Reading Plus Answers Level G

This classic story introduces one of Dicken’s most famous characters – Ebenezer Scrooge. The idea for this text was suggested by students at Eagles Landing Middle School.

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about a character in a story who	valued wealth over kindness.
How do these two excerpts work together?	Both describe settings and set moods.
Why did Scrooge’s nephew visit him in the counting-house?	to invite Scrooge to dinner on Christmas Day
This selection can be best described as	narrative fiction.
Based on what you have read…	stingy and mean.
Based on the text, the image…	disturbing.
Which event most startled and…	the appearance of Merley’s face in the door knocker
Which statement about Scrooge…	They were business partners for several years.
The text states that Scrooge…	Both were stingy and ungenerous with their money.

An Eyewitness to Hardship and Hope

Question	Answer
This selections is mainly about a	woman’s quest for personal fulfillment.
The predominant recurring theme in this selection is	gender inequality.
Based on this excerpt, which is true?	The author gave up newspapers to help pay for her correspondence school course.
Based on what you have read, what did this item represent to the author of this selection?	A connection to the outside world.
Read this part from the selection. It implies that the author thinks	her neighbors value money more than education.
Final order	1. She earns a teacher’s certificate. 2. She agrees to get married. 3. She has two children. 4. She enters a short story contest.
The author wrote this selection	to justify her efforts in reading and writing.
Which are two topics of the complaint that the author constantly hears from her husband?	– her absentmindedness – her time spent reading
Choose two sentences…	From the time they were babies, I tried to make model children of them and ensure they were not spoiled as some babies are. Their education commenced as soon as I spoke my first words to them.
Whic person convinced the author to pursue her dreams?	the minister

Cool Jobs: New Tools To Solve Crimes

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about forensic scientists and how they	develop new techniques for using science to solve crimes.
The word “fragile” in this excerpt most closely means	delicate.
Which of two scientific tools are the researchers in this selection developing to help solve crimes	– identifying people by proteins found in a single hair – using microbes to determine exactly when someone died
Jessica Metcalf studies human bodies to create a timeline of decomposers. Controlling outdoor factors like rainfall and insects is almost impossible, so Metcalf’s team	conducted the experiment in a lab using mice instead of humans.
Jack Gilbert explains that studying DNA strands is more effective than trying to identify microbes…	microbes are so tiny they can look identical under a microscope.
Which sentence from the selection includes an example of a simile?	Each bit of evidence is like a single ouzzle piece that fits into the larger picture of what actually happened.
Based on this excerpt, the primary purpose of Jessica Metcalf’s timeline is to eventually be able to	determine more precisely when a person died.
Johnatan Eisen cautions that it is too early to use the microbe fingerprinting to solve real crimes.	one issue is that the science of analyzing microbial DNA is still imprecise.
The author describes two students who pretended…	looking for evidence the “burglars” had left at the scene.
Jessica Metcalf conducted some of her research by…	learn how temperature can affect the timeline of decomposers.

Perform Like A PRO

Question	Answer
The selection is mainly about	how to overcome a problem that affects most people.
In these two excerpts, the author uses sentences that include the phrase “in other words” to serve which purpose?	To summarize the previous paragraph
In this excerpt, what is the meaning of the word “execution”?	Performance
The author would say the statement, “I’m not so smart enough to do this,” is an example of a	negative thought
According to this selection, which two factors have an effect on one’s stage fright?	– presence of an audience – self-consciousness
Which age group is most likely to experience stage fright?	age 13-19
From what you have read, which of the following situations would probably cause the most stress?	Your team is losing and the coach sends you into the game to score the winning point.
Based on the selection, which of the following steps would prove successful in the treatment of stage fright?	Practice your presentation until you know it really well.
Based on this excerpt, why do highly self-conscious people suffer less from stage fright?	They have more experience with self-conscious feelings.
In the research study that was set up like a party game…	They lowered their performance.

To Aid and Comfort / Careers in the Nursing Field

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about	Career opportunities for people who are interested in healthcare.
The author says home health aides work with “clients.” Based on this excerpt, why does the author use the term “clients” rather than “patients?”	Patients are people who receive medical treatment. Home health aides help with daily personal activities.
Which two of these classes are required to become a registered nurse?	Psychology Nutrition
Which job is best for a person who wants to provide hands-on care after spending a year in training?	Licensed practical nurse
According to this selection, what are two causes for the expected increase in demand for RNs?	Aging population and better access to healthcare
Registered nurses tend to earn higher annual salaries than other people with nursing jobs. Why?	RNs have higher levels of education and training than other kinds of nurses.
Place these four options in the nursing field in the order of the amount of schooling needed, listing the greatest amount first.	Registered nurse Practical nurse Nursing assistant Home health aide
States require nurses to pass exams and get licenses. What is the most likely reason for this?	States want to ensure all nurses are properly trained to do their jobs.
The tone of this selection is best described as	Straightforward and objective.
In which way are an RN and LPN alike?	They both require licenses for employment.
In this sentence from the selection, the word “flexible” most closely means	variable
Choose the sentence in this excerpt that explains why there is a physical requirement for nursing assistants.	They spend much of their day on their feet, and they must be able to move or turn patients of any size.

Be a Construction Manager Part 1

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about construction managers and the	Roles they have on job sites.
How does the image relate to Bill’s career?	He works with architects to create or change the blueprints needed for a construction project.
Read these two excerpts from the text. Which two correct statements can you infer?	Construction managers need to be able to think about multiple things at once. Construction managers needed to be mindful of investors’ concerns and needed.
In this excerpt, the phrase “on the other hand” signals	An introduction of a new thought.
Based on what you read, which two subjects are essential for the construction managers to learn?	Business Mathematics
Choose the sentence form this excerpt that best explains why having a mentor can be beneficial to future construction managers	An experienced mentor can be valuable source of knowledge for managers who are just beginning their careers.
This selection can be vast described as information nonfiction because it	Gives facts a details about a specific topic.
The most important goal of a construction manager is to	Ensure that a project is successfully completed
In this selection, the author states that “aspiring construction managers also need some on-the-job work experience.” What is the most likely reason for this?	To ensure all construction managers are properly trained to do their jobs
Read this excerpt. Based on this part of the text. Bill can be best described as	Tireless.
Put these events in Bill’s day in the order in which they happened, starting with the earliest.	He checked in with several teams at the job site He reviewed the job site’s blueprints He completed all his items on his to-do list He met with people from the town.
Why does the author state that “the path to becoming a construction manager is somewhat different from that of other careers in the construction industry”?	Construction managers have to learn to perform supervising duties.

The Perfect Wave

Question	Answer
This selection’s central focus is	The different factors that impact surfers.
Choose the sentence form this excerpt that explains what obstacles surfers could face while surfing.	“Besides powerful waves, surfing’s other hazards include underwater rocks and other obstacles, sharks, jellyfish, and other animals.”
Based on what you read, which word accurately describes ancient Hawaiian’s surfboards	Hefty
Based on what you have read, why does the author mention that “dropping in” ahead of someone is “both rude and dangerous”?	It can cause a collision.
A simile is a comparison of two things. Which sentence from the selection is an example of a simile?	Staying loose like a flexible spring to balance and turn, the surf speeds along down the face of the wave.
According to this selection, the higher the wave the	More power that is available to the surfer.
Based on what you have read in this selection, what is a problem that surfers need to keep in mind while surfing?	Dangerous rip currents
Read these two excerpts from the selection. Which sentence best states the central idea of both excerpts?	Weather plays an important role on the waves that surfers experience in the ocean.
This selection is best described as	Information non-fiction
Which sentence best answers the question posed in the first sentence of this excerpt	Surfers should choose a surf post based on their level of experience.
Read these two excerpts from the selection. Why does the author include them?	To show the different methods surfers use to surf waves

A Series of Unlucky Events / A Preacher Tries Farming

Question	Answer
What is the central idea of this selection?	A pioneer family discovers that life on a farm is anything but easy.
The family in this selection had a series of unfortunate events. Place these events in the order in which they happened, from first to last.	The father discovered that the family’s onion crop was rotting. The milk and butter were ruined when the cows ate the rotten onions. The oxen spilled the wagon load after getting upset by a dead animal. The molasses barrels leaked half of their contents in the wagon.
Based on this excerpt, another word for “prosperity” is	Success
Read these two excerpts. Based on the text, which two of the following words best describe the father?	Level-headed Resourceful
Read this excerpt. What is the author’s main point in this passage?	The preacher’s plan to have a second job as a farmer was working out fine.
This image shows an onion harvest. How does this image relate to the author’s childhood experience on a farm?	A rotten onion crop set off a series of unfortunate incidents that led his father to quit farming.
Father repeatedly responds to problems by saying things like, “Well, well, that’s too bad.” What does this dialogue reveal about father?	He is stable and consistent
Read these excerpts. Just when they thought the molasses was safe, the author’s little sister turned the spigot handle. if the bung hole was higher, what might have happened?	They would have lost less molasses.
When the molasses sprung a leak, the author writes that his father urged the oxen to “the top of their speed.” Why did he add “which was about three miles per hour?”	He is suggesting that even at their fastest the oxen might be too slow to save the molasses.
Which sentence from the text shows why father decided to butcher the cow?	So there was the milk, butter, eggs, and chicken dinners- -gone with the wind.
In this excerpt from the selection, why does the author add the comment in parentheses, “which was about three miles per hour?”	He is giving the idea that, even at their fastest, the oxen will be too slow to save much molasses.
George Strester is the author of this selection about pioneer life on his family’s farm. His personal narrative can also be called	A biography
Read this excerpt. Which sentence summarizes this paragraph?	The family enjoyed an abundant harvest their first season.
What happened to the last of the family’s molasses?	The container exploded, spewing molasses all over the house.
Choose the sentence in this excerpt that shows the family is taking over a farm that someone gave up without ever intending to return.	There were about five acres of land that had been plowed before by some settler who had abandoned the place before we came.

A Diamond in the Rough / Diamonds: Fortune and Misfortune

Question	Answer
What is the main idea of this selection?	The cost and availability of diamonds have changed over the years…
Which quality of diamonds is most valuable in their use for industry?	Hardness
Diamonds are sometimes viewed as symbols of love. What fact about diamonds runs counter to this view?	Diamonds have been the cause of violence and brutality.
According to this selection, which of the following factors increased the demand for diamonds by regular people?	Diamond rings became symbols of couple’s engagement.
In this excerpt, what is the author’s purpose in including a description of the Kimberley Process?	To inform the reader about increased regulation of diamond sources to eliminate violence.
Based on this excerpt, at this point in history which two qualities cause diamonds to be expensive?	They were precious. They were rare.
Choose two sentences in this excerpt that illustrate the two shapes in which diamonds exist over the course of their creation, before being shaped further by people.	“They form huge shafts, shaped like carrots, when carbon deposits are subjected to enormous heat and pressure” “Over many thousands of years these shafts break into large and small fragments”
How did Schalk van Niekerk probably feel when he learned the value of the stone he has sold to Jack O’Reilly for a low price?	Regretful
What led to the initial discovery of large numbers of diamonds in South Africa?	A young boy picked up an unusual stone.
What evidence does the author give to support the conclusion that experts were wrong about the formation of diamonds.	Many more diamonds than expected were found in Africa
In this excerpt, what is the meaning of the word “means?”	incomes
Based on these excerpts, what are two negative aspects of the diamond industry?	The working conditions and wages of diamond miners have often been horrible The money earned from diamond mines has been used to fund violent wars

Pulling Through

Question	Answer
This story is mainly about	A family’s struggle
This story is made up….. this story can best be described as fitting into which two genres	Realistic fiction Historical fiction
The first excerpt is from the U.S. National archives. Which two statements are correct?	The flu deadly power People in rural and urban
When baby Clara became sick, Anna’s mother called the family ” a strong lot”…… What did she mean by this?	The family all survived the flu
The first member of the McNaughton family to catch the flu was	Baby Clara
Choose the two that best explain why the flu was so deadly.	Influenza came without warning, Instead, the flu slipped
When Anna became ill, why was Anna father so concerned to discover that she had a bloody nose?	It was a sign that she may not live through the night.
Anna’s older brother John had a difficult job…… He would ask, “How many?” How many what?	Coffins were needed
Simile is a figure of speech…….. Which phrase in this excerpt uses an example of simile to describe the city?	Is like a ghost town.
Read this excerpt. Why didn’t Anna feel like racing?	She was worried about the deadly flu outbreak.

The World of Soccer

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about soccer and the	Group that organizes the sport’s competitions around the world.
Tone is an author’s attitude toward a topic. In this excerpt, the author’s tone is	Serious.
The previous question asked about the author’s tone in an excerpt about players who get red cards. Which sentence from the selection indicates a similar tone?	These rules are designed to keep players safe by keeping the games fair and punishing bad behavior.
This author most likely wrote this selection to	Inform the reader of the history of the FIFA World Cup.
According to the author, a player who argues with an official will most likely	Be given a yellow card.
In a FIFA World Cup tournament “bid” presentation, what two topics do presenters for each country need to discuss?	Why soccer fans would want to visit their country What cities could host the tournament games
In 1983, the original FIFA World Cup trophy was stolen. FIFA addressed this problem in which two ways?	By creating a new World Cup trophy and locking it up By designing a replica to give winners
After World War II, what was unique about Germany’s involvement in the World Cup?	Germany was divided into two countries and had two teams in the tournament.
Choose two sentences from this excerpt that explains the potential benefit to countries that host the FIFA World Cup tournament.	While hosting the World Cup can be costly, it can also make FIFA and the host country a lot of money. In 2018, Russia reported that it would make $31 billion by the end of the tournament.
Read these two excerpts from the selection. How does Excerpt 1 relate to Excerpt 2?	Excerpt 1 describes a problem, and Excerpt 2 explains a solution.

Home of Angel Falls – Part 2

Question	Answer
The main focus of this text is Venezuela’s	customs and traditions.
In the 20th century, people from all over the world moved to Venezuela to	make money.
In this text, the author includes a list of Venezuela’s celebrations and holidays to	teach the reader about its culture.
According to the selection, cuisine in Venezuela is	known for its mixed spices and flavors from different cultures.
Choose the two sentences from the text that confirm why large amounts of seafood are available in Venezuela.	Along Venezuela’s long coastline, seafood… Tirout dishes are also popular in that region, made with fish…
Choose the two sentences from the text that explain why the population living in Venezuela is so diverse.	Many people from China, the Middle East, and Europe traveled to Venezuela looking to get rich. Africans came to Venezuela.
According to the text, Spain influenced the development of Venezuela’s	foods.
Read this part from the text. Which sentence best summarizes this part?	Students can choose what to study in the ninth grade.
This selection describes Venezuela’s customs and traditions. This selection is	an informational text.

Proceed With Caution

Question	Answer
Selection mainly about…	Search for life in space and the debate about whether it’s a good idea
Based on this excerpt, what does David Grinspoon argue is the greatest threat to human survival	Human beings
In the past scientists have used SETI to search radio signals from space… What makes active seti different?	It would send out radio signals to space with the intention of being found
Read this excerpt, Grispoon uses the word “anti human” to describe his belief that…	One person should not make a decision that affects the entire human race
What are the protocols vakoch.. selection?	Policies or rules… life beyond earth.
Before contacting aliens… choose one sentence that explains the reason for this	“If we do contact aliens.. interactions peaceful”
Based on this selection.. two… support of active SETI.	Space beings… Humans are already…
Which one of these… why author wrote the text?	Should we actively… to space beings?
Based on this selection.. against active SETI?	Without knowing what space… earth is unwise.
Together these two excerpts demonstrate scientists.	Opposing views on attempting to find alien life.

Your Own Person

A chance meeting with a clothing designer puts Maddie on the road to a career in fashion design.

Question	Answer
What is the main idea of this selection?	Be your own person, no matter what other people think.
Maddie first became interested in retro clothing as a result of her	family’s problems after her father lost his job.
Other than Beatniks, what were two prominent groups in the 1950s?	The Conservatives; The Rebel Rousers.
What kind of place is Santee Alley?	a giant flea market where designers get their start.
Choose the sentence in this excerpt that shows that Maddie’s mother supported daughter’s interest in fashion.	When I told my mother how the girls made fun of me, she said, “You either dress like everyone else, or you stay your own person and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.”
Maddie found her clothes mainly	thrift shops and her grandmother’s closet.
Which sentence demonstrates that Alessandra was a good mentor to Maddie?	“If not, you’ll go back to the drawing table and start all over again, but you will succeed, Maddie.”
According to Alessandra Gomez, what does Maddie need to do first in order to be a good fashion designer?	learn about the characteristics of different fabrics.
How does this image relate to Maddie’s fashion style?	She was inspired by the clothing of the 1950s.
The one of Maddie’s words in this concluding paragraph gives the impression that she is	gratified and optimistic.

Heads of State / Centers of Government

Question	Answer
What is the main idea of this selection?	Seats of government are symbols of states and centers of national power.
What is meant by proportional representation, such that in Holland?	The people vote for a political party instead of an individual candidate.
Based on the descriptions of seats of power in this selection, where would this one be located?	Japan
The parliament in Japan includes members elected by which two voting systems?	Proportional First-past-the-post
Based on this excerpt, what type of voting system does the House of Commons use?	First-past-the-post voting system
Which two chambers make the United Kingdom a bicameral type of government?	House of Lords House of Commons
Choose the sentence in this excerpt that supports the author’s statement that a seat of government is a symbol.	“Citizens often look to their seat of government when they want to define what their nation represents.”
Which of the following has the most political power in the United Kingdom?	Prime Minister
Read this excerpt. Why is the term “rubber stamp” used to describe how a sovereign approves of government appointments?	The Sovereign is only symbolically certifying the Prime Minister’s choice.
Why did the author include this maxim by Confucius in the opening paragraph of the selection?	The maxim represents the ideal standard for modern representative governments.
How are members of the British parliament’s house of lords and the Russian federation council similar?	They both include elite individuals who are appointed to their position

Navajo Heroes / The Secret Words

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about World War II and	How a unique code played a critical role in winning the war.
In the Navajo secret code, the word for the subject in this picture meant	Battleship.
The code demonstration changed the American general’s mind about using the Navajos. Which word best describes the primary factor for the change in the general’s opinion?	Swiftness
In this excerpt, what does the word “crack” mean?	Make sense of
Place the following events in order.	Johnson learns to speak the Navajo language. Johnson reads a article about code development. Johnson urges an American general to use Navajos. Johnson puts on a demonstration of Navajos skills.
Which sentence supports the statement, “communication is a critical part of any war”?	If the enemy were to intercept these communications, the element of surprise would be lost.
What is the most unusual aspect of the Navajo language?	It has no alphabet or symbols.
According to this selection, for which two items does the military still use Navajo Code terms today?	Running shoes Pens
Based on this excerpt, what could be considered a “stumbling block” in developing the secret code?	No Navajo words existed for military equipment.
What could happen if a written secret code was carried on the battlefield?	It could fall into enemy hands if the Code Talker was captured.
Which sentence supports the military’s decision to use the Navajos as Code Talkers?	Their languages’ strange tones and unusual word arrangement made it almost impossible for non-native speakers to understand.
In this excerpt, which phrase explains why the Japanese were frustrated in trying to crack this secret code?	gurgling noises

Christa McAuliffe: Astronaut

Question	Answer
What is the main idea	A teacher inspires a generation…
What was Christa’s reaction to being zipped…	She made herself comfortable
When Christa first heard about the teacher…	supportive
For which two reasons was Christa selected…	She was a compelling and clear communicator She had a plan to work on a journal in space
Why did Christa feel like this animal?	She had to undergo many…
In this excerpt, what does the phrase “she demonstrated her worth” mean?	Christa possessed the traits that would contribute to a successful space mission
Why did the de-stuffed frog, Fleegle, have to be vacuum-packed?	To decrease the amount is space it took up
Which factor was the main cause of the Challenger disaster?	Fuel escaped from the…
What was on of Christa’s first…	Remaining inside a small enclosure
Put these events in order…	A ground crew… Threw main… Thick black smoke… The cheers
Choose the sentence	Fragments of the shuttle rained…
What was different from other launches…	The temperature was colder than usual

Behind the Mask

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about how an actor…	Turned a childhood love of monsters into a successful career…
Read this part of the text. The author used words inside parentheses to…	Provide a definition to the reader.
In this excerpt, what does the word “impersonating” mean?	Pretending to be something else.
Read this excerpt. Which statement best summarizes the information in this part?	Alan Maxson has been fascinated with monsters since he was young.
Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, and Roddy McDowall all…	Played characters in movies.
Read this excerpt. Choose the sentence that best supports the author’s claim that being a monster actor is much more difficult than being a regular actor.	“But you also have to deal with additional challenges, like wearing costumes that restrict your movement and heavy makeup that can take hours to put on.”
Choose the sentence that explains what actors must be thinking about when wearing a motion-capture suit.	“When you wear a motion-capture suit, you don’t physically see or feel what you look like at that moment, so you really need to focus on the weight and size of your character.”
According to the selection, a green screen allows…	Computer-generated images to be used with a character.
According to Alan Maxso, which two steps could you take if you think you would like to be a monster actor?	Act in a school play Make short films
Which two of the following are examples of prosthetics a monster actor may wear?	Werewolf snout Scaly skin

Innovative Technology / Real Sports, Virtual Reality

Question	Answer
The central idea of this selection is about how VR technology	Keeps changing to include more experiences and opportunities for the people who use
Read the excerpt. The author includes this excerpt in the selection to	Help with visualizing what it would be like to watch a game using VR
According to the text, which two of the following statements best explain the downsides of being a sports fan?	Watching games on television makes it hard to feel like you are part of the action. It is difficult to see the sport being played if your seats are far from the entertainment.
Read this excerpt. This excerpt is being told through which point of view?	Second-person point of view
Read this excerpt. Choose the sentence that shows VR can be useful in areas other than sports.	“People are using VR to perform surgery, explore distant planets, engineer and design new products–even to make people more understanding of others.”
Chris Kluwe thinks professional football players should use VR and AR during games to	Allow athletes to play smarter and safer.
According to the selection, why are some people afraid to step off the edge of a virtual cliff?	Part of their brain believes they will fall.
Based on these two excerpts, how is VR different from 2D video?	VR allows players to feel like they are in the game, whereas 20 allows players to watch as if they are on the sidelines.
Supports the author’s claim that VR could shift the belief that video games In the following paragraph, choose the sentence that best do not require enough physical activity.	“This means you can put on a headset and move around a room, controlling the game with your body, instead of just sitting on your couch, smashing buttons on a controller.”
Think about what you have read. Which two statements about VR are correct?	• Doctors are using VR to perform surgery on patients. • Athletes use VR to train and play better in their sport.
Some people do not consider gaming a sport because it	Does not require enough physical activity.
This selection can be described as	An informational text

Hair Is An Expression of Style

Throughout history, hair has sometimes been a sign of a person’s culture, status, or religion.

Question	Answer
What is the main idea of this selection?	Hairstyles have been a major means of self-expression and source of cultural importance throughout history.
At the end of this selection, you can tell that the author believes	hairstyles are based on personal preference.
What did Samson’s enemies do…	let Samson’s hair grow back
Hairstyles of the people of North Korea are determined by	government laws.
Which two groups would have had shaved heads at certain times throughout history?	French women who aided Germany; members of religious orders
Choose the sentence in this excerpt that explains why older people have gray hair.	The color of hair changes over time because follicles produce less color.
What does this excerpt tell you about barbers in the Middle Ages?	They were highly skilled in the use of their hands.
Why was the forced shaving…	A shaved head was highly visible and a source of shame.
In this excerpt, what is the meaning of the word “cropping”?	cutting closely
According to the selection, people have historically fought for their right to wear a given hairstyle on the basis of	religious beliefs.

The Most Famous Bicycle Race

Question	Answer
This selection mainly	provides information about the history of the Tour de France and how it has changed over the years.
Which two factors make the Tour de France the most watched sporting event in the world?	The race can be watched on television or online. People can watch the race for free along the course.
The word “crest” in this sentence could be replaced with the word.	top.
The Tour de France was started to	help sell more L’Auto newspapers.
According to this selection, which two challenges did the first Tour de France face?	Some riders would take shortcuts along the route. Riders were being attacked on the route.
Read these two excerpts. According to these excerpts, caravans	help support the rider during the race, as well as the race itself.
It is difficult to collect data on how many people watch the Tour de France live because people	are not required to purchase a ticket to watch the race.
This selection includes facts and details about a real life event. This text can be described as	an informational text.
Based on this excerpt, it is reasonable to think that over time	more cyclists from other countries have joined the race.
If a cyclist is awarded a yellow jersey in the race, it means that person	was the fastest rider in a stage.

The Rule Of King Arthur

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about	boy who unexpectedly becomes king
Arthur became king as the result of	a miracle
Arthur had to prove to others that he could pull the sword from the stone more than once…	After all had tried and failed, Arthur was brought forward. Then all stood aghast, marveling to see a youth perform the feat which the strongest knights had attempted in vain.
Which were the two major activities of the Knights of the Round Table?	– traveling the land and seeking adventure – performing good deeds for anyone in need.
What evidence does the selection provide that Arthur made a good king?	He restored order and ruled with fairness.
Based on this excerpt, who strongly supported the decision that Arthur should be king?	the common people.
By finding a sword for his brother, Arthur shows that he was	resourceful.
Based on this excerpt, what can you say about Sir Kay?	His ambition got the better of him.
Which quote represents an important change in the plot?	I’m not your father nor related to you.
Which of the following sentences shows Sir Hector is a “doubter”?	He asks Arthur to pull the sword from the stone again.

A Unique Talent

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about the	Development of beatboxing over the centuries.
Put these musical artists in the order in which they appeared in history, starting with the earlies	Answer 1: French troubadours Answer 2: North Indian musicians Answer 3: Barbershop quartets Answer 4: Jazz scatters
From this excerpt, you can tell that the author’s view of the future of beatboxing is	Enthusiastic.
What can you say about the popularity of beatboxing over the years?	It went through a number of ups and downs.
What evidence does the author provide to support the statement that Doug E Fresh	He created click rolls used by all beatboxers,
Rahzel proved he was a unique hip-hop artist by	Singing and beatboxing at the same time,
Which of the following music groups influenced the development of beatboxing styles?	Barbershop quartets,
Based on this excerpt, which of the following contributed to the re-emergence of beatboxing	Rappers’ lack of funds to buy drum machines,
Based on this excerpt, which of the following two methods did Rachel use to achieve the unique	– Vocal scratching – Wind technique
French troubadours were like today’s hip-hop artists because they	Combined poetry with music to make songs.

A License To Print Money

Question	Answer
What is the central idea of this selection?	The way news is shared has changed throughout history.
Choose the sentence from this excerpt that explains how the printing press made the	Instead of being written out by hand, poems, Bibles, and other books.
More Americans knew what was happening during the Civil War	Telegraphs helped spread the news more quickly.
Read this excerpt. Which of the following is correct about Benjamin Franklin?	He contributed to the success of the newspaper industry.
This selection can be described as	An informational text.
Which best describes how information is organized in this selection?	A process is explained in the order in which it occurs.
What do these two excerpts have in common?	Both illustrate how important reporting the news and free speech is to the country.
Read the excerpt. Which of the following sentences best summarizes	Newspapers were not making as much money as they did at one time.
According to the selection, improvements to printing presses and cheaper paper prices	Purchased by more people.
According to the selection, libel laws are important because they	Protect newspapers from being unfairly sued in court.

Born to Dance / Deborah Dawn: Ballerina

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about Deborah Dawn and her	Life long ballet career
Put these events from Deborah’s life in order in which they occurred, starting with the earliest.	Deborah began dancing on pointe. Deborah broke her leg and could not dance for 6 months Deborah enrolled in the school of American Ballet year round Deborah joined the Joffrey Ballet Company
At age 11, Deborah won a scholarship to attend a ballet summer camp. She did not go because she	Was so young
What does the phrase “all star, no star” mean in this excerpt?	Everyone in the company gets a chance to perform.
Deborah once said that being happy is just as important as (Question might be written differently) Alt ver of question: Deborah would say that having a positive attitude in ballet is just as important as	Physical health
Why does Deborah advise students to “be honest with your injuries”?	To help them avoid getting seriously hurt
As a teacher, Deborah could be described as	Fair
Read this excerpt. The author includes this story to show that	Anyone can dance, even some who cannot see
What is most unusual about Deborah’s career today?	She is still dancing even in her mid-40s
What would be another good title for this selection?	Dancing through life
What do these two excerpts have in common?	They both include Deborah’s advice to young dancers
Choose the one sentence in this excerpt that contains the figure of speech called a metaphor	“Dancers come in all shapes and sizes,” says Deborah. “Like America, the company was a melting pot, welcoming differences.”
In her teen years, Deborah had difficulty balancing which two things?	School work Ballet

The Need for Food

Question	Answer
What is the main idea of this selection?	Both large and small groups, as well as individuals, can help people who suffer from hunger.
Put these events in the order in which they occurred, starting with the earliest	– Monsoons in Cambodia caused the worst floods – The Chin family and many others experienced a… – The World Food Program ordered food to be shipped – The food pantry at Stony Brook University opened
According to this selection, what are two reasons why people	– The crops and food resources can be destroyed by – The people in developing countries do not have enough money
Based on these two excerpts, you can tell the WFP and the university	The people liked and could cook easily
The need for a food pantry at Stony Brook University arose because	Many struggling students were skipping meals to save money
Which sentence provides evidence that intervention by the WFP was necessary during the 2011 floods	The Cambodian government did not have enough emergency food to meet the needs
What does the author mention food drivers?	To describe a way people can fight hunger in their own communities
What would happen if you got 100 questions correct on Freerice.com?	WFP would donate 1,000 grains of rice to fight world hunger
According to this selection, why is the WFP able to react	It maintains a stock of food that can be quickly distributed
What are the two goals of Freerice.com?	To give free rice to hungry people To provide free education to all people

An Explosive Job / Fireworks Shower the Skies with Science

Question	Answer
This selection is mainly about the history of fireworks and the…	Role of science, engineering, math, and art in creating a fireworks show.
According to the selection, fireworks designers use computers to…	Preview the displays and adjust them as needed.
Look at this image of a fireworks display. Based on what you have read, which aspect of this fireworks display involves knowledge of chemistry?	The color the fireworks give off when they explode.
Choose the one sentence from this excerpt that explains the importance in a fireworks show of “choreographing.”	“With music, crowds get more emotionally involved in the show.”
Read this sentence from the selection. The word “emit” most closely means…	release.
According to the selection, becoming a fireworks technician usually requires…	Certification by local or state authorities.
Which sentence from the selection is an example of metaphor?	“Our fireworks are the icing on the cake.”
What motivated ancient people in China to throw bamboo stalks into fire?	They believed it would keep evil spirits away.
Read this excerpt. What role does an oxidizer have in creating fireworks?	It helps fuel burn more quickly.
Which sentence from the selection confirms why companies want to replace perchlorates in fireworks?	“If some of those oxidizers are left over when a shell explodes, they can drop into waterways or onto soil and affect animals and plants living or growing there.”
Stephen Vitale compares a firework show to staging a play. Which statement best explains this analogy?	Just as a play moves from scene to scene, a fireworks show has a beginning, middle, and end.
Based on these two excerpts from the selection, which statement is correct?	Designing fireworks involves a lot of trial and error

Cesar Chavez: A Latino Hero

Question	Answer
This section is mainly about Cesar Chavez and	His efforts to improve conditions for migrant farm workers
Which two men did Cesar Chavez consider his role models?	Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Ghandi
Chavez was similar to King and Gandhi because they all believed that	Violence is not the way to achieve social change
Migrant farm workers in this selection described this tool as a	Back-breaker
The boycott of table grapes led by Chavez	Took years of protest to achieve its goals
Which of the following statements describes Chavez’s plan to give farm workers a voice?	There is strength in numbers
According to this selection, why did Chavez describe his time in the Navy as “the two worst years of my life”?	He had expected to learn marketable skills but ended up performing menial labor
What does this excerpt tell you about the landowners BEFORE the UFW was organized?	They disregarded their workers’ health
Which sentence supports the statement that Chavez is an icon in the Latino community?	He had streets and… named after him
Put these events in Chavez’s life in the order…	Chavez is hired Chavez Coordinates California passes a landmark California farm workers
Chavez demonstrated his determination…	Spending his life savings to start a union
Why does the author include this information in the selection?	To show how Chavez’s became…

Picture of UFO in the Air Blue Sky

Question	Answer
Selection mainly about	Search for Life in space and the debate about whether it’s a good idea.
Based on this excerpt, what does David Grinspoon argue is the greatest	Human beings.
In the past scientists have used SETI to search radio signals from space	It would send out Radio signals to space with the intention of being found.
Read this excerpt, Grinspoon uses the word “anti-human” to describe his belief that	One person should not make a decision that affects the entire human race
What are the protocols vakoch..selection?	Policies or rules…life beyond earth
Before contacting aliens…choose one sentence that explains the reason for this	If we do contact aliens..interactions peaceful
Based on this selection..two..support of active SETI	– Space beings – Humans are already
Which one of these..why the author wrote the text?	Should we actively…to space beings.
Based on this selection..against active SETI?	Without knowing what space… the earth is unwise.
Together these two excerpts demonstrate scientists	Opposing views on attempting to find alien life.

A Vision Of Gold

Question	Answer
This story is mainly about Derrick Redmond and	the setbacks he faced with courage.
Which sentence indicates the dedication that is needed to win an Olympic Gold Medal?	He had been training for this day for the last 20 years.
You can tell Redmond’s injuries were serious mostly because	he needed eight operations.
In this excerpt, the author creates a mood of	confidence.
Which sentence characterizes Redmond’s motivation to win a gold medal?	Maintain a single vision of victory.
In this excerpt, which phrase signals a major change in the action?	all of a sudden
Derrick finished the race after he tore his hamstring because	he was determined not to give up.
The author describes Derrick’s father, Jim, as “exceptionally close” to his son. Which sentence supports that description?	When Jim saw Derrick hobble, he felt a quickening of his heart and a trembling in his own leg.
Why was Redmond disqualified in his semi-final event at the Olympics in Spain?	He had help from his father during the race.
Why was it ironic that Derrick ended up playing professional basketball?	A surgeon told him he would never run again.

A First-Grader Makes History

Question	Answer
This story is mainly about	a hard-won victory in the fight for equal rights to a good education.
Why does the author use the word “gently” in describing how Ruby’s mother explained the school situation to her?	so as not to scare Ruby with too much detail.
Which sentence supports the statement that prejudiced white people blocked the court judgment “as long as they could”?	The principal did not assign Ruby to a class the first day.
Although the President Lincoln freed the slaves, what prevented them from making much progress?	unfair laws and deep-rooted customs.
How does the author present a balanced view of white people?	by mentioning those who fought to end discrimination.
Why was the test for African American kindergartners so hard?	Education of the kindergartners had been insufficient.
You can tell that ending segregation was dangerous mostly because	federal marshals were needed to enforce the court ruling.
This excerpt shows that Mrs. Henry’s actions during school desegregation could be described as	courageous.
President Obama said he was grateful to Ruby because	she broke barriers to make it easier for others.
In this excerpt, why does the author refer to racism as “a grown-up disease”?	Children are not naturally racist.

Going Underground

Question	Answer
What is the main idea of this selection?	Building an Earthscraper could prove to be a practical solution to a difficult urban problem.
In many cities around the world, what is the root cause of major problems?	overpopulation
Which term applies to the expansion of a city’s geographic size?	urban sprawl
Which of the following describe the Suarez brothers?	resourceful and realistic
Which shape describes the appearance of the Earthscraper?	inverted pyramid
Which of the following is considered the biggest initial obstacle to building the Earthscraper in Mexico City?	construction costs
Which aspect of the proposed museum probably would be the most significant?	the exhibits of cultural artifacts uncovered during construction.
The author tries to convince readers that constructing an Earthscraper is possible by	referring to the fact that humans have overcome obstacles when building massive structures in the past.
Which sentence supports the author’s statement that the Earthscraper would have a peoplefriendly environment?	These garden-like areas, called “Earth lobbies,” would produce additional oxygen for the people inside to breathe.
Why is Mexico City an ideal site for construction of the Earthscraper?	The completed structure would preserve historical architecture and public space.

It Takes More Than Height

Question	Answer
This story is mainly about	how two men left their homelands to make a living in a new culture.
Why do you think the Dinkas did not value education?	Education would not improve their livelihood as herders.
The most important cause of Manute’s success in pro basketball was	his determination.
Why does the author mention the Chinese fortune cookie incident?	to show how some actions could be considered culturally insensitive
Why were Ming and his two team members called “The Walking Great Wall”?	They formed a tall barrier on the basketball court.
How does the author back up his claim that Ming was gracious?	Ming accepted O’Neal’s apology for sending him a fake Chinese message.
What was one of the biggest obstacles Manute had to overcome?	adjusting to a new modern culture
Why does the author tell readers that Manute never used a telephone or pencil, and ate pizza?	to highlight the significant cultural adjustments he had to make in America
Which of the following sentences is an opinion?	Manute was not much of a scorer, but he was a remarkable defensive player.
How were Manute and Ming alike?	They both made efforts to improve conditions in their homelands.

Driving “Green”

Question	Answer
This story is mainly about	why hybrid cars are good for people and the environment.
The car in this story is called a “hybrid” because	it combines a new and an old technology.
Hybrid cars are different from standard cars because they	use both gasoline and electricity.
If you saw two engines, one from a hybrid car and one from a standard car, how could you tell which one belonged to the hybrid?	The hybrid car engine would be smaller.
Which statement reflects how technology is being applied to solve environmental problems?	Hybrids get better gas mileage because their gasoline engine and electric motor make better use of fuel.
The author wrote this story with the purpose of	describing hybrid cars and their advantages.
Which sentence supports the author’s statement that hybrid cars have long-term benefits?	It is estimated that hybrids reduce the production of greenhouse gases that cause global warming by up to 50 percent.
In regard to this picture, what could hybrid cars help eliminate?	air pollution
This excerpt indicates that Amanda’s opinion about hybrids could be described as	enthusiastic and optimistic.
What might happen if everyone drove hybrids instead of other motor vehicles?	The need to import oil from foreign countries would be reduced.

For Gold And Glory / The Rise and Fall of the Aztecs

Question	Answer
This story is mainly about	the development and destruction of a complex culture.
The Aztecs could be described as	forceful but creative.
A legend said that the Aztecs needed to find a new place to live because	they angered their gods, who banished them from their homeland.
Which sentence best supports the idea that the Aztecs had an advanced system of agriculture?	Land was reclaimed by covering the marshes with reeds and then soil.
Which of the following probably would have been seen at the markets of Tenochtitlan?	shoppers buying everything from firewood to feathers.
Aztec pyramids were similar to Egyptian pyramids in that they both were constructed with	huge stones.
Which of the following sentences is an opinion?	It may not have been the best place to build the capital of an empire but that did not stop the Aztecs.
The most important factor motivating Cortes to march on Tenochtitlan was	the rich treasures that would be his when he conquered the city.
What does this excerpt say about human nature?	Even a leader of a highly developed culture can be cruel.
Which of the following involves an important coincidence in the sequence of events that influenced the outcome of story?	Cortes arrived at the same time a god who had once ruled the area was predicted to return.

Railroad To Freedom

Question	Answer
The main idea of this story is to show the	bravery of people on the Underground Railroad.
In this excerpt, the author creates a mood of	uneasiness.
Which words does the author use to create that mood?	fateful, shadowy, danger
Why was this craft important during the time period of this story?	A quilt’s design could disguise a map.
From the way the Schneiders “moved into action” after hearing the three knocks at the door, you can tell that most likely	they had experienced this situation many times before.
Which sentence provides evidence that the Smiths still have hope for the future?	The Schneiders reinforced the Smiths’ feelings about the goodness of people.
Which of the following sentences is an opinion?	“You crossed that icy water? This is the coldest weather we’ve had in ages!”
The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850	prohibited helping runaway slaves.
Which sentence explains the reason why the Schneiders were willing to take risks to run a safe house?	They understood that the runaways’ risks were even greater.
The Schneiders were different from many of the other safe house owners because they	provided the runaways with a real bed.

The Universe Unveiled

Question	Answer
This story is mainly about Galileo and his belief	in his experiments and discoveries.
Which word listed below is based on the root word for “sun”?	heliocentric
Which sentence explains why Galileo’s heliocentric theory was so severely criticized?	At that time, scientific research was not a common pursuit.
Galileo’s father wanted his son to study	medicine.
Which of the following supports the importance the telescope played in Galileo’s discoveries?	The device provided images never before seen.
What most surprised Galileo about the moons of Jupiter?	their movement
In this excerpt, what does the author mean by “the power of reason”?	thinking critically
How were Copernicus and Galileo alike?	They both were ridiculed for their ideas.
This excerpt could be seen as an example of why it is important	to have an open mind.
Galileo’s father taught him about the items pictured and	the relationship between music and math.

The Code Talkers

Question	Answer
This story is mainly about World War II and	how a unique code played a critical role in winning the war.
In this excerpt, what does the word “crack” mean?	make sense of
Which sentence supports the military’s decision to use the Navajos as Code Talkers?	Their language’s strange tones and unusual word arrangement made it almost impossible for non-native speakers to understand.
The code demonstration changed the American general’s mind about using the Navajos because of its	swiftness.
Which sentence supports the statement, “Communication is a critical part of any war”?	If the enemy were to intercept these communications, the element of surprise would be lost.
What is the most unusual aspect of the Navajo language?	It has no alphabet or symbols.
What could be considered a “stumbling block” in developing the secret code?	No Navajo words existed for military equipment.
In the Navajo secret code, the word for the object in this picture meant	battleship.
What could happen if a written secret code was carried on the battlefield?	It could come into enemy hands if the Code Talker was captured.
Which phrase explains why the Japanese were frustrated in trying to crack this secret code?	gurgling noises