Short Story Unit Pre/Post Common Assessment

1. Guinivere laughed quietly as she rocked the cradle with her foot. It had been so simple in the end! All she had needed was faith: faith in her husband, faith in her beliefs, and above all faith in herself. "I did it! I really, really did it!" she crowed under her breath.

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2. Nostrils flaring and eyes flashing, Great White Horse reared, shaking the great balance scales it carried on its back. The Horse had brought order to the village. Its judgements and rules were etched on the tablets of truth for all time. Yet for how long would the people remember?

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3. The quilt had been in Ana's family for generations. Now her mother handed it to Ana. "You're nearly 21, Ana, and I know you are ready to care for it," Ana's mother said stroking the quilt, her voice cracking. Tears dripped down Ana's cheeks as she accepted the treasured keepsake.

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4. Asleep, Corky completely forgot where he was. But the minute his eyes fluttered open, he remembered every hideous detail. The bars on the tiny, unreachable window; the thin, lumpy window; the cracked sink and lidless toilet; the cold floor; the marks scratched into the unpainted damp walls. These sights slammed him back into his new reality.

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5. Which of these sentences contains the clearest example of foreshadowing?

Sentence 1

Sentence 3

Sentence 5

Sentence 6

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6. What is the point of view of the narrator in this sentence?

I looked at the paper and was stunned to realize that I had finally passed a chemistry exam.

First person

Third person limited

Third person omniscient

Second person

The point of view of the narrator in this sentence is first person because the narrator is using pronouns like "I" and describing their own personal experience and thoughts.

Explanation

The point of view of the narrator in this sentence is first person because the narrator is using pronouns like "I" and describing their own personal experience and thoughts.

7. A modern dentist would certainly enjoy having a hadrosaur as a client. While an adult human being has only 32 teeth, these duck-billed dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous period had up to 2,000, with 500 along each side of each jaw. Unlike human beings, who grow two sets of teeth in their lifetimes, the hadrosaurs, like sharks and modern reptiles, had built-in replacement teeth. If a tooth became worn down or broken off, a new one would grow up to take its place. In skeletal remains of the jaws of these toothy beasts, scientists have found entire banks of replacement teeth. Like athletes sitting on the bench, they were ready and waiting to be put to use.

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8. It is not often that you meet someone who is truly different. Emma is different. She is completely unconcerned with the rest of the world, often barely acknowledging its existence. And when you live in Manhattan, it isn't easy to ignore the rest of the world. Chaotic throngs of people rush through each crosswalk. Traffic, noise, and filth are omnipresent. Manhattan is not like the Blue Ridge Mountains. But Emma doesn't seem to notice.

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9. What is the theme of a selection?

Its ideas

Its underlying meaning

Its overall plot

Its dialogue

The theme of a selection refers to its underlying meaning or main message. It is the central idea or concept that the author wants to convey through the story or text. While the ideas, overall plot, and dialogue are important elements of a selection, the theme goes beyond these aspects and delves into the deeper significance or purpose of the work. It provides insight into the author's perspective and allows readers to connect with the story on a deeper level.

Explanation

The theme of a selection refers to its underlying meaning or main message. It is the central idea or concept that the author wants to convey through the story or text. While the ideas, overall plot, and dialogue are important elements of a selection, the theme goes beyond these aspects and delves into the deeper significance or purpose of the work. It provides insight into the author's perspective and allows readers to connect with the story on a deeper level.

10. Why do good writers use symbols in their work?

To make their work relevant

To provide a comprehension challenge for readers

To show how educated they are

To transmit important ideas to readers

Good writers use symbols in their work to transmit important ideas to readers. Symbols serve as powerful tools to convey deeper meanings and emotions that may be difficult to express directly. By using symbols, writers can evoke emotions, create connections, and engage readers in a more profound way. Symbols allow writers to communicate complex ideas and themes, making their work more impactful and thought-provoking. Through the use of symbols, writers can transcend the limitations of language and reach a deeper level of understanding with their readers.

Explanation

Good writers use symbols in their work to transmit important ideas to readers. Symbols serve as powerful tools to convey deeper meanings and emotions that may be difficult to express directly. By using symbols, writers can evoke emotions, create connections, and engage readers in a more profound way. Symbols allow writers to communicate complex ideas and themes, making their work more impactful and thought-provoking. Through the use of symbols, writers can transcend the limitations of language and reach a deeper level of understanding with their readers.

11. What do the foreshadowing and other details suggest is going to happen?

The seals eat the fish as they always do.

The seals will refuse to perform for the audience

The seals will make loud honking sounds at the audience.

The seals will spray water and toss fish at the audience.

The foreshadowing and other details suggest that the seals will engage in unexpected and playful behavior towards the audience. The mention of spraying water and tossing fish indicates that the seals will not only perform their usual eating routine but will also interact with the audience in a more entertaining and mischievous manner. This suggests that the seals will go beyond their usual behavior and create a lively and engaging experience for the audience.

Explanation

The foreshadowing and other details suggest that the seals will engage in unexpected and playful behavior towards the audience. The mention of spraying water and tossing fish indicates that the seals will not only perform their usual eating routine but will also interact with the audience in a more entertaining and mischievous manner. This suggests that the seals will go beyond their usual behavior and create a lively and engaging experience for the audience.

12. How important is the setting likely to be to the plot of this selection?

Not important

Slightly important

Quite important

Extremely important

The setting is likely to be extremely important to the plot of this selection because it plays a crucial role in shaping the events, atmosphere, and characters' actions. The setting can provide context, establish the time period, and create a specific mood or tone. It can also influence the characters' motivations and decisions, as well as drive the conflicts and plot developments. Without a well-defined and significant setting, the story may lack depth and fail to engage the readers.

Explanation

The setting is likely to be extremely important to the plot of this selection because it plays a crucial role in shaping the events, atmosphere, and characters' actions. The setting can provide context, establish the time period, and create a specific mood or tone. It can also influence the characters' motivations and decisions, as well as drive the conflicts and plot developments. Without a well-defined and significant setting, the story may lack depth and fail to engage the readers.

13. Of the following choices, which is the Horse likeliest to symbolize?

The power of law and order

Delight in cruelty

The effects of fear

The triumph of nature over civilization

The horse is often associated with strength, power, and control, which aligns with the concept of law and order. Horses have historically been used by law enforcement and military forces, symbolizing authority and the ability to maintain order. Their physical strength and ability to be trained make them a fitting symbol for the power of law and order.

Explanation

The horse is often associated with strength, power, and control, which aligns with the concept of law and order. Horses have historically been used by law enforcement and military forces, symbolizing authority and the ability to maintain order. Their physical strength and ability to be trained make them a fitting symbol for the power of law and order.

14. (1) The seals had always behaved in the past. (2) They had never sprayed the audience with water or thrown food back at them. (3) Little did the zookeeper know that today would be different. (4) As he brought the bucket of fish to feed the seals, his mind was elsewhere. (5) He was thinking of his plans to go out with Emily that night. (6) He smiled perfunctorily at the crowds of children and parents standing around the seal pool. (7) It was time for the 4 o'clock feeding show.

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15. What is the most reasonable inference to make about the setting of this selection?

The setting is present-day America.

The setting is a prison.

The setting is long ago.

The setting is a boarding school.

The most reasonable inference to make about the setting of this selection is that it is a prison. The mention of a prison as one of the options suggests that the selection contains elements or descriptions that indicate a prison setting. Without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact time or location of the setting, but the presence of a prison suggests a confined and controlled environment.

Explanation

The most reasonable inference to make about the setting of this selection is that it is a prison. The mention of a prison as one of the options suggests that the selection contains elements or descriptions that indicate a prison setting. Without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact time or location of the setting, but the presence of a prison suggests a confined and controlled environment.

16. What is the theme of this selection?

Faith is all we need.

Believe in yourself.

Faith is nothing without determination.

Beliefs are nothing without faith.

The theme of this selection is "Faith is all we need" because it emphasizes the importance of having faith and belief in oneself. It suggests that faith is the key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. The other options, such as "Believe in yourself" and "Faith is nothing without determination," are related to the theme but do not capture the idea that faith is the ultimate necessity. "Beliefs are nothing without faith" is not directly related to the theme and does not convey the same message.

Explanation

The theme of this selection is "Faith is all we need" because it emphasizes the importance of having faith and belief in oneself. It suggests that faith is the key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. The other options, such as "Believe in yourself" and "Faith is nothing without determination," are related to the theme but do not capture the idea that faith is the ultimate necessity. "Beliefs are nothing without faith" is not directly related to the theme and does not convey the same message.

17. The selection includes an example of which of the following kinds of characterization?

Indirect

Abstract

Direct

Omniscient

The selection includes an example of direct characterization because it directly provides information about the character's traits, qualities, or personality. This means that the author explicitly states or describes the character's characteristics without leaving any room for interpretation.

Explanation

The selection includes an example of direct characterization because it directly provides information about the character's traits, qualities, or personality. This means that the author explicitly states or describes the character's characteristics without leaving any room for interpretation.

18. What is the most logical conclusion to draw about the symbolic meaning of the quilt?

It symbolizes Ana's adulthood.

It symbolizes the artistic abilities of women in Ana's family.

It symbolizes the cultural heritage of Ana's family.

It symbolizes the importance of hard work to Ana's family.

The most logical conclusion to draw about the symbolic meaning of the quilt is that it symbolizes Ana's adulthood. This can be inferred from the fact that the quilt is specifically associated with Ana and not with the artistic abilities of women in her family, the cultural heritage of her family, or the importance of hard work to her family. The mention of the quilt symbolizing Ana's adulthood suggests that it represents her transition into a mature stage of life.

Explanation

The most logical conclusion to draw about the symbolic meaning of the quilt is that it symbolizes Ana's adulthood. This can be inferred from the fact that the quilt is specifically associated with Ana and not with the artistic abilities of women in her family, the cultural heritage of her family, or the importance of hard work to her family. The mention of the quilt symbolizing Ana's adulthood suggests that it represents her transition into a mature stage of life.

19. What is the point of view of the narrator in this sentence?

Ruth picked up a hairbrush, looked at it quizzically, and threw it at the mirror.

First person

Naive first person

Third person omniscient

Third person limited

The point of view of the narrator in this sentence is third person limited. This is because the narrator is not a character in the story and is not using "I" or "we" to refer to themselves. Instead, the narrator is telling the story from an outside perspective and is limited to the thoughts and feelings of only one character, Ruth.

Explanation

The point of view of the narrator in this sentence is third person limited. This is because the narrator is not a character in the story and is not using "I" or "we" to refer to themselves. Instead, the narrator is telling the story from an outside perspective and is limited to the thoughts and feelings of only one character, Ruth.

20. Which of the following techniques might be used to develop character indirectly?

Figurative language

First-person point of view

Omniscient narrator

Dialogue

Dialogue can be used to develop character indirectly because it allows the reader to observe the interactions and conversations between characters. Through dialogue, the characters' personalities, beliefs, and motivations can be revealed. The way characters speak, the words they choose, and their tone can provide insights into their thoughts and feelings, allowing the reader to form a deeper understanding of who they are. Additionally, dialogue can also showcase the relationships between characters, their dynamics, and conflicts, further contributing to the development of their personalities.

Explanation

Dialogue can be used to develop character indirectly because it allows the reader to observe the interactions and conversations between characters. Through dialogue, the characters' personalities, beliefs, and motivations can be revealed. The way characters speak, the words they choose, and their tone can provide insights into their thoughts and feelings, allowing the reader to form a deeper understanding of who they are. Additionally, dialogue can also showcase the relationships between characters, their dynamics, and conflicts, further contributing to the development of their personalities.

21. Which of these best describes the tome of the selection?

Formal and serious

Light and entertaining

Persuasive

Interrogative

The given answer, "Formal and serious," best describes the tome of the selection. This suggests that the text is written in a professional and solemn manner, indicating a serious tone. The language used is likely to be formal and respectful, conveying a sense of importance and gravity. The content is expected to be serious and focused, possibly discussing complex or weighty subjects.

Explanation

The given answer, "Formal and serious," best describes the tome of the selection. This suggests that the text is written in a professional and solemn manner, indicating a serious tone. The language used is likely to be formal and respectful, conveying a sense of importance and gravity. The content is expected to be serious and focused, possibly discussing complex or weighty subjects.