1.
She lost her spectacles,
Correct Answer
B. Glasses
Explanation
The correct answer is "glasses". This is because the other options (spectacles, briefcase, appetite, concentration) do not fit the context of the sentence. The sentence suggests that the person lost something, and out of the given options, "glasses" is the only item that can be lost.
2.
He placed the withered leaves in a trash can.
Correct Answer
D. Shriveled
Explanation
The correct answer is "shriveled" because it best describes the condition of the leaves. "Shriveled" means to become wrinkled or dried up, which aligns with the fact that the leaves are withered and no longer fresh. The other options, "fragrant," "slimy," and "fragile," do not accurately reflect the state of the leaves as described in the sentence.
3.
She pondered her next move in the game.
Correct Answer
A. Thought about
Explanation
The phrase "pondered her next move" suggests that she was deeply considering or reflecting on what her next move in the game should be. It implies that she was engaging in a process of careful thought and contemplation, rather than arranging, announcing, or attempting something. Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for "pondered" in this context is "thought about."
4.
There was a severe winter storm last month.
Correct Answer
C. Harsh
Explanation
The correct answer is "harsh" because it accurately describes the severity of the winter storm. A harsh winter storm implies that it was intense, severe, and potentially dangerous. This word choice effectively conveys the extreme conditions experienced during the storm.
5.
We heard an eerie noise.
Correct Answer
A. Strange
Explanation
The word "eerie" suggests a sense of unease or fear, which aligns with the meaning of "strange." The sentence implies that the noise was unsettling or caused a feeling of discomfort. "Soothing" means calming or comforting, which is the opposite of the intended meaning. "Shrill" refers to a high-pitched and piercing sound, while "scraping" implies a rough or grating noise. Although these words describe specific types of sounds, they do not capture the eerie or unsettling nature mentioned in the sentence. Therefore, "strange" is the most appropriate answer.
6.
Which happened first?
Correct Answer
D. Megan's mom and aunt spoke on the pHone.
Explanation
The correct answer is Megan's mom and aunt spoke on the phone. This is because the question is asking for the event that occurred first, and out of the given options, this event is the only one that does not depend on any other event. The other events involve Mrs. Breckenridge, the TV crew, and Megan, but there is no indication of when these events took place in relation to each other.
7.
Where does most of the story take place?
Correct Answer
B. At a facility for elders
Explanation
The correct answer is "at a facility for elders." This means that the majority of the story is set in a place specifically designed for older people, such as a retirement home or nursing facility. The story likely revolves around the experiences and interactions of the characters within this setting, exploring themes related to aging, companionship, or caregiving.
8.
Why did the reporters want to talk to Mrs. Breckenridge?
Correct Answer
C. She has lived in three different centuries.
Explanation
The reporters wanted to talk to Mrs. Breckenridge because she has lived in three different centuries. This is an impressive feat and would likely make for an interesting story. It is not common for someone to have lived through such a long span of time, and the reporters would likely be interested in hearing about her experiences and insights throughout the different time periods.
9.
A sentence in the story says, "Mom and I went in first, and our eyes popped." What does this mean?
Correct Answer
B. They were surprised by what they saw.
Explanation
The phrase "our eyes popped" is an idiomatic expression that means they were surprised by what they saw. It suggests that whatever they encountered was unexpected or astonishing to them.
10.
How did Megan change from the beginning of the story to the end of the story?
Correct Answer
D. She became more interested in visiting her great-grandmother.
11.
What is the theme of the story?
Correct Answer
A. Don't believe everything you hear.
Explanation
The theme of the story is "Don't believe everything you hear." This theme is evident from the options provided, as the other options do not capture the central message of the story. The theme suggests that the story may revolve around the idea of being cautious and critical when it comes to accepting information or rumors without verifying their accuracy.
12.
Which best describes Mrs. Breckenridge?
Correct Answer
B. Mischievous
Explanation
Mrs. Breckenridge is described as mischievous because she likely enjoys playing pranks or engaging in playful and sometimes sneaky behavior. This description suggests that she has a playful and mischievous nature, often finding joy in causing harmless trouble or mischief.
13.
When she was describing the events after the wreck of the Hindenburg, Mrs. Breckenridge said she looked at herself and thought she was wearing a lace dress. What does this mean?
Correct Answer
A. Her dress was full of holes.
Explanation
Mrs. Breckenridge's statement that she thought she was wearing a lace dress implies that her actual dress was full of holes, resembling lace. This suggests that her dress was damaged or torn during the wreck of the Hindenburg.
14.
What was the climax of the story?
Correct Answer
C. When Megan's mom confronts Mrs. Breckenridge
Explanation
The climax of the story is when Megan's mom confronts Mrs. Breckenridge. This is the point of highest tension and conflict in the story, where the two characters directly face each other and engage in a confrontation. This confrontation likely reveals important information or resolves a major conflict, leading to a turning point in the story.
15.
Why did Mrs. Breckenridge lie to the TV reporter?
Correct Answer
B. She felt he was interested only in her memories.
Explanation
Mrs. Breckenridge lied to the TV reporter because she believed that he was only interested in her memories. This suggests that she wanted to make her story more interesting and captivating for the reporter, possibly to ensure that her story would be aired on television. By lying, she may have thought that she could make her memories more appealing and entertaining for the reporter, thus increasing the chances of her story being featured.
16.
What is the most likely reason the author wrote this selection?
Correct Answer
D. To entertain readers with an amusing story.
Explanation
The author wrote this selection to entertain readers with an amusing story. The passage does not mention anything about visiting grandparents, feeling sorry for Mrs. Breckendridge, or learning about historical events. The main purpose of the selection is to provide entertainment to the readers through an amusing story.
17.
Why is it important to the story that Megan's mom knows that Mrs. Breckenridge did not really experience the disasters she talks about?
Correct Answer
A. It adds conflict and makes the story more interesting.
Explanation
Knowing that Mrs. Breckenridge did not actually experience the disasters she talks about adds conflict to the story because it creates a sense of deception or dishonesty. This conflict can create tension between characters and drive the plot forward, making the story more interesting for readers.
18.
What figurative language did you use when writing your "Shark vs. Train" book?
Correct Answer
A. Simile
Explanation
The correct answer is simile. A simile is a type of figurative language that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as". In the context of the "Shark vs. Train" book, the author likely used similes to create vivid and imaginative descriptions by comparing the actions or characteristics of a shark and a train to other objects or ideas.
19.
The author's purpose of this selection was to
Correct Answer
B. To entertain
Explanation
The author's purpose in this selection was to entertain the readers. The text likely contains elements such as humor, interesting anecdotes, or engaging storytelling that are intended to captivate and amuse the audience. The main goal of the author is to provide enjoyment and entertainment rather than persuading or informing the readers about a particular topic or issue.
20.
_____________ are the qualities such as bravery or shyness, of characters, or people and animals in a story.
Correct Answer
B. Traits
Explanation
Traits are the qualities or characteristics that define the behavior, personality, and actions of characters, whether they are human, animal, or fictional, in a story. These traits can include bravery, shyness, honesty, intelligence, or any other attribute that helps to shape the character's identity and role in the narrative. Traits play a crucial role in character development and contribute to the overall plot and theme of the story.
21.
The ____________ is the pattern of events in a story. Usually, the events are told from start to finish.
Correct Answer
A. Plot
Explanation
The plot refers to the sequence of events that occur in a story, usually presented in a chronological order from beginning to end. It encompasses the main events, conflicts, and resolutions that drive the narrative forward. The plot structure typically includes an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It provides the framework for the story's development and allows readers to follow the progression of events in a coherent and meaningful way.