.
III. being well groomed
D. He knows Mr. Stone well.
A.
B.
C.
D.
11) What has Jethro learned to do in

order to be understood by an
interviewer?
A.
B.
C.
D.
speak clearly
look people in the eye
give a firm handshake
feel confident
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
12) If you are prompt, this means you

are
A.
B.
C.
D.
positive
intelligent
on time
in control
Have you ever felt nervous about doing something new? Explain.
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ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
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Julians Work
Julian works at the bookstore.

First, his job is to unload boxes of books from the truck.
Then he opens the boxes. After that, Julian puts the books in different piles.
One pile is for books that tell true stories. These are called books of fact.
Another pile is for books that tell stories that are not true. These are called books
of fiction.
Julian then puts the books on shelves in the bookstore.
Putting books on shelves is what Julian likes to do best at work.
When Julian has free time at work, he likes to read through all of the books.
His favorite books are the ones that tell true stories about real people and their
lives.
On Sunday and Monday, Julian does not work at the bookstore.
On these days, he stays at home. He uses this time to write a story about
himself.
Julian grew up in Peru. Now he lives in the United States. He works at the
bookstore to pay for school.
Julian wants to be a teacher.
One day, he hopes to turn his story into a book.
He hopes to see it at the bookstore.
Questions:
1) Where does Julian work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
on a truck
at a bookstore
in Peru
at an art store
2) What must Julian do first at his job?

A.
B.
C.
D.
open the boxes of books

read through all of the books
unload boxes of books
sort through piles of books
3) What is the second thing Julian
must do at his job?
A.
B.
C.
D.
open boxes
tape boxes shut
put books on shelves
put books in piles
5) In what piles are the books placed?

A.
B.
C.
D.
easy and hard

long and short
true and not true
funny and not funny
4) In how many piles must Julian put

the books?
A.
B.
C.
D.
two
three
four
six
6) A book that contains a story that is

not true is called
A. a book of fact
B. a book of fiction
7) Which word describes a story that is 8) What does Julian like to do best at
true?
work?
A. fact
B. fiction
9) What does Julian do during his free

time at work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
write stories
read books
tell stories
11) Why does Julian work at the

bookstore?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to buy a house
to pay for clothes
to pay for school
to pay for a trip to Peru
A.
B.
C.
D.
unload boxes
open boxes
put books in piles
10) Which books does Julian like

best?
A.
B.
C.
D.
true books
funny books
sad books
books with happy endings
12) What does Julian hope to turn his

story into?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a book
a movie
a play
a TV show
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
Talias Special Day

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 Talias 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.
Talias sister gives her a big smile.
Her best friend, Asra, gives her a present.
Tomorrow is Talias 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
day?
A. She is having a party at home.
B. She is going to her friend's
house.
C. She is making dinner.
D. She is going to a restaurant.
3) What does Talia do first?

A.
B.
C.
D.
She picks out a dress.

She gets her nails painted.
She gets her hair cut.
She goes out to eat.
5) What does Talia wear out?

A.
B.
C.
D.
light blue pants

a brown skirt
a purple dress
a green top
7) Who smiles at Talia?

A.
B.
C.
D.
her mother
her sister
her father
her friend
9) As described in the beginning of the

story, what is a salon?
A. a restaurant
B. a place where people talk about
business
C. a gift shop
D. a place to get hair and nails
done
2) Why does Talia want to look nice?

A.
B.
C.
D.
She is celebrating.
It is a national holiday.
She is going to church.
She is going a dance.
4) Why does Talia change the color of

her nails?
A. It does not match her dress.
B. She is not happy with pink.
C. Her friends tell her to change the
color.
D. She is not happy with purple.
6) What does Talia do when she sees

her parents?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She smiles.
She says hello.
She gives them a hug.
She gives them a kiss.
8) How old is Talia?

A.
B.
C.
D.
15
16
19
21
10) Why does Talia feel great?

A. because she looks great
B. because her friends and family
are there
C. because her hair is cut
D. because her nails are purple
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
One Hundred Dollars

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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is hard.
It is easy.
It is warm.
It is full of good food.
2) How does the reader know that

Leonard is poor?
I. He finds a wallet.
II. He has no home.
III. He is always hungry.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
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
B. summer
A. It helps him go to sleep.
C. fall
B. It takes his mind off things.
D. winter
C. The police officer asks him to.
D. He knows he will find the
money.
5) What does Leonard say he would do

with a hundred dollars?
I. get a haircut
II. buy new clothes
III. get a hotel room
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) He cannot believe what he sees.

What is another way to write this
sentence?
A. He thinks what he sees is crazy.
B. He feels what he sees is good
luck.
C. He thinks what he sees cannot
be true.
D. He thinks what he sees is scary.
6) Why does Leonard's stomach

rumble?
A.
B.
C.
D.
because he is hungry
because he is tired
because his clothes are dirty
because he is homeless
________
8) Why does Leonard go to the police

station?
A.
B.
C.
D.
because he owes money

because he wants a reward
because the wallet is not his
because he has committed a
crime
9) What kind of man does Leonard
seem to be?
A.
B.
C.
D.
bad
dumb
good
old
11) How does Leonard seem to feel

about what he has done?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry
happy
sad
unsure
13) What kind of man does the police

officer seem to be?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry
busy
kind
mean
10) As used at the end of the story,

what does it mean to be honest?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to feel good
to want more
to be truthful
to be hopeful
12) What does the police officer give

Leonard?
A.
B.
C.
D.
advice
a handshake
money to eat
the one hundred dollars
14) Why does the police officer give

Leonard ten dollars?
A. to surprise Leonard
B. so Leonard feels better about
returning the wallet
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?
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ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
New Shoes for Maddy

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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Her shoes are too small.

Her shoes are very old.
She lost her favorite shoes.
She got a hole in her shoes.
2) How does Maddy get a hole in her

shoes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
riding her skateboard

riding her scooter
jumping rope
playing basketball
3) Which shoes have a hole?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the green flip-flops

the red sandals
the pink shoes with hearts
the purple sneakers
5) How does Maddy feel about the long

wait at the store?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4) Which shoes does Maddy want to

buy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
6) Who does Maddy see in the store?

A.
B.
C.
D.
She is mad about it.

She is happy about it.
She is excited about it.
She feels okay about it.
7) When can Maddy wear her shoes to

school?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
that Maddy wants to learn to tie

that Maddy will learn to tie
that Maddy cannot learn to tie
that Maddy might learn to tie
10) How might Maddy feel after

learning to tie?
buy Maddy new shoes

buy Maddy green flip-flops
buy more than one pair of shoes
tie Maddy's shoes each morning
11) What lesson did Maddy learn?

A.
B.
C.
D.
a lot of people
her older sister
her friends from school
one of her neighbors
8) As used in paragraph 8, what does

promise mean?
A. when she learns how to tie the

laces
B. as soon as she leaves the store
C. after summer vacation
D. tomorrow
9) What does Maddy's mom not want
to do?
the pink shoes with hearts

the purple sneakers
the green flip-flops
the red sandals with dots
Practice makes perfect.

Do not ride a scooter with pink shoes.
Be careful what you wish for.
School is fun with new shoes.
I. happy
II. proud
III. nervous
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
The 20
It is Levis 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.
Levis mother and father give him a bicycle.
Levis little sister gives him a game.
Levis uncle gives him a baseball jersey.
Levis 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 Levis 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, Levis mom tells him.
Questions:
1) Who is at Levi's party?
I. his parents
II. his friends
III. his teachers
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) What does Levi's sister give him?

A.
B.
C.
D.
a baseball jersey
a bike
a game
money
2) How old is Levi?

A.
B.
C.
D.
4) How does Levi feel about his

presents?
I. He likes all of them.
II. He likes the money best.
III. He likes the game least.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5) Levi dreams about buying a

A.
B.
C.
D.
bike
camera
key chain
baseball jersey
7) When Levi goes to the store, it is

A.
B.
C.
D.
morning
afternoon
evening
night
9
10
11
12
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
6) Levi's mom frowns at Levi because

he
A. is mean to his sister.
B. asks for more money.
C. does not thank everyone for his
gifts.
D. wants to go to the store during
the party.
8) Levi doesn't know that

A. he has received many presents
B. his baseball jersey is too big
C. most things he wants cost more
than 20 dollars
D. his sister has more money than
he does
9) Levi goes to the store with his
I. sister
II. mother
III. uncle
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
11) Levi buys himself a tool kit. What

else does he buy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a game and a pack of gum

a key chain and a pack of gum
a key chain and a guitar
a game and a key chain
10) Levi buys himself a

A.
B.
C.
D.
pack of gum
key chain
guitar
tool kit
12) Levi's mom call him a sweet boy

because
A. it is his birthday
B. he eats a lot of candy on his
birthday
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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ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Big City Noise

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. Cheeks 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 Simbas 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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in a small apartment
in a big city
in a quiet neighborhood
in a busy town
3) What goes by at night?

A.
B.
C.
D.
bikes
cats
dogs
trucks
5) What is Olafs road like?

I. It is dirty.
II. It is noisy.
III. It is busy.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) Who argues every day?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Mr. Lucas and Olaf

Olaf and Mr. Cheek
Simba and Mr. Lucas
Mr. Lucas and Mr. Cheek
2) According to Olaf, what makes

noise?
I. dogs
II. buses
III. airplanes
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) Why may people not seem to hear

the noise during the day?
A. because it is quiet
B. because they are sleepy
C. because they are busy doing
other things
D. because they do not hear well
during the day
6) Which noise makes Mr. Lucas

mad?
A.
B.
C.
D.
cats meowing
trucks going by
a dog barking
people talking
8) What could Mr. Cheek do to help

Mr. Lucas sleep?
A.
B.
C.
D.
get a cat
not argue with him
not drive his car at night
take his dog inside at night
9) What could Mr. Lucas do to sleep
better?
A.
B.
C.
D.
close his windows at night

not argue with Mr. Cheek
go to bed later
talk to Olaf
11) Who does Mr. Cheek live next door

to?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Olaf
Mr. Lucas
Olaf and Mr. Lucas
no one
10) Who says Simba is a bad dog?

A.
B.
C.
A.
Olaf
Mr. Lucas
Olaf and Mr. Lucas
no one
12) What does Olaf mean when he

says Simba is as bad as the buses?
A. that Simba barks at the buses
B. that Simba and the buses argue
C. that Simba runs down the street
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.
B.
C.
D.
People could ride bikes.

Dogs could be inside.
People could walk everywhere.
Nothing can be done.
Is it better to live in the city or in the country? Why?
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ReadTheory.Org 2010
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By the Water
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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
on a farm
on a mountain top
in a boat on the water
in a house by the water
3) Which of the following things does

Nestor bring with him to the water?
I. food
II. a blanket
III. a fishing pole
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
5) What do the children do by the

water?
I. fish
II. laugh
III. play ball
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) What kind of person does Nestor

seem to be?
A.
B.
C.
D.
calm
sad
loud
young
2) What does Nestor do each day?

A.
B.
C.
D.
He sits by the water.

He plays by the water.
He runs by the water.
He swims in the water.
4) Nestor lives in a house by the

water. What is another way to write
this?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in the water
over the water
close to the water
far away from the water
6) When do the children come to the

water?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in the morning
in the afternoon
in the evening
at night
8) What does the children's noise

make it hard for Nestor to do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
eat
catch fish
read
sleep
9) Who fishes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Nestor
the children
mothers and fathers
all of the above
10) Why doesn't Nestor play with the

children?
I. He is too tired.
II. He cannot catch.
III. He feels he is too old.
A.
B.
C.
D.
11) How do Nestor's feelings change

during the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
12) What does Nestor mean when he

says that the sky gets dark?
from calm to sleepy to happy

from sleepy to calm to happy
from calm to happy to sleepy
from happy to sleepy to calm
13) What is Nestor's favorite part of the

day?
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
A.
B.
C.
D.
that it is night
that it is raining
that the wind is blowing
that the sky is angry
14) When does Nestor hear the water?
the morning
when he is watching the children
the afternoon
the night
A.
B.
C.
D.
only in the morning

only in the afternoon
only in the night
all the time
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.
B.
C.
D.
I do not like this part of the day.

I love this part of the day.
It is my favorite part of the day.
I like all parts of the day.
What is your favorite part of the day? Why?

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
A Cold Day
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
A.
B.
C.
D.
cold
rainy
windy
slippery
3) Dr. James doesnt stay home

because
A. There are sick people waiting for
him.
B. He listens to the weatherman.
C. He has to clear snow off his car.
D. He must help the people in the
accident.
5) What does Dr. James do before he

leaves for work?
I. He dresses warmly.
II. He checks the weather on TV.
III. He clears snow from his car.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) How are people driving today?

A.
B.
C.
D.
badly
slowly
very fast
like they do not care
2) In what city does this story take

place?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Florida
Miami
Pennsylvania
York
4) What could Dr. James have put on

his neck to keep it warm?
A.
B.
C.
D.
gloves
a scarf
another hat
a jacket
6) Given what is said in the story, what

is probably true about Miami?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is a warm place.
It is a rainy place.
It is a windy place.
People drive slowly there.

story, what does it mean if the
roads are slippery?
A. The roads are full of cars.
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.
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?

A.
B.
C.
D.
because it was snowing outside

because Dr. James hit the car
because it was so cold outside
because the car slipped on a
patch of ice
13) What is the weatherman right

about?
I. It is a windy day.
II. It is very cold outside.
III. The roads are slippery.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
12) What is an accident?

A. something that hurts people
B. something that happens only in
the snow
C. something that happens that has
not been planned
D. something that happens
because other people want it to
14) Why does Dr. James hurry from his

car after the accident?
A. because he is very cold
B. because he wants to get to the
hospital as soon as possible
C. because he is worried about his
patients waiting at the hospital
D. because he wants to make sure
the people in the car are okay
Do you like the weather where you live? Why or why not?
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3) Dr. Williams knows just how badly
Lobo has been hurt when
A.
B.
C.
D.
Cyrus asks for help

she takes a closer look
she sees Lobo is a lab puppy
she looks at the x-rays
5) As used in the middle of the story,

which is the best synonym
for grim?
A.
B.
C.
D.
calm
serious
hopeful
pleasant
7) Dr. Williams is a(n)

A.
B.
C.
D.
pediatrician
dentist
internist
veterinarian
9) In how many places was Lobo's leg

broken?
A.
B.
C.
D.
1
2
3
4
4) Around what time did Lobo's

surgery end?
A.
B.
C.
D.
10:00 at night
10:00 in the morning
noon
midnight
6) For about how long is Lobo in

surgery?
A.
B.
C.
D.
45 minutes
1hour, 30 minutes
1 hour, 50 minutes
2 hours, 15 minutes
8) To have a severe injury means to

A.
B.
C.
D.
have a mild injury

have a lot of pain
not be able to walk
have a very bad injury
10) What does the reader know about

Lobo by the end of the story?
I. He will survive.
II. He is a black lab.
III. He will walk fine.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
How do you think Cyrus will react when Dr. Williams tells him about Lobo? Why?
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________________________________________________________________________
Questions:
1) At the beginning of the story, Martin
is in a hurry. What does this mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He is running.
He is angry.
He is late.
He is moving fast.
3) Martin remembers when his boss

told him, I mean it. What does this
mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The boss is serious.

The boss is angry.
The boss is emotional.
The boss is interested.
5) What time does Martin need to be at

work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
6:30
7:15
7:30
8:15
7) What is the loud noise?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Martin yelling
police sirens sounding
Martin driving off the road
Martin hitting someones car
9) Why doesn't Martin get in trouble

with his boss today?
A.
B.
C.
D.
His boss is not around.

He gets to work on time.
His boss feels sorry for him.
Martin says he is sorry for being
late.
2) Why is Martin in a hurry?

A.
B.
C.
D.
because he is late
because he is running
because he is moving fast
because he had a car accident
4) What does Martin think will happen

if he is late to work again?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He will get a pay cut.

He will need to buy a watch.
He will get fired from his job.
He will need to adjust his
schedule.
6) If Martin leaves the house at 7:15,

what time does he get to work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
7:32
7:37
7:40
7:52
8) Martin checks if there is anyone

nearby. What does nearby mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in
next to
close by
far away
10) Who does Martin talk to in the

story?
I. himself
II. his boss
III. his friends
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
11) How do Martin's feelings change
during the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
from hurried to guilty to angry

from angry to guilty to hurried
from hurried to angry to guilty
from angry to hurried to angry

what does it mean to feel guilty?
A. to feel bad about doing
something
B. to feel worried about doing
something
C. to feel unsure about doing
something
D. to feel like you want to change
something
12) Why did Martin look around after

he hit the car?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He needed help.
He wanted a ride to work.
He needed to check the time.
He wanted to check if anyone
saw him.
14) What might Martin do if the car he

hit is still there after work?
I. He might try to hide the dent.
II. He might try to find the owner.
III. He might leave a note on the
windshield with his phone
number on it.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
Do you think Martin is a good employee? Why or why not?
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The Brenners
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 its 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?
I. crowded
II. small
III. dirty
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) What pets do the Brenners have?

I. two dogs
II. a hamster
III. four cats
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
5) What can be said about all the kids'

names?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They are all girls names.

They all start with the letter B.
They are all long names.
They all end in the letter Y.
7) Why does Bobby say the Brenners

need a coach?
A. because Mr. Brenner is too busy
to coach
B. because they need help buying
a house
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
2) Who shares a bedroom?

I. Billy and Mom
II. Mom and Dad
III. Billy, Bobby, and Brad
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) How many dogs do the Brenners

have?
A.
B.
C.
D.
one
two
four
five
6) As used in the beginning of the

story, what is the big news?
A. Mrs. Brenner is pregnant with
twins.
B. The Brenners are moving to a
new house.
C. The Brenners are starting a
basketball team.
D. The Brenners are getting some
new pets.
8) Which house does Mr. Brenner

like?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the one with a pool

the one with a big backyard
the one with a big front porch
the one with four bedrooms
9) Which house does Mrs. Brenner
like?
I. the one with a big front porch
II. the one with a big backyard
III. the one with four bedrooms
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
11) How are all the houses they see

alike?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They are all very pretty.

They are all very big.
They each have four bedrooms.
They all cost a lot of money.
13) What does Mr. Brenner put in the

driveway?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a car
a dog crate
their new van
a basketball hoop
10) Why do the boys like the house

with the pool?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It has the biggest yard.

It is the biggest house.
They are on the swim team.
They want to have their friends
over to swim.
12) What must Mr. and Mrs. Brenner

do before buying a new house?
A.
B.
C.
D.
get new jobs

have the babies
save more money
move to a new city
14) What do the Brenners newborn

babies have in common?
I. They have the same gender.
II. They sleep in the same place.
III. Both their first and last names
start with the same letter.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
How big is your family? Do you like this size? Why or why not?
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ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
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Bullied
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 Bryans best
friend, Link.
But Bryan is scared. He doesn't want to tell an adult.
That will make things worse, Link, says Bryan. You dont go to my school. You
have no idea how mean these guys can be.
You cant 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
school anymore?
A. The work is hard.
B. The kids are mean.
C. His best friend does not go
there.
D. He wants to read books at
home.
3) Who are the bullies in this story?

A. Bryan and Link
B. the gang members at Bryan's
school
C. the teachers
D. the bigger boys at Bryan's
school
5) What do the mean kids do to Bryan?

I. call him names
II. steal his money
III. hide his backpack
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) Why doesnt Bryan tell his mom he

is being bullied?
A. She might hurt the mean kids.
B. He is scared of what the bullies
will do if he tells an adult.
C. She might talk to the teachers at
the school.
D. She will make Bryan go to
school.
2) How might Bryan feel when the kids

at school are mean to him?
I. angry
II. scared
III. strong
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) What grade is Bryan in?

A.
B.
C.
D.
fourth grade
sixth grade
seventh grade
tenth grade
6) Why hasn't Bryan's mom helped

him?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is busy at work.

She does not care.
She does not know.
She does not want to.
8) What does Bryan do when he stays

home from school?
A.
B.
C.
D.
does his homework

plays video games
gets scared
reads books
9) Who tells Bryan that he should tell
someone about being bullied?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Link
Bryans mom
the school counselor
the school principal
11) When does Bryan plan to tell his

mom about the bullies?
A.
B.
C.
D.
today
tonight
tomorrow
tomorrow night
10) What is likely to happen if Bryan

keeps missing school?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He will get into a fight.

His grades will fall.
Link will stop being his friend.
The bullies will come to his
house.
12) Which of the following adjectives

accurately describe Link?
I. shy
II. caring
III. helpful
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
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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The New School

Tracey is starting a new school today.

She is very sad. She is very scared.
I dont 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 cant eat breakfast.
I think that is because you are nervous, Dad says. He pats Traceys 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 dont know the answer to a question?
Will kids laugh at me?
What if no one likes me?
Were 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 dads hand to hold as they walk
home.
Questions:
1) Why is Tracey sad and
scared?
A. She is moving to a new
house today.
B. She is moving to a new
town today.
C. She is starting a new
school today.
D. She is walking to school
alone today.
3) What grade is Tracey in?

A.
B.
C.
D.
second grade
third grade
fourth grade
fifth grade
5) Why does Tracey's dad think

she feels sick?
A.
B.
C.
D.
because she is sleepy

because she is nervous
because she has a cold
because she ate too much
2) What has Tracey done during the week?

I. made a new friend
II. moved to a new town
III. moved to a new house
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) Why can't Tracey eat breakfast?

I. She is nervous.
II. Her stomach hurts.
III. She is late for school.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
6) As used at the beginning of the story,

what does nervous mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to be happy
to be hungry
to be mad
to be scared
7) What does Dad tell Tracey to do
before school?
A.
B.
C.
D.
stop crying
get her bag
drink some juice
put on her shoes
9) What does Tracey think about most

as she walks?
A.
B.
C.
D.
her math test

answering questions
having friends
her teachers
11) What is Tracey's new school like?

A.
B.
C.
D.
big
dirty
loud
small
8) How do Tracey and Dad get to

school?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They drive.
They walk.
They run.
They take the bus.
10) When does Tracey seem to be

brave?
A.
B.
C.
D.
when she cannot eat

when she feels better
when she holds her dad's hand
when she walks up the steps to
the school
12) How do the children in Tracey's

class seem?
A.
B.
C.
D.
kind
smart
funny
different
Have you ever felt nervous about doing something new? Explain.
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________________________________________________________________________
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
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The Park
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.
Lets 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. Lets 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?
A. Her friends are not at the park.
B. She cannot find her mom.
C. There is a lot of trash at the
park.
D. She hurts herself on the slide.
3) What does Reem do when she gets

home?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She makes a sign.

She eats dinner.
She paints her face.
She cleans her room.
5) Why does Reem tape her picture to

the trash can?
A.
B.
C.
D.
so people can see it

so it falls to the ground
so people get mad
she is tired of holding it
2) What is on the ground?

I. old boxes
II. paper
III. plastic wrappers
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) What is the purpose of Reems

picture?
A. to encourage people to clean up
the park
B. to make the park more beautiful
C. to improve her skills as an artist
D. to show people how beautiful
the park is
6) Who helps Reem pick up trash?

I. her dad
II. her mom
III. other children
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) What does Reem give the children?
A.
B.
C.
D.
brooms
gifts
mops
trash bags
9) How might Reem and her friends

feel after cleaning up?
A.
B.
C.
D.
cold
good
mad
sad
8) What does Reem learn at the park?

A. that she can help make things
better
B. that people do not care about
the park
C. that her mom does not like to
pick up trash
D. that the park has no trash cans
10) How does the park look after

everyone cleans it up?
A.
B.
C.
D.
all clean
better
very dirty
dirtier
11) At the end of the story, why does

Reem say that she needs to come
back another day?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to play at the park

to clean up more trash
to empty the trash bags
to show her dad her work
What are some ways we can fight pollution and preserve the environment?
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Worth Working For

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 Paolas 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 moms door. Paolas 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 Paolas back. Then she tells Paola a story.
Your father and I have a wonderful marriage. But we dont 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 cant 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
A.
B.
C.
D.
hear a story
get advice
make her mom happy
get a back rub
2) The talk takes place at

A.
B.
C.
D.
Paolas mom's house

a restaurant
Paola's house
the chocolate shop
Questions:
3) What good times have Paola and Imran
had?
I. They have had children together.
II. They have started a business
together.
III. They have done extensive traveling
together.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
5) How long have Imran and Paola been

married?
A.
B.
C.
D.
6 years
7 years
8 years
10 years
7) Why does Mom seem to know how

Paola feels?
A. She is a good guesser.
B. She has been told by Imran.
C. She and Paola have discussed this
problem before.
D. She has experienced the same
problem in her own marriage.
9) What does the reader not learn in this

story?
A. what Imran has to say
B. why Paola visits her mom
C. how many kids Paola and Imran
have
D. what kind of business they have
4) In discussing her own problems, what idea

does Mom give Paola about fixing her
problems with Imran?
I. Paola can do something special with
Imran.
II. Paola can inform the children about the
problems she is having with Imran.
III. Paola can avoid talking to Imran when
she is feeling upset.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
6) At the end of the talk with her Mom, Paola

seems
A.
B.
C.
D.
puzzled
convinced
doubtful
surprised
8) What kind of relationship does Paola

seem to have with her Mom?
I. open
II. loving
III. tense
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III.
10) What lesson does Paola learn?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Two children is too many.

Marriage should always be easy.
Eight years of marriage is too long.
Even a good marriage can sometimes
be hard work.
ReadTheory.Org 2010
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The Rent Man

Someone is knocking on Amandas 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 dont 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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the restaurant owner

the clerk
Mr. Campbell
the manager
3) Why doesn't Amanda answer the

door?
A.
B.
C.
D.
she is feeling sick

she is not home
she has very little money
she doesn't hear the doorbell
ring
5) If Amanda is bitter, how does she

feel?
A.
B.
C.
D.
disappointed and angry

happy and sure
hungry and tired
quiet and alone
7) Where does Amanda look for a new

job?
I. a restaurant
II. a bookstore
III. a grocery store
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
2) What does Mr. Campbell want?

A.
B.
C.
D.
a book
a car
a job
money
4) When did Amanda lose her job?

A.
B.
C.
D.
ten days ago

two weeks ago
three weeks ago
almost a month ago
6) What seems to be the reason

Amanda lost her job at the factory?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She was bitter.

She was a bad worker.
She had worked there too long.
Business was slow.
8) Which job might Amanda get?

A.
B.
C.
D.
none of them
the factory job
the bookstore job
the grocery store job
9) Where is Amanda?
I. in her kitchen
II. at the table
III. at the factory
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
11) What would it be reasonable for

Mr. Campbell to do next?
I. break the door down
II. come back another day
III. call Amanda on the phone
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
10) It could have been helpful for

Amanda to
A. call the police
B. tell Mr. Campbell to stop
knocking
C. tell Mr. Campbell that she lost
her job
D. lock the back door in addition to
the front door
12) Why does Amanda sit quietly?

A. so she can think
B. so she can hear the door
C. so Mr. Campbell will not know
she is home
D. because Mr. Campbell is a scary
man
Is Mr. Campbell a bad man? Why or why not?

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Time with Grandpa

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 Bens 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.
Bens mom stuck her head in his bedroom door. Grandpas 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
A.
B.
C.
D.
he is late
he is scared
he is excited
he is worried
2) How old is Ben?

A.
B.
C.
D.
seven years old

eight years old
nine years old
ten years old
Questions(continued):
3) What time of year is it?
A.
B.
C.
D.
spring
summer
autumn
winter
5) Used in paragraph 4, what is the

meaning of patient?
A.
B.
C.
D.
very slow
sick in the hospital
good about sharing
taking time without complaint
7) Where and when does this story

take place?
A. at Grandpas house in the early
afternoon
B. at Bens house in the early
afternoon
C. at Grandpas house in the
morning
D. at Bens house in the morning
9) What is the most likely reason Ben

does not eat breakfast?
A. He is not hungry.
B. He does not like his mothers
cooking.
C. He wants to leave for his
grandpa's house.
D. He has already eaten.
4) What is Bens favorite part of

summer vacation?
A.
B.
C.
D.
fixing stuff
going fishing
visiting his grandfather
going to a baseball game
6) Judging by the things Ben puts in his

backpack, what does he like to do
most?
A.
B.
C.
D.
make things
ride go-carts
spy on people
read big books
8) According to the story, what is one

of the things Bens grandpa taught
him to do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
use a drill
build a fort
fix a leaky faucet
build a model car
10) Which of the following things does

Ben seem to like?
I. baseball
II. reading
III. fishing
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
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Name________________
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The Bus Driver

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 Danas 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? Danas 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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
around Philadelphia
to the police station
to pick up guitar players
to pick up school children
3) How old is Dana?

A.
B.
C.
D.
15
23
38
39
5) What is one reason Dana loves her

job?
A. She finds sleeping babies.
B. She gets to call the police.
C. She gets to sleep during the
day.
D. She gets to meet all kinds of
people.
7) What does lug mean?

A.
B.
C.
D.
to throw
to push easily
to carry on one's head
to carry something that is hard
to move around
9) How often does Get Low play guitar

on the bus?
I. when the bus is not crowded
II. when he doesnt have a show
III. every Friday night
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
2) What shift does Dana work?

A.
B.
C.
D.
third shift
evening shift
afternoon shift
second shift
4) How long is Dana's shift?

A.
B.
C.
D.
6 hours
8 hours
10 hours
12 hours
6) Why is the guitar player called Get

Low?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He has a low voice.

He likes to play sitting down.
He likes to play on his knees.
It is the name of his favorite
song.
8) The main reason Get Low rides the

bus is because
A.
B.
C.
D.
he likes to see the city

he enjoys talking to Dana
he likes to play guitar there
he needs to get to a show
10) Who gives Dana pretzels?

A.
B.
C.
D.
the guitar player

the young mom
the teenager
the woman who works at the
factory
Questions:
11) Why might the young woman have
left her baby on the bus?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
She forgot it there.

It was sleeping.
She meant to come right back.
She felt she could not take care
of it.
13) Why does Dana seem to think

people do bad things?
I. They are down on their luck.
II. They are bad by nature.
III. They know Dana is vulnerable.
A.
B.
C.
D.
12) Who steals money?

Get Low
the babys mother
a teenager
Dana

for occasionally?
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
A.
B.
C.
D.
seldom
one time
frequently
usually
15) What great view of the city does

Dana have?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the view from a tall building

the view from a mountain top
the view from the sidewalk
the view from her bus seat
Do you think Dana has a good job? Explain.

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A Day Like No Other

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.
Holmans 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. Im 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. Im your dad. I love you.
We will figure this out.
Questions:
1) What is the main problem in this
story?
A. Devon won't look at her dad.
B. Officer Simpson is nervous.
C. The Chief's daughter has been
arrested.
D. The Chief is tired and wants to
go home.
3) What can the reader tell about Chief

Wilcox?
I. He wants the truth.
II. He has seen a lot in his job.
III. He is 30 years old.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and II
I, II, and III
5) Why is Officer Simpson nervous?

A. He is scared of Chief Wilcox.
B. He has just been held up at
gunpoint.
C. He has just arrested the Chief's
daughter.
D. He has just found an important
piece of evidence in a new case.
7) When does the Chief discover what

is wrong with Officer Simpson?
A.
B.
C.
D.
when he sees the gun

when he stands up
when Officer Simpson tells him
when he sees his daughter
2) For how long has Wilcox been Chief

of police?
A.
B.
C.
D.
15 years
25 years
30 years
35 years
4) Why does the Chief want to go

home?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He is hungry.
He is tired.
He does not want to see Devon.
He is worried about his family.
6) If someones voice is shaky, it is

I. loud
II. unsure
III. unsteady
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
8) "He refuses to let that anger show."

Which sentence below means the
same thing?
A. He is forced to let that anger
show.
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.
9) When Chief Wilcox asks Devon what 10) How do the Chief's feelings
is going on, Devon
change during the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
does not look at him

starts crying
takes off the handcuffs
runs away
11) How old is Chief Wilcox?

A.
B.
C.
D.
30
45
55
60
A. from tired, to surprised, to angry,

to loving
B. from tired, to loving, to
surprised, to angry
C. from tired, to loving, to angry, to
surprised
D. from tired, to angry, to surprised,
to loving
12) What crime is Devon suspected

of?
A.
B.
C.
D.
being missing
holding up a grocery.
murder
having a gun
How do you think Chief should handle this case? Explain.

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A Mystery
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, maam. 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?
Thats 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 cant 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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in a bakery
at the police station
in Ms. Gervis' house
in Ms. Gervis' apartment
3) What makes the detective sure that

the robber did not come through the
windows?
A. The windows are locked.
B. The windows face the police
station.
C. The windows have not been
used in months.
D. The windows are too small for a
person to fit through.
5) What else could the detective have

asked Ms. Gervis in order to solve
the mystery?
I. Which types of cakes does Ms.
Gervis know how to bake?
II. Does someone else have a key
to the apartment?
III. Does Ms. Gervis ever leave the
door unlocked?
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
2) Near the beginning of the story,

Ms. Gervis eyes are full of tears.
Her hands are shaking. How does
Ms. Gervis probably feel?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is upset.
She is tired.
She is hungry.
She is confused.
4) "And the robber definitely did not

use the front door." Which is the
best way to rewrite this sentence?
A. "And the robber may not have
used the front door."
B. "And the robber probably did not
use the front door."
C. "And the robber was not able to
D. "And the robber certainly did not
6) What does Ms. Gervis do with her

cakes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She eats them.

She sells them.
She hides them.
She gives them away.
7) What does the detective seem to
think will happen if he solves the
mystery?
A. Ms. Gervis will start baking
cakes again
B. Ms. Gervis will bake him extra
cakes
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

apartment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
crystal
jewelry
money
nothing
8) What is a mystery?
A. something that is wrong
B. something that happens at night
C. something a robber leaves
behind
D. something that cannot be
explained
10) If something is said with alarm,

how is it said?
A.
B.
C.
D.
with fear and panic

with bells and whistles
with smiles and laughter
with sadness and tears
Do you like mysteries? What is your favorite kind of story? Explain.

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Just One Touch

I am sitting in a chair next to Mommas 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 tigers 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 Mommas 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
place?
A.
B.
C.
D.
at a party
in a pretend place
outside a window
in Momma's bedroom
3) At the beginning of the story, where

is the girl sitting?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in a chair
on the bed
on the floor
next to the window
5) What does Momma tell her

daughter about the box?
A.
B.
C.
D.
that it is magical
that she must never touch it
that the jewels are expensive
that she can touch it when she is
older
7) What does the jewelry box look

like?
I. It is brown.
II. It is wooden.
III. It is the size of a shoebox.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
2) Who is telling the story?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Momma
a young girl
Momma's friend
a pretend person
4) The jewelry box looks magical.

What does this mean?
A. It looks simple.
B. It looks expensive.
C. It looks like it has special
powers.
D. It looks like it was made a long
time ago.
6) Where is Momma going?

A.
B.
C.
D.
to a play
to a party
to a concert
to a magic show
8) Which word best describes how the

girl feels about the jewelry box?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry
curious
in love
scared
9) Momma seems to glow when she
puts on
A.
B.
C.
D.
makeup
a necklace
the rings and bracelets
nice shoes and a fancy dress
11) How old is the girl?

A.
B.
C.
D.
11
12
10
15
13) What does it mean if something is

a big deal?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is a heavy thing.
It is very important.
It cannot be forgotten.
It can make a lot of money.
10) What does the girl seem to be

thinking about when she sits on
the edge of the bed?
A.
B.
C.
D.
going to a party
how to open the box
dancing around the room
if she should touch the box
12) What does the reader learn about

the box?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is evil.
It can fly.
It is very heavy.
It has special powers.
14) At the end of the story, what does

the girl mean when she says that
Momma seems to float?
A. that Momma is swimming
B. that Momma looks like a boat
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.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
Wanga
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. Dont 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 doesnt 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
story, what does sane mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
absurd
powerful
rational
foolish
3) Given what is said in the passage,

what is another way to write the
following sentence?
I am desperate.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I am crazy.
I full of hope.
I am willing to try anything.
I am not sure about anything
anymore.
5) If something comes true, it

A.
B.
C.
D.
happens
tells the truth
brings money
is fantastic
7) What does the Wanga doll look

like?
I. It is black.
II. It is six inches tall.
III. It has bushy hair.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
2) Why does Nancy order a spell kit?

I. She needs a cure.
II. She needs a job.
III. She needs money.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) What can be said about Nancy from

this passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is well read.

She is very serious.
She was once very wealthy.
She can make fun of herself.
6) Which kit does Nancy order?

A.
B.
C.
D.
the Love Kit

the New Life Kit
the Money Kit
the New Job Kit
8) Which sentence from the story is

most likely an exaggeration?
A. I need a job.
B. Wanga is about 6 inches tall.
C. Finally it gets here after four
days.
D. I have sent my resume to a
million companies.
9) According to the story, why would a
person buy the New Life Kit?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to have a baby
to become happy
to move to a new town
to be cured from sickness
11) The kit arrives on

A.
B.
C.
D.
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
13) How does Nancy pay for her spell

kit?
A.
B.
C.
D.
with cash
with a check
with a credit card
with a money order
10) The Wanga doll is special because

A. it has a furry outfit
B. it comes with detailed
instructions
C. it is given to Nancy by her best
friend
D. it has been blessed by a witch
doctor

which would be the opposite of
detailed instructions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
many instructions
vague instructions
specific instructions
funny instructions
14) Like a wild animal, I tear open the

box. This is an example of
A. simile, meaning a comparison
using like or as
B. metaphor, meaning a
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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ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
Ana Finds an Apartment

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 Marios 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 familys 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 Marios 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?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a City Guide Book

a Map Book
a House Book
an Apartment Book
2) What did Ana consider while looking

through the Apartment Book?
I. school districts
II. amenities
III. locations
A.
B.
C.
D.
3) Where is Ana's family staying while

they look for a place to call home?
A. in an apartment close to Marios
work
B. at an apartment next to Antonios
school
C. in Anas mothers house
D. in a hotel near Marios work
5) Why doesn't Ana want to spend too

much money on an apartment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Her husband will get upset.

She does not have the money.
She cannot find one she likes.
She wants to save money for a
house.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) What does Ana realize as she looks

through the Apartment Book?
A. that the nicest apartments are far
away
B. that all the apartments are small
and cramped
C. that it is easy to find a nice
apartment in a good school district
D. that the number of amenities is
related to cost

story, which of the following is not
mentioned as an amenity?
A.
B.
C.
D.
carpet
clubhouse
fitness center
pool
7) What makes Ana like the fifth
apartment best?
I. It has many amenities.
II. It is near Marios job.
III. It is in a good school district.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
8) Where is Antonio while Ana looks at

apartments?
A.
B.
C.
D.
at daycare
at the hotel
at school
at work
9) As described in the middle of the story, what does it mean to consider something?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to rent it
to think about it
to make it happen
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.
B.
C.
D.
When Ana gets back to the hotel, she reads about all she has seen with Mario.
When Ana returns to the hotel, she writes about all she has seen with Mario.
When Ana returns to the hotel, she talks about all she has seen with Mario.
When Ana leaves the hotel, she talks about all she has seen with Mario.
11) When will the family move into their

new apartment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the next day

at the first of the month
in three or four days
in just over a week
12) As used at the end of the story, which

is the best description of a security
deposit?
A. money given to landlord to pay for
amenities
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
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
Guermos Surprise
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 hadnt 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 dont want
anything special done for my birthday.
What do you mean? Liz responded nonchalantly, though her heart began to
pound.
I mean that I dont want a surprise party.
Okay, Liz said with a shrug. Not a problem.
Lizs mind raced. There was nothing she could do about Guermos request now.
And, frankly, she didnt 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 Guermos ear, they shared
a kiss, and the two danced the night away.
Questions:
story, which is the best antonym
for meticulously?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angrily
carelessly
overtly
quickly
3) Given the circumstances, the most

likely reason that Liz's heart began
to pound in the middle of the story
is because Liz was
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry
confused
nervous
heartbroken

which is the best antonym
for nonchalantly?
A.
B.
C.
D.
assuredly
slowly
dishonestly
worriedly
4) To ambush someone means to

A. make someone cry
B. lie to someone repeatedly
C. attack someone in a surprise
manner
D. present someone with all their
friends and family
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.
B.
C.
D.
She was embarrassed.

She would have had to cancel the party.
She had done a lot of work to make it a surprise.
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.
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.
B. He does not like to get
emotional.
C. He did not want people to know
his age.
D. He did not want to see his family
and friends.
I. describe Peruvian cuisine in

more detail
II. flashback to a previous incident
in which one of Lizs surprises
had gone awry
III. included a scene in which
Guermo storms out of the party
A.
B.
C.
D.
9) What can the reader assume likely

happens at the end of the night?
A. Guermo forgives Liz
B. Guermo plans to get Liz back
C. Liz never tries to surprise
Guermo again
D. guests are upset that Guermo
hates their surprise
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
10) Which excerpt best summarizes

the moment in which conflict first
arises in the story?
A. Sweetheart, I dont want
anything special done for my
birthday.
B. I mean that I dont want a
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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ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
Canopy of Nature
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.
Lets 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 dont have a
tent.
We dont need one! Dad said happily. Well 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
passage best?
A.
B.
C.
D.
No Paddles
Never as Planned
"Hot Cocoa by the Fire"
"Van Camping for Beginners"

for excursion?
A.
B.
C.
D.
evolution
exodus
expedition
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

which of the following could
accurately be described as
secluded?
I. a hiking trail known only to a few
II. a crowded movie theater
III. a popular beach on the
California coast
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
5) What lesson does the narrator's

family seem to live by?
A. Camping is sure to be an
adventure.
B. Danger is only in the
imagination.
C. Things don't need to go as
planned to have fun.
A. Reading the newspaper is a
recipe for trouble.
6) "Then we all jumped in with our life jackets on. We pushed the canoes back
to shore."
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
tone?
A.
B.
C.
D.
condescending
sarcastic
jovial
annoyed
8) The narrator probably says the

camping trip will have a punch line
because he or she feels it will
A.
B.
C.
D.
be expensive
have difficulties
have a funny ending
involve fighting and turmoil
Do you like to go on excursions? Explain.

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ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Blizzard in Birmingham
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 infrequentit 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 dads hat and jacket. (Mr.
Turner didnt 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:
story, what does accustomed
mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
used to
aware of
scared of
interested in
3) Which other title would best fit this

passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
1993
A Cold March
Magical Snow
Ill-Prepared Parents
5) How are the children different than

the adults in this passage?
A. The kids stayed warm, while the
adults were very cold.
B. The kids knew the storm was
coming, while the adults did not.
C. The kids went out and had fun,
while the adults did not know
what to do.
D. The adults still had to go to
work, while the kids stayed
home.

for infrequent?
A.
B.
C.
D.
common
long
rare
surprising
4) The author may have described the

storm as magical because
A. Lily Mae believed the snow was
magic
B. it was such an unusual thing to
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
6) What conclusions can be drawn

about what the weather is typically
like in Birmingham during the month
of March?
I. It is warm.
II. It does not snow.
III. It is windy.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
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.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
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.
B.
C.
D.
a comma ( , )
a semicolon ( ; )
an ellipsis ( )
a hyphen ( - )
9) What was going on outside of

Birmingham during the
snowstorm?
A. The rest of the country was
also dealing with snow.
B. NothingBirmingham was the
only area affected by the storm.
C. The Eastern United States was
also hit by the storm.
D. The passage does not provide
enough information to say.

for splendid?
A.
B.
C.
D.
great
perfect
happy
terrible
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
A Christmas in March
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 well 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.
Its 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
family, the narrators mood shifts
from
A.
B.
C.
D.
arrogant to humble
sad to joyful
uncertain to clear
excited to disappointed
3) What can we conclude about Clifton

by reading the letter?
I. He will not be home for
Christmas.
II. He will be home by March.
III. He is one of the Tuskegee
Airmen.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2) In the middle of the story, we learn

that the mother is an optimist. This
means she
A.
B.
C.
D.
is not easily upset

upholds high standards
maintains a positive viewpoint
considers all outcomes before
making a decision
4) Which of the following words best

describes the work the sisters did to
help keep the tree looking pretty?
A.
B.
C.
D.
miracle
disaster
drudgery
teamwork
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
5) What is the most likely reason the narrator compared the tree limbs to
a sliding board?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They were so high in the air.

The ornaments were slipping off.
The sisters liked to play on them.
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.
B.
C.
D.
holds a deep respect for Christmas

needed something to take her mind off Clifton
wanted the decorations to look good for Clifton
did not want to disappoint her mother
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."
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

came to represent
A. a continual hardship
B. a way of being close to their
brother
C. the hope that the war would end
soon
D. an ongoing Christmas
celebration
10) How does Clifton seem to feel

when he sees the Christmas tree?
A.
B.
C.
D.
appreciative
disappointed
estranged
remorseful
9) What other title would best fit this

passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
"Flying Home"
A Christmas War
"Granting Clifton's Wish"
The Disappointing Letter
11) Which of the following describe

fortuitous circumstances?
I. getting the last seat on the bus
II. having an umbrella when it
unexpectedly begins to rain
III. receiving a passing grade on a
test you studied hard for
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
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Bail
The phone rang at Pratt Taylors 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. Im 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?
Well 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? Pratts belief in honoring his word determined his
decision. Yes, I can. Where shall I bring it?
Im 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."
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.
story, if someone is feeling drowsy,
how might he or she most likely
act?
A.
B.
C.
D.
irritated
sleepy
anxious
frustrated

which is the best synonym for
aptitude?
A.
B.
C.
D.
characteristic
passion
ability
certainty
3) The beginning of the story states:

"Then, the fog cleared." What is
meant by this sentence?
A. The weather had finally
improved.
B. A light had been turned on in the
room.
C. Something bad had happened to
Martin.
D. Pratt had gained understanding.

which is the best antonym for
hesitant?
A.
B.
C.
D.
comfortable
decisive
relaxed
secure
6) Which best explains why Pratt
decided to get the money for
Martin?
A. Pratt had the money to give.
B. Pratt believed Martin was
innocent.
C. Pratt had promised help many
years ago.
D. Pratt feared Martin would hurt
him if he did not comply.
8) How does Pratt's mood change
from the beginning to the end of the
passage?
A. from sleepy, to forgetful, to
giving
B. from uncertain, to committed, to
furious
C. from groggy, to clearheaded, to
regretful
D. from proud, to reminiscent to
ambivalent
7) Which best describes the Martin who

Pratt remembers?
A. He was the smartest student he
had ever had.
B. He was a straight A student with
little work ethic.
C. He was a gifted student with a
propensity for trouble.
D. He was a kid from a bad
neighborhood trying to get out.
9) What does the last line of this

passage seem to suggest?
A. that someone gets hurt
B. that something bad happens
C. that Martin's brother never
shows up
D. that Martin spent a very long
time in jail

which is the best antonym for vex?
A.
B.
C.
D.
excite
heal
humble
please
If you were Mr. Taylor, would you have bailed Martin out? Why or why not?
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Clean Water Act

Josiah Hodge collapsed in a seat at the Caf 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 hadnt 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 dont mean to be rude, but Ive had a bad day, Josiah said. I dont 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. Thats 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 Ive helped you.
Questions:
1) Which best describes Josiah's
mood at the beginning of this
passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
tired and vindictive

angry and conniving
pensive and high-strung
frustrated and overwhelmed
2) Which of the following best

describes Josiah's mood after he
gets the check?
A.
B.
C.
D.
surprised and curious

confused and questioning
excited and nervous
suspicious and cautious
3) The climax of this story happens
when
A. Josiah opens the envelope
B. Mr. Fanchon shows up at the
studio
C. Mr. Fanchon describes how he
got so rich
D. Josiah accepts Mr. Fanchon's
invitation to dinner

for hindrance?
A.
B.
C.
D.
assistance
obstacle
profit
friend

for irritated?
A.
B.
C.
D.
acclimated
bashful
melancholy
pacified
4) In the middle of the story, the author

writes, A shock of fluffy white hair
framed his dark face, making him
look almost saintly. Which of the
following literary devices is used in
this quotation?
A. euphemism, characterized by
the replacement of a harsh or
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
6) In paragraph 3, the author uses the

term shoestring budget. This
means to
A.
B.
C.
D.
accept help when it is offered

have to rely on luck
operate with little money
have extreme patience
8) What lesson does Josiah learn in

this passage?
A. It is okay to be somewhat rude
on first meeting someone.
B. Help can come from the most
unlikely of places.
C. Frustration can often cloud one's
judgment.
D. Theater programs are an
excellent way to help those in
need.
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.
B. He is irritated and does not feel
like being bothered.
C. He decided conversation might
make him feel better.
D. He wanted to spread the word
about his theater program.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Both are patient.

Both lack ambition.
Both are quick to show emotion.
Both have philanthropic
interests.
What does it mean to be altruistic? Are you an altruist? Explain.

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

a BB gun into the house.
Im 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. Schlosbergs window with
my BB gun!
Oh, please, Jamesie, I begged. Dont 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.
Schlosbergs.
I dont 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. Schlosbergs 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
during the Great Depression?
for enamored?
A. to let the reader know how old the
narrator is now
B. to let the reader know why guns
were taboo in the house
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
A.
B.
C.
D.
illegal
forbidden
incomprehensible
dangerous
A.
B.
C.
D.
annoyed
amused
repulsed
scared
4) As used in the beginning of the story,

which is the best definition for covert?
A.
B.
C.
D.
dark
secret
worn
unknown
5) How did the incident seem to affect
Alma at the time?
I. It made her cautious with guns.
II. It made her appreciate her brother.
III. It made her certain her brother
would be a good soldier.
A.
B.
C.
D.
a hole
a crack
a path
a sound
9) What kind of person does James

appear to be?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
guilty
nervous
obedient
dangerous
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) What is a trajectory?
A.
B.
C.
D.
6) A culprit is
wealthy
secretive
responsible
foolhardy
8) What did Alma seem most worried

about?
A.
B.
C.
D.
getting caught by her brother

getting spanked by her mother
having to pay for the broken glass
hiding the gun before her parents got
home
10) What kind of 12-year-old girl does Alma

appear to be?
A.
B.
C.
D.
impulsive and self-involved

feisty and indignant
humble and loving
reverent and respectful
Have you ever done something you regretted? Explain.

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The Mini Problem

Lilys 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 couldnt 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 Moores Bike Shop, but
hadnt Lily too? Both had begged for the bike. Both had said it was the only thing
they wanted for Christmas. Hadnt Lily asked for it with as much fervor as her
twin brother?
Tommys eyes grew wide at the sight of the bike he knew was hisno 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.
Whats wrong, Lil? Papa asked. Did you see your pretty doll?
I saw it, she said sulkily.
Whats wrong? asked Mama.
Silence. Lilys 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
anger was described as palpable
because it was
A.
B.
C.
D.
unusual
irrational
difficult to understand
easy to feel

story, which best describes the act
of being relegated?
A. A star athlete is given a coveted
award.
B. A disobedient dog is put in the
garage to sleep.
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

passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Lily has a big problem.

Tommy is perfectly happy.
Lily does not get a mini bike.
Lilys parents do not realize
there is actually a problem.

story, which is the best antonym for
insurmountable?
A.
B.
C.
D.
sane
phony
unjustified
surpassable

story, the expression par for the
course implies that something
A.
B.
C.
D.
is to be expected
cannot be undone
is sure to cause anger
was meant to be hurtful
6) What could the author have written

if she wanted to show Lily taking
steps to improve her situation?
A. a scene with Lily storming out of
the house
B. a description of Lily getting to
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
for fervor?
A.
B.
C.
D.
gluttony
indifference
politeness
passion
8) Using the information in the story as

a guide, it can be inferred that Lily's
parents could reasonably be
accused of being
I. unloving
II. insensitive
III. gender biased
A.
B.
C.
D.
9) In paragraph 6, the author most

likely repeats the word "doll" to
A. highlight how extravagant the
dolls were
B. juxtapose the number of dolls
with just one mini bike
C. emphasize how common this gift
had become for Lily
D. make it clear that the doll she
got this Christmas was the worst
of all
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III

for incensed?
A.
B.
C.
D.
pleased
annoyed
patient
indignant
What would you do if you were in Lilys position? Explain.

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Flower Power
When her grandmothers 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 grandmothers 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 grandmothers 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
grandmothers 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 grandmothers
hand. She felt a squeeze on her fingers. It was the last conversation they had.
Questions:

for deteriorate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
improve
increase
adjust
accumulate

story, which is the best definition
for captivated?
A.
B.
C.
D.
energized
fascinated
humbled
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.
B.
C.
D.
She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and tedious.

She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and confusing.
She hated highway driving, finding it ugly and nerve-wracking.
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

stopping for flowers on the side of
the highway became for Mary?
A.
B.
C.
D.
monotonous
a ritual
a regret
torturous

passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Fall
"On the Road"
Wildflower Poetry
"Living for Tomorrow"
7) In the final paragraph, the author
writes, She felt a squeeze on her
fingers. It was the last conversation
they had. Which of the following
best describes what the author is
trying to communicate in these
sentences?
A. Mary and her grandmother held
hands and had a splendid
conversation
B. Marys grandmother was too
weak to communicate with Mary
C. Mary and her grandmother
communicated through touch
D. Marys grandmother liked the
flowers that Mary brought
for lucid?
A.
B.
C.
D.
false
realistic
muddled
determined
8) Which of the following accurately

describe Marys personality?
I. impatient
II. drawn towards beauty
III. loving
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
10) What do the flowers come to signify

most for Mary?
A. the natural beauty of U.S.
highways
B. an opportunity to compose
herself before visiting her
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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Seeing Clearly
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 Donnas 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 drivers 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.
Its 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.
Maam, do you wear glasses?
No, no, I dont, 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 Donnas old license and back up at her. Welcome to
middle age, sweetheart. Come back when youve had an eye exam and gotten
glasses.
Questions:
1) What proverb best fits this story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Time marches on.

Time heals all wounds.
A stitch in time saves nine.
There is no time like the present.
3) As stated near the beginning of the

story, if Donna is eschewing candy
and soda, she is
A.
B.
C.
D.
overindulging in them
avoiding them
eating them in moderation
eating them responsibly

passage, which is the best antonym
for stealthily?
A.
B.
C.
D.
secretly
patiently
blatantly
sneakily
4) Using the passage as a guide,

which best describes the meaning
of "Forty is the new twenty"?
A. If you are in good shape and
health, being 40 can feel like 20.
B. When people turn 40, they are
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.
B.
C.
D.
dangerous
difficult
juvenile
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.
7) Which best describes the clerk's
attitude?
A.
B.
C.
D.
hostile
incoherent
patronizing
domineering
8) As the word is used at the end of

the story, which of the following
statements suggest
condescension?
I. Peter is a bright student, he
simply does not apply himself.
II. Ingrid is not invited to the party;
she has no sense of style.
III. Cindys not too dumb, for a sixth
grader.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9) The tone of the passage is best

described as
A.
B.
C.
D.
wry
dark
lighthearted
passionate
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
10) What is ironic about the clerk

calling Donna "ma'am"?
A. It is not proper English.
B. The clerk does not know
Donna's name.
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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Accused
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.
B.
C.
D.
ashamed
ghastly
general
untrue
2) What is the meaning of diligence and perseverance" as used in paragraph 4?

A.
B.
C.
D.
efficiency and willpower

natural ability
hard work and discipline
painstaking attention
3) Which of the following is best

described as brazen?
A. A dog chases a cat up a tree.
B. A man walks his dog during the
rain.
C. A woman steps in front of a bus
to make it to stop.
D. A little girl wins the National
Spelling Bee with hard work.
5) How is Elizabeth different than many

of her peers?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is diligent.
She is honest.
She is not wealthy.
She likes to be alone.
4) Why would Elizabeth have likely

been disqualified from receiving the
Blauvelt Award if caught cheating?
A. Mr. Billings said this was the
case.
B. Awards are never given to
cheaters.
C. The award is based on academic
integrity.
D. Cheating would have made the
award illegitimate for college use.
6) Seagrove Academy was

A. a school for gifted students
B. a school with many wealthy
students
C. a school where many kids lied
and cheated
D. a large school where it was hard
to get to know people
7) What does the reader learn about
the student who accused Elizabeth
of cheating?
I. The student is a former friend of
Elizabeth.
II. The student does not want
anyone to know who he or she
is.
III. The student is either lying or
mistaken.
A.
B.
C.
D.

for inevitable?
A.
B.
C.
D.
impossible
unmistakable
probable
certain
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
9) Why is Elizabeth so sure that she

will learn who has accused her of
cheating?
A. Her friends will help her.
B. The community is so small.
C. She thinks the person will come
forward.
D. She thinks the person will be the
recipient of the Blauvelt Award.
11) Who is the antagonist in this story?
A. Elizabeth, because she is the
leading character
B. Mr. Billings, because he is the
hero
C. the anonymous student,
because he or she struggles
against Elizabeth
D. the recommendation committee,
because it holds sway over
Elizabeths future
10) How did Elizabeth respond to being

accused?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She became frustrated.

She became reclusive.
She became encouraged.
She became enraged.
12) The Blauvelt Award is important to

Elizabeth because it will
A.
B.
C.
D.
prove she is intelligent

help her pay for college
make her parents proud
prove she did not cheat
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City Girl
I am a city girl at heart. Ive 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 pigs insides were chopped up in a
pan beside it and referred to as barbecue. Seeing all of this did not improve my
appetite.
Yall 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 sons strawberrypicking 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 oclock 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 husbands 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. Its 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 doesnt get too
high.
Sandbags?
You didnt get any? he asked in disbelief. They were on the list.
No, I hadnt.
Questions:
1) What other title might fit this
passage best?
A.
B.
C.
D.
"An Urban Attitude"

"Learning Hurricanes"
"Picking Strawberries"
"Snow Storms that Don't Come"
2) What seems to be the author's main

purpose in the first four paragraphs
of this passage?
A. to let the reader know that the
narrator went into early labor
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
D. I had to fix my eyes upon the huge pig, skin and head on, splayed
4) As used in paragraph 5, which is
the best definition for materialize?
A. to be false
B. to increase in size
C. to become actual or real
D. to be concerned with consumer
goods.
6) Which best describes the narrator's

attitude in this passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
disdainful of rural life

unaware of country ways
anxious to get back to Boston
wishful for her children to grow
up in the city
8) What does it mean to literally do

something?
A. to think about doing something
B. to do something exactly as said
C. to do something and regret it
later
D. to do something with a bad
attitude
5) Which literary term best applies to

the following quote: Yall in thuh
country now, gul.
A. yarn, meaning an improbable
tale
B. trait, characterized as a habit or
tendency in ones personality
C. caprice, characterized as
expressing fanciful or odd
notions
D. vernacular, meaning the native
language of people in a
particular geographical area

for cursory?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry and willful

fast and intelligent
slow and deliberate
slow and superficial
9) What message does the author

convey by having the narrator wait
out the storm in a glass room?
A. It signifies how vulnerable she
is.
B. It signifies the narrator's
nontraditional tastes.
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.
10) Which best describes the use
of woolen curtain in this passage?
A. simile, meaning the direct
comparison of two different
things using like or as.
B. comic relief, meaning it offers
humor in a tense situation.
C. personification, meaning
something described as if it
were human.
D. satire, meaning it ridicules the
weakness of an institution.
12) Which lesson does the narrator

most likely learn during the
hurricane?
A. The early bird catches the worm.
B. Marry in haste and repent at
leisure.
C. An ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure.
D. Actions speak louder than
words.
11) If the story were to continue, what

might reasonably happen next?
I. Water might get into the house.
II. The narrator might flee to
Waynes house for safety.
III. The narrator might drive back to
the store to get sandbags.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
13) How might the narrator have been

better able to deal with her
immediate problem?
A. She could have taped her
windows.
B. She could have replaced the old
batteries in her appliances.
C. She could have prepped her
generator.
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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Fried
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 worlds 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:
the best synonym for futile?
A.
B.
C.
D.
arduous
enervating
preposterous
ineffective
3) " I abhor the State Fair."

Which of the following is the best
way to rewrite the above sentence
(from paragraph 4) while keeping its
original meaning as used in the
story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
2) As used at in paragraph 1, what

does it mean to acquiesce?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to give in
to speak kindly
to pay attention
to answer the phone
4) According the passage, Valerie

regards the state fair with
A.
B.
C.
D.
ambivalence
condescension
jubilance
nonchalance
I really dislike the State Fair.

I am bored by the State Fair.
I have no time for the State Fair.
I am uncertain about the State
Fair.
5) Logically speaking, which of the

following might otherwise be
included in Bobbies description of
foods to be found at the state fair?
6) "And a fried donut hamburger with

bacon, cheese AND a greasy
egg?"
I. fried candy bars

II. candy apples
III. ripe red tomatoes
Technically speaking, which of the

following grammatical errors are
committed in the above sentence
from paragraph 8?
A.
B.
C.
D.
I. There is no subject.
II. There is no predicate.
III. It is a sentence fragment.
I only
I and III
II and III
I, II, and III
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
II only
II and III
I, II, and III
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
C. fortuitous
A. to make sure the reader
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

used
A. as a hyperbole, meaning an
exaggeration
B. as a slang expression, meaning
informal language
C. as an analogy, meaning a
comparison between two things
D. as a denotation, meaning the
literal definition of a word
10) Near the end of the passage,

what does the author's use of the
word umpteenth suggest?
A. the fair has been around for a
long time
B. this is the last time Bobbie will
agree to go to the fair
C. Bobbie goes to the State Fair
with Val frequently
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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Tattoo
Justins 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 mothers 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 youve got, Elaine said angrily. Youve got five
minutes to go upstairs and pack a bag. Im taking you to Pop-Pops.
The ride to Pop-Pops house was chilly, to say the least. Elaine berated Justin for
everything she could think of, which wasnt 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 fathers 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. Dont 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:
passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
House Rules
Visiting Pop-Pop
"Straight A's"
Body Piercings
3) Which of the following proverbs

does Elaine seem to learn by the
end of the story?

the best antonym for obtuse?
A.
B.
C.
D.
foolhardy
intelligent
passionate
stubborn
4) Which of the following proverbs

does Justin seem to learn by the
end of the story?
A. much ado about nothing

B. familiarity breeds contempt
C. no arguments will give courage
to the coward
D. if words suffice not, blows must
follow
A. look before you leap

B. pleasure bought with pain hurts
C. youths first duty is reverence to
parents
D. if men had all they wished, they
would often be ruined
5) In the final paragraph, the author

writes, "Justin was surprisingly
contrite." Which of the following is
the best way to rewrite the above
sentence while keeping its original
meaning the same?
6) What was Justin's attitude when he

showed his mother the tattoo?
A.
B.
C.
D.
willfully defiant
cautiously jubilant
convincingly contrite
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.
the best antonym for impervious?
A.
B.
C.
D.
elated
impenetrable
invigorated
vulnerable

the best antonym for exacerbated?
A.
B.
C.
D.
intensified
evened
extinguished
decreased
9) "You are kicking a boy as good as
him out of the house for a tattoo
that says Blessed, no less?
The above sentence from the story
has a grammatical error. Which of
the following correctly identifies this
error?
A.
B.
C.
D.
good should be well

him should be he
'Blessed,' should be "Blessed,"
less should be lest
10) Using the passage as a guide,

which is the best interpretation of
the idiom, "cut off your nose to spite
your face," as used in paragraph 8?
A. calling something bad that is not
B. trying to teach something too
difficult
C. loving a person less for what he
has done
D. pursuing revenge and hurting
yourself in the process
Have you ever done anything rebellious? Explain.

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Wild
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 hadnt 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 dads 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 dads closest
advisors talking.
John, hes your son and hes 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 cant 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 whats it like being sheriff? I asked on the ride home.
I lost the race, Danny, he said.
Im 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 dont ever lose
you, Im okay.
Questions:
1) Which best describes the double meaning of the title?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Danny goes to wilderness camp; it is in a national forest.

Danny is out of control; he is sent into the wilderness.
Danny changes at wilderness camp; his father loses a tight race for sheriff.
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."
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

expression, "the last straw,"
(in paragraph 2) suggest?
A. the biggest problem of all
B. the worst thing someone could
have done
C. the last in a line of unacceptable
occurrences
D. the deed someone wishes he or
she could take back
4) As used in paragraph 2, which is the

best antonym for unbridled?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
amusing
peaceful
restrained
understandable
scarce
5) What lesson did Danny seem to
learn in this passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Fight fire with fire.

Faith will move mountains.
Nature exceeds nurture.
A reed before the wind lives on,
while mighty oaks do fall.
7) What kind of character is Jake

Hutch in this passage?
A. round, meaning he/she is fully
developed
B. protagonist, meaning he/she is
the main character
C. antihero, meaning he/she lacks
heroic traits
D. flat, characterized by having
only enough traits to fulfill
his/her function in the passage
E. antagonist, meaning he/she is
the person who is opposed to or
struggles against another
character
9) What is evident by the end of the

passage?
I. how much Danny has changed
II. how much John loves his son
III. that John has given up running
for office
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
6) What is a euphemism (paragraph 6)?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
a code word
a nickname
a different name
a less offensive term
a meaningless title
8) "The grandeur of the sky, rock, and

wilderness made me reverent."
Which of the following is the best way to
rewrite the above sentence (from
paragraph 7) while keeping its original
meaning as used in the story?
A. I was awed by the majesty of the
sky, rock, and wilderness.
B. I felt small in comparison to the
sheer size of the sky, rock, and
wilderness.
C. The power of the sky, rock, and
wilderness made me regret my past
behavior.
D. The inherent danger of the sky,
rock, and wilderness made me
nervous.
10) If the counselors at the wilderness

camp had been ogres (paragraph 8),
how might have they behaved?
A. by giving teenagers water only when
they were thirsty
B. by making the teenagers figure out
how to build a fort in the rain
C. by refusing to treat the teenagers
wounds when they got injured
D. by encouraging the teens to
socialize with one another even if
they didn't want to
ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Scorpion
Soon after Navi got engaged to Roberto, she began learning about
his seemingly magical origins.
She had heard many stories of Robertos 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
worlds 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 Robertos 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. Ill 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:
the best antonym for captivated?
A.
B.
C.
D.
dishonored
enthralled
repelled
saddened
3) Based on information in the

passage, it can be understood that
which of the following conditions
may result from a scorpion sting?
I. unconsciousness
II. death
III. paralysis
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III

the best antonym for colossal?
A.
B.
C.
D.
banal
microscopic
temporal
inspiring
4) Which of the following sentences

from the story most clearly
foreshadows that something bad is
going to happen?
A. They lived only in the moment.
(paragraph 5)
B. It had not occurred to him to
mention any dangers.
(paragraph 5)
C. Ill meet you outside, she said,
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.
B.
C.
D.
They were young and in love because they lived only in the moment.
They were young and in love; they lived only in the moment.
They were young and in love; therefore, they lived only in the moment.
They were young and in love; conversely, they lived only in the moment.
6) Where is Guanajuato?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Ecuador
Cuba
Guatemala
Mexico

the best synonym for pervade?
A.
B.
C.
D.
numb
paralyze
permeate
sicken
8) How does Roberto seem to feel
about not having told Navi about
scorpions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
questioning
perplexed
remorseful
validated
10) What type of narrator is telling this

story?
A. first person, characterized as
being a person in the story
B. second person, characterized as
speaking directly to the reader
C. third person omniscient,
characterized by knowing what
all the characters are thinking
D. third person focalized,
characterized by knowing only
what one character may be
thinking
9) It can be inferred that Navi enjoys

A.
B.
C.
D.
surprises
writing and storytelling
sketching and drawing
traveling to various exotic
destinations
11) As used in the final paragraph,

for ubiquitous?
A.
B.
C.
D.
scarce
benevolent
harmless
omnipresent
Do you think Navi should be upset with Roberto? Explain.

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ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Remains of a Marriage
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 dont want to build on a site with human remains. It would be
irreverent to the dead.
Immediately, she saw contempt in Roberts 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
contractors 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
current situation
B. unable to comprehend the
decision of her husband
C. unaware of the problem at hand
D. unwilling to confront a potentially
life-threatening ordeal
A.
B.
C.
D.
dumbfounded
hostile
querulous
unimpressed
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

removed because
I. She is afraid of ghosts.
II. Robert wants to leave them
there.
III. She respects Native cultures.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
I and III
I, II, and III
6) If Kelsey had chosen to

be deferential (paragraph 6) to her
husband, what would she have
likely told him regarding his plans?
A.
B.
C.
D.
"Good idea."
"Don't be silly."
"I'll leave you."
"Im not sure."
7) Which adjective best describes
Kelsey and Roberts marriage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
busy
appalling
strained
good-natured
8) What about Robert seems to keep

him from wanting to move the
gravesite?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He is controlling.
He fears the Indians.
He cares about cultural history.
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.
B.
C.
D.
She tried to compromise with Robert to go the other direction.

She tried to force Robert to change directions.
She tried to entice Robert away from the direction he was heading.
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.
B.
C.
D.
honor
excavate
defile
criticize
Whose side are you on Roberts or Kelseys? Explain.

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Museum Hours
Dear Editor,
I have just learned that our towns 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 towns 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
Saturdaya day free from obligationto come and see artwork here.
This is no frivolous matter; efforts made in this direction would be well spent.
The increase offor all intents and purposesa nearly inconsequential amount
to the homeowner tax bill would suffice to keep the museum open. Isnt 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.
B.
C.
D.
florid
genuine
hostile
obtuse
2) In order to make Marias 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.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and III
II and III
I, II, and III
3) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best antonym for protracted?

A.
B.
C.
D.
curable
imagined
ridiculous
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 errorwhat is it and how should it be
corrected?
A.
B.
C.
D.
myself should be me
like should be such as
breathtaking should be breath taking
has should be had
5) To whom might this letter be

addressed?
I. the townspeople
II. a local newspaper
III. federal government officials
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III

best antonym for boon?
A.
B.
C.
D.
bore
curse
boost
technicality
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 ones 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.
B.
C.
D.
complex
passionate
ridiculous
worthwhile
9) At the end of the letter Maria asks, Isnt our museum worth it?
What does the word it in the above sentence refer to?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the townspeople contacting their town representatives

staying open on Saturdays
an increase in homeowners tax bills
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 wouldnt cost much more to individuals to keep the museum open on
Saturdays.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
Date________________
Seeing Through
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 Jeffreys 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. MeanwhileJeffrey knewthis mans 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 Jeffreys 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 reflectionwere 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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
anxious
studied
unfortunate
self-aware
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
angled
drizzled
rained
washed
trampled
3) As used in paragraph 2, which word

is the best antonym for antipathy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
ambivalence
desperation
admiration
infatuation
happiness
4) Using the story as a guide, it can be

inferred that
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Jeffrey has few friends

Jeffrey likes to be the boss
Jeffrey has had a difficult life
Jeffrey is capable of change
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 Jeffreys 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
6) Which of the following best
describes the main conflict in this
passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
man versus man

man versus himself
man versus society
man versus machine
man versus nature
8) As used in paragraph 5, to have an

imperious manner means to be:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
7) As used in paragraph 4, anathema

is best defined as a(n):
curse
vision
embarassment
antagonist
problem

best synonym for ostentatious?
ignorant
stoic
simpering
unaffected
domineering
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
assiduous
extravagant
modest
miserly
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. Jefferys father lives in the South Bronx.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
I only
II only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
Have you ever had feelings similar to Jefferys? Were you able to change?
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Ursula Pugh
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 Childrens 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 childrens 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. Im glad I wasnt
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. Pughs 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. Pughs 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
paragraph 1, which statement about
the best antonym for cognizant?
Ms. Pugh can reasonably be made?
A. doubtful
B. forgetful
A. She is a bitter woman.
C. unaware
B. She is an old woman.
D. mindful
C. She has been through a lot.
E. resentful
D. She was a world-class ballerina.
E. She has become a dance
teacher.

best synonym for biased?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
affected
partial
underscored
halted
explained

the best synonym for chagrin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
disappointment
fortune
confusion
disgust
anger
4) As used in paragraph 4, what does

the term safe haven imply?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
a refuge
a theater program
a religious building
a healthy alternative
an inexpensive activity
6) As stated in paragraph 5, why was

the narrator's decision fortuitous?
A. The children's theater was close
to her home.
B. Her sons learned many valuable
life lessons.
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.
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.
B.
C.
D.
literal, meaning it is to be understood exactly as it is written

figurative, meaning it is not intended to be interpreted in its literal sense
foreshadowing, meaning it offers hints and clues of what is to come
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
She is no longer effective or useful as a teacher.

She is strict, but that is good for the boys.
She is nasty, mean, and abusive.
She is a wonderful theater director.
She is actually a sensitive soul, who is hard to get to know.
Would you enjoy being a part of Ms. Pughs theater class? Why or why not?
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Dreams
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. Dont matter, my mother grumbled when I asked her where she
moved my watercolor paints. It aint 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 mothers 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, fatTammy made
futile attempts to fawn her way back into mothers 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. Ive 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
relationship inimical (paragraph 1)?
best synonym for invectives?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
great pathos
frequent maledictions
magnanimous gestures
ingenious discussions
heated debates
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
insults
names
profanity
words
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
from brusque to florid

from egregious to impassive
from enervating to rejuvenating
from destructive to collaborative
from convivial to estranged
F.
G.
7) As used in paragraph 7, which is the best antonym for pellucid?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
dirty
frightening
enlightening
strange
unclear
8) "The professor derides me for my poor performance."

paragraph 7) while keeping its original meaning the same?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
The professor is in disbelief due to my poor performance.

The professor laughs mockingly at my poor performance.
The professor announces my poor performance.
The professor gives me a failing grade for my poor performance.
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
I bite into an apple, so all my teeth fall out.

I bite into an apple, yet all my teeth fall out.
I bite into an apple, and all my teeth fall out.
I bite into an apple, because all my teeth fall out.
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
I only
II only
I and III
II and III
I, II, and III
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
the sister, because she was described in the passage as dithering

the mother, because she was described in the passage as mean-spirited
the narrator, because she seems to be testing everyone in the passage
the father, because he understood that that the three women were alike
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Breakthrough, no idea.
Was this a breakthrough? I have no idea.
If this was a breakthrough; I have no idea.
I had no idea. This was a breakthrough.
Breakthrough or not, I have no idea.
What kind of dreams do you have? What do they meananything? Explain.

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ReadTheory.Org 2010
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Tracks
Reading ComprehensionShort Stories
Lida sat outside her great aunts 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. Lets 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 didnt rest until it was done.
Lets take the tracks, Hattie said when they finally headed out to the party.
Daylight was turning into dusk.
Naw, Hattie, Lida said. "You know thats too dangerous in the night.
Look, Lida, Hattie said impatiently. Were 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. Weve gotta get off the tracks. Trains 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, Helpdown 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 engines 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, Lidas calm voice belied the panic-stricken
beating of her heart.
Just give me your hand, Hattie, and Ill pull ya right out.
They fumbled for each others 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 Hatties hands popping. In this instant, Hattie found better
purchaseon what, no one could be sureand her hands came into view.
Wearing a mask of anguish, her teeth clenched and reflecting the pale moonlight,
Lida pulled and pulled. Hatties amorphous form appeared from below the
surface like some stygian phantom. Mary and Florences screams could be heard
intermittently in the night, watching helplessly as the train lights grew brighter.
Hatties 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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Lida lives in a hotel

Lida and her family are poor
Hattie and Lida are best friends
one of the storys central themes is slavery
the story is not set in contemporary times

which is the best definition
for assiduous?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
cautious
efficient
energetic
diligent
passionate
4) Using the story as a guide, how do

Hattie and Lida differ?
A. Hattie is good-natured; Lida is
stoic.
B. Hattie is trusting; Lida is
circumspect.
C. Hattie is carefree; Lida is
responsible.
D. Hattie is respectful; Lida is
judgmental.
E. Hattie is excited about the party;
Lida is ambivalent about it.

for demure?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
reckless
aggressive
harmful
outgoing
reserved

which is the best synonym for respite?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
continuation
stop
pause
shelter
pardon
5) What type of characters are Mary and

Florence?
A. round, characterized by being welldeveloped in the story
B. foils, characterized by eliciting each
other's traits through contrast
C. confidantes, characterized by being
people whom the main character
confides in
D. flat, characterized as doing very
little to advance plot
E. dynamic, characterized by changing
over time
7) As used at the end of the story, which

is the best definition for belied?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
revealed
disguised
protected
calmed
relieved
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
ReadTheory.Org 2010
Name________________
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Love Train
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, its 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. Ill never forget when I was 16; a boy from my church
named Joe Turner came and knocked on our door. He didnt look my momma in
the eye, and didnt 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. Im 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 couldnt 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!
Shed continue:
Well, if I had been shy, I might have just looked out the train window. But then
where would I be now? You wouldnt 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 caf 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 its 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 its 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:
for adumbrated?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
detailed
lengthened
invented
simplified
understated

story, which is the best definition
for grandiloquence?
A.
B.
C.
D.
technical jargon
archaic speech
pithy expression
overly ornate or pompous
language
E. foreign word or phrase
3) What is ironic about the title of this passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Rosa's mother does not like clichs.

The passage has nothing to do with a song.
It is where Rosa's mother meets her husband-to-be.
The train only went a short distance but their love continued forever.
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
to make the story harder to follow

to make the story seem more straightforward
to make it clear that Rosas mother has passed away
to make it clear that the story happened a long time ago
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
conceited
talkative
narrow-minded
fawning
patronizing
6) Which situation best describes someone who has been impertinent, as used
in the beginning of the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
A man crashes into the car in front of him.

A student gestures rudely to his teacher.
A child rushes out the door, forgetting to say good-bye to his mom.
A woman refuses to let her son play video games before school.
A dog chases all the cats in the neighborhood.
7) As used in the story, which is the best antonym for digress?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
stop
stray
shorten
remember
stay on course
8) What may Rosas mother intend to convey to her child by telling this story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
advice about what to look for in a partner

regret that she met her husband on a train
the suggestion that Rosa might find her husband on a train
a yearning to go back to that time and place
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
I only
III only
I and II
II and III
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 wouldnt even be here! But I let my eyes lock with his as
he wobbled down the moving train."
Rosas mother really wanted to simply look out the window.
It is best to be outspoken in nearly all circumstances.
As soon as their eyes locked they fell in love.
A slight change in circumstances could have greatly altered Rosas
mothers life.
E. Life was hard before technology allowed trains to offer a smooth ride.
A.
B.
C.
D.
which is the best definition
for ephemeral?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

which is the best antonym for
hackneyed?
fleeting
permanent
ridiculous
serious
young
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
happy
humorous
original
overused
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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ReadTheory.Org 2010
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The Storm
Crack-crackkowowww! 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. Thats why I cant stand doing this in front of you, Nolli.
You are no help at all. Havent you something better to do?
Ha! Better than to annoy you before your moment of reckoning? I dont think so.
Nolan's enjoyment of getting under his big sisters 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 Rowans 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. Thats great. Even the stupid cows
retreated! Oh, man. That must have been one heck of a storm-a-brewin. Mama,
Im 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 . Its 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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
a story that is told orally

a word that imitates the sound it represents
the repetition of the initial letter sound
the repetition of similar vowel sounds
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
I only
II only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III

best definition for supercilious?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
arrogant and haughty

comical and carefree
gifted with words
youthful and smart
playful and obnoxious
4) Which of the following words best

describes Nolan's personality?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
juvenile
malicious
intelligent
playful
easygoing
5) What is Nolan most likely referring to when he jokes about Rowan's "moment
of reckoning"?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
the end of her life

an upcoming presentation
a time when Mother will yell at Rowan
a time when Nolan will annoy Rowan even more
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 Rowans irritation." Which is the best way to rewrite this
sentence, while keeping its original meaning?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Mother Ann's comments made Rowan feel worse.

Mother Ann's comments were intended to defend Rowan.
Mother Ann's comments did nothing to help Rowan.
Mother Ann's comments helped to ease Rowan's irritation.
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
hopeless
irritated
optimistic
critical
humiliated
8) What does Mother Ann most likely mean when she tells Rowan, "This is but
a mere shower"?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
It has started to rain outside.

Rowan's presentation will be a disaster.
The piece Rowan is to read is poorly written.
Mother's anger with Nolan was just for show.
Rowans present situation isn't that bad.
9) If X is tantamount to Y, then X
A.
B.
C.
D.
is longer than Y
is less than Y
equals Y
and Y have no connection
10) If Mother Ann is castigating Nolan, what is she doing?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
yelling at him
abusing him
threatening him
punishing him
antagonizing him
Who is your favorite character in this story? Why?

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ReadTheory.

Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Gustavo works far away from his home.

2) What does Gustavo do while he

4) How long does it take Gustavo to

7) What does Gustavo need to do

8) What does Gustavo want to do

I. milk the cows

I. sit with his wife

9) Why does Gustavo need to cut the

10) What does Gustavo need to water

Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

2) Which animals does Zach want?

4) Zach says, "I can't live without my

He will die without animals.

7) Which animals does Zach have?

9) Why is Sky a good name for Zach's

6) What can be said about Zach from

8) Zach's pig is very dirty. What could

10) How many animals does Zach

Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Griffin plays the violin.

3) When does Mr. Thomas tell Griffin

2) When does Griffin take violin

on Tuesdays after soccer

4) When does Griffin practice the

7) What does Mr. Thomas teach

6) What things does Griffin love to do?

8) If you have many talents, this

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

He does not like the violin.

Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

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

3) Is the dog dry or wet?

2) What happens at the end of the story?

4) How does the wet dog look?

5) What day of the week is it in the

Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

under the field

5) What does Jaime want to do at

2) What kind of animal is Go-Go?

4) What does Jaime do at the beginning of

6) Why is Go-Go nervous?

7) Jaime says he will climb the mountain

Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Dieter loves to run.

3) What does Dieter do while he is

2) When Dieter runs, it hurts. What

4) What does Dieter dream about?

Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.

Pauls wife knows Paul loves to read cookbooks.

Paul buys it.

3) What does Paul say he will do?

2) Where does Paul get his cookbook?

4) On what day does Paul make

7) Which dish does Paul like best?

the creamy one

9) What does Paul use instead of

6) Where does Paul get cucumbers

from his wife

8) Why doesn't Paul use cream?

He doesnt like it.

10) Which dish was the easiest for

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