Intensive reading part 2
Based on the three fables you read, write two to three sentences describing what enslaved African Americans believed rabbits were like.
According to the details in the fables, rabbits are clever animals who are good at getting into and out of trouble. They use their intelligence to escape from other animals and defend themselves by living in places like thorny briar patches.
Which excerpt from "Raymond's Run" best shows that Squeaky admires people who are serious about doing their best? He can beat me to Amsterdam Avenue with me having a two-fire-hydrant head start on him running with his hands in his pockets and whistling. But that's private information. 'Cause can you imagine some thirty-five-year-old man stuffing himself into PAL shorts to race little kids? He wins before he even begins by psyching the runners, telling them they're going to trip on their shoelaces and fall on their faces or lose their shorts or something, which he doesn't really have to do since he is very fast, almost as fast as I am. And I lean down to catch my breath and here comes Gretchen walking back, for she's overshot the finish line too, huffing and puffing with her hands on her hips taking it slow, breathing in steady time like a real pro and I sort of like her a little for the first time. So I stand there with my new plans, laughing out loud by this time as Raymond jumps down from the fence and runs over with his teeth showing and his arms down to the side, which no one before him has quite mastered as a running style.
And I lean down to catch my breath and here comes Gretchen walking back, for she's overshot the finish line too, huffing and puffing with her hands on her hips taking it slow, breathing in steady time like a real pro and I sort of like her a little for the first time.
Which sentence from "Amigo Brothers" best conveys the story's resolution? But everyone knew there could be no draw and that this round would decide the winner. This time, to Felix's surprise, it was Antonio who came out fast, charging across the ring. Cold water was poured over them to bring them back to their senses. Arm in arm the champions had already left the ring.
Arm in arm the champions had already left the ring.
Read the sentence. When I saw her yawn, I could not tell if it was because she was tired or just bored. Which statement best describes what a student can learn by analyzing the relationship between the two underlined words? Yawning can cause tiredness. Yawning can cause boredom. Tiredness can cause yawning. Boredom can cause yawning.
Boredom can cause yawning.
Read the excerpt from "Amigo Brothers." "In this corner, weighing 131 pounds, Felix Vargas. And in this corner, weighing 133 pounds, Antonio Cruz. The winner will represent the Boys Club in the tournament of champions, the Golden Gloves. There will be no draw. May the best man win." What main conflict is best expressed in this passage? Antonio and Felix both worry about how the fight will affect their friendship. Neither Antonio nor Felix wants to hurt the other, but they know they must. Both Antonio and Felix want the same thing, but only one of them will succeed. Neither Antonio nor Felix knows who will eventually win the boxing match.
Both Antonio and Felix want the same thing, but only one of them will succeed.
Which excerpt from "Raymond's Run" best shows that Squeaky isn't afraid to stand up for herself? I stay up all night studying the words for the spelling bee. And you can see me any time of day practicing running. I never walk if I can trot, and shame on Raymond if he can't keep up. But as they get to me, they slow down. I'm ready to fight, 'cause like I said I don't feature a whole lot of chit-chat, I much prefer to just knock you down right from the jump. I dig my sneaker into the grass and stare at Gretchen who's staring back, we both wondering just who did win. With a little more study I can beat Cynthia and her phony self at the spelling bee. And if I bugged my mother, I could get piano lessons and become a star.
But as they get to me, they slow down. I'm ready to fight, 'cause like I said I don't feature a whole lot of chit-chat, I much prefer to just knock you down right from the jump.
Read this excerpt from Holes. He had no sailing experience, but the ship's captain signed him aboard. The captain could see that Elya was a man of great strength. Not everybody could carry a full-grown pig up the side of a mountain. It wasn't until the ship had cleared the harbor and was heading out across the Atlantic that he suddenly remembered his promise to carry Madame Zeroni up the mountain. He felt terrible. What information does this flashback provide about Elya? Elya did not intend to break his promise to Madame Zeroni. Madame Zeroni is very angry and disappointed in Elya. Elya is terribly afraid of Madame Zeroni's curse. Elya does not care what happened to Madame Zeroni.
Elya did not intend to break his promise to Madame Zeroni.
Animal tales are the most widely known black folktales. Because of the menial labor slaves were made to do, they observed and came to know many kinds of animals throughout their daily lives. They developed a keen interest in these lowly creatures. Because they had so little knowledge about the fauna they found here, they made up tales that to some extent explained and fit their observations of animal behavior. —The People Could Fly, Virginia Hamilton According to Virginia Hamilton, which three influences caused fables to be so popular? Enslaved people labored outside. Enslaved people were forced to learn these stories. Africans were unfamiliar with American animals at first. Animal stories are funny. Enslaved people needed to explain animal behavior.
Enslaved people labored outside. Africans were unfamiliar with American animals at first. Enslaved people needed to explain animal behavior.
Which excerpt from "Amigo Brothers" best conveys the main conflict in the story? Felix, his amigo brother, was not going to be Felix at all in the ring. Just an opponent with another face. Antonio went to sleep, hearing the opening bell for the first round. The fight was scheduled to take place in Tompkins Square Park. It had been decided that the gymnasium of the Boys Club was not large enough to hold all the people who were sure to attend. The cheering of the crowd shook the windowpanes of the old buildings surrounding Tompkins Square Park. At the center of the ring, the referee was giving instructions to the youngsters. Both youngsters touched gloves and nodded. They turned and danced quickly to their corners. Their head towels and dressing gowns were lifted neatly from their shoulders by their trainers' nimble fingers.
Felix, his amigo brother, was not going to be Felix at all in the ring. Just an opponent with another face. Antonio went to sleep, hearing the opening bell for the first round.
Which sentence contains a metaphor? We saw a spider the size of car while we were walking. Grandma said that life is a roller coaster with lots of loops and dips. I tried to listen to that band, but its music just rubs me the wrong way. The tree leaned over the house like an umbrella shading it from the sun
Grandma said that life is a roller coaster with lots of loops and dips.
Read this excerpt from Holes. Because of the baseball schedule, Stanley's trial was delayed several months. His parents couldn't afford a lawyer. "You don't need a lawyer," his mother had said. "Just tell the truth." Stanley told the truth, but perhaps it would have been better if he had lied a little. He could have said he found the shoes in the street. No one believed they fell from the sky. Based on this flashback, how does Stanley feel about what happened in the past? He thinks that the shoes were a gift from God. He thinks that destiny brought the shoes to him. He thinks that the truth was too unbelievable. He thinks that he should have had a lawyer.
He thinks that the truth was too unbelievable.
Read the passage. After the snow stopped, the sun came out. I looked out the window to see whether there was any snow on the ground. And oh my, there was a lot of snow! I found that my car had been transformed into a snowy Kilimanjaro. Realizing I wouldn't be leaving soon, I went to get a shovel. The context clue that best helps the reader understand the meaning of "snowy Kilimanjaro" is After the snow stopped to see if there was a lot of snow had been transformed I went to get a shovel
I went to get a shovel
Which is the best description of figurative language? It expresses an emotion or feeling. It shows the actual meaning of something. It shows what something looks like. It expresses the writer's opinion.
It expresses an emotion or feeling.
In the book Holes, how does the flashback about Stanley's grandfather affect the reader? It helps the reader understand why Stanley and his family always have bad luck. It helps the reader to understand why Stanley was sent to Camp Green Lake. It makes the story less interesting and more difficult for the reader to follow. It makes the story more predictable and easier for the reader to understand.
It helps the reader understand why Stanley and his family always have bad luck.
Read the excerpt from "Let Bindi Have the Limelight." They shared an impressive venue, but a lot sets Bindi Wear International apart from those big names. Dubbed as "clothes with a conscience," Bindi's line, which includes shirts, shorts, skirts, swimwear, and accessories, has tags made of recycled cardboard, and the shoes have soles made with recycled rubber. What does the figurative language in the excerpt help the reader understand about the clothing line? It is made from cardboard and rubber. It is environmentally responsible. It includes shirts, shorts, and swimwear. It is called Bindi Wear International.
It is environmentally responsible.
Read the passage. When Mrs. Garcia taught class, the chairs stood straighter. The computers hummed in unison. And, along the front wall, the chalkboards waited impatiently to be tickled by the chalk. What most likely is the author suggesting through the figurative language in the passage? The furniture is alive. The classroom is very clean. Mrs. Garcia scares the room. Mrs. Garcia is a good teacher.
Mrs. Garcia is a good teacher.
Which excerpt from "Amigo Brothers" helps the reader determine the story's theme? Antonio was passing some heavy time on his rooftop. How would the fight tomorrow affect his relationship with Felix? The fight had created great interest in the neighborhood. Antonio and Felix were well liked and respected. Each had his own loyal following. Up to now it had been tick-tack-toe, pretty much even. But everyone knew there could be no draw and that this round would decide the winner. The announcer turned to point to the winner and found himself alone. Arm in arm the champions had already left the ring.
Not A.
Which of these events from Holes happens first? The police officer pulls up and arrests Stanley. The judge calls Stanley's crime "despicable." Derrick Dunne takes away Stanley's notebook. Clyde Livingston's sneakers fall from the sky.
Not A.
Read the excerpt from "Amigo Brothers." Antonio danced, a joy to behold. His left hand was like a piston pumping jabs one right after another with seeming ease. Felix bobbed and weaved and never stopped boring in. He knew that at long range he was at a disadvantage. Antonio had too much reach on him. Only by coming in close could Felix hope to achieve the dreamed-of knockout. Which type of conflict is evident in the excerpt? The excerpt contains an internal conflict, because it shows Felix thinking about his own dreams. The excerpt contains an internal conflict, because it shows Felix worrying about winning the bout. The excerpt contains an external conflict, because it shows Antonio and Felix opposing the rules of boxing. The excerpt contains an external conflict, because it shows Antonio and Felix opposing each other.
Not B.
Which statement best explains why Louis Sachar chose to tell the events of the book Holes out of chronological order? It makes the story surprising and more interesting to the reader. Most contemporary fiction is told out of chronological order. It makes the details of the story more difficult to understand. The events are hard to follow and awkward like Stanley's personality.
Not B.
Read this excerpt from Holes. The shovel felt heavy in Stanley's soft, fleshy hands. He tried to jam it into the earth, but the blade banged against the ground and bounced off without making a dent. The vibrations ran up the shaft of the shovel and into Stanley's wrists, making his bones rattle. It was still dark. The only light came from the moon and the stars, more stars than Stanley had ever seen before. It seemed he had only just gotten to sleep when Mr. Pendanski came in and woke everyone up. Using all his might, he brought the shovel back down onto the dry lake bed. The force stung his hands but made no impression on the earth. He wondered if he had a defective shovel. He glanced at Zero, about fifteen feet away, who scooped out a shovelful of dirt and dumped it on a pile that was already almost a foot tall. Which list shows the narrative structure of this excerpt? Stanley tries to jam the shovel into the earth, Mr. Pendanski wakes everyone, Stanley thinks his shovel is defective, Stanley sees Zero's pile of dirt. Stanley sees Zero's pile of dirt, Stanley thinks his shovel is defective, Mr. Pendanski wakes everyone, Stanley tries to jam the shovel into the earth. Mr. Pendanski wakes everyone, Stanley tries to jam the shovel into the earth, Stanley thinks his shovel is defective, Stanley sees Zero's pile of dirt. Stanley thinks his shovel is defective, Stanley tries to jam the shovel into the ground, Stanley sees Zero's pile of dirt, Mr. Pendanski wakes everyone.
Not C.
Which sentence is an example of indirect characterization? My younger sister was clearly frightened by the booming thunder and flashes of lightning. My friend often displays childish and immature behavior when he doesn't get his way. I couldn't believe how surprised and overjoyed my mother was when she received the news. I am quick to say thank you and return the favor if someone does something nice for me.
Not C.
Which excerpt from "Raymond's Run" uses the narrative voice to make a judgement about a character's behavior? And tomorrow I'm subject to run the quarter-meter relay all by myself and come in first, second, and third. The big kids call me Mercury 'cause I'm the swiftest thing in the neighborhood. He can beat me to Amsterdam Avenue with me having a two-fire-hydrant head start and him running with his hands in his pockets and whistling. But that's private information. Or like last week when she won the spelling bee for the millionth time. "A good thing you got 'receive' Squeaky, 'cause I would have got it wrong. I completely forgot about the spelling bee." And she'll clutch the lace on her blouse like it was some narrow escape. Oh, brother. And on the other side of the fence is Raymond with his arms down to his side and the palms tucked up behind him, running in his very own style, and it's the first time I ever saw that and I almost stop to watch my brother Raymond on his first run.
Or like last week when she won the spelling bee for the millionth time. "A good thing you got 'receive' Squeaky, 'cause I would have got it wrong. I completely forgot about the spelling bee." And she'll clutch the lace on her blouse like it was some narrow escape. Oh, brother.
Read the paragraph. As I approached the podium to give my speech, I was shaking and sweating. How would I ever be able to start talking, let alone make my ideas come alive for the audience? I took a deep breath and introduced my topic. Which statement explains how figurative language is used in the passage? Hyperbole is used to show that the speaker wants to reach his audience. Personification is used to show that the speaker wants to reach his audience. Hyperbole is used to show that the speaker is shaking and sweating. Personification is used to show that the speaker is shaking and sweating.
Personification is used to show that the speaker is shaking and sweating.
Read the excerpt from "Raymond's Run. "But now, if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his big head, they have to come by me. And I don't play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I am a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice... How can readers tell that the author is using indirect characterization in this excerpt? She describes Raymond's physical traits to tell readers about his character. She describes Squeaky's physical traits to tell readers about her character. She uses Raymond's thoughts and words to tell readers about his character. She uses Squeaky's thoughts and words to tell readers about her character.
She uses Squeaky's thoughts and words to tell readers about her character.
Read the excerpt from "Raymond's Run. "Now some people like to act like things come easy to them, won't let on that they practice. Not me. I'll high-prance down 34th street like a rodeo pony to keep my knees strong even if it does get my mother uptight so that she walks ahead like she's not with me, don't know me, is all by herself on a shopping trip, and I am somebody else's crazy child. What method of indirect characterization does this passage use to show that Squeaky is headstrong and determined? the mother's words about Squeaky's actions Squeaky's thoughts about her own actions the thoughts and feelings of people on the street Squeaky's conversations with other people
Squeaky's thoughts about her own actions
Read this excerpt from Holes. Back at school, a bully named Derrick Dunne used to torment Stanley. The teachers never took Stanley's complaints seriously, because Derrick was so much smaller than Stanley. Some teachers even seemed to find it amusing that a little kid like Derrick could pick on someone as big as Stanley. Based on this flashback, what conclusion can be made about Stanley? Stanley does not like going to school. Stanley needs to stand up for himself. Stanley is used to difficult situations. Stanley is not bothered by Derrick's bullying.
Stanley is used to difficult situations.
Which list shows the chronological order of events in chapters 6 and 7 of Holes? Stanley's grandfather is cursed, Stanley is arrested, Stanley digs a hole, Stanley is proud of himself. Stanley is arrested, Stanley digs a hole, Stanley's grandfather is cursed, Stanley is proud of himself. Stanley digs a hole, Stanley is proud of himself, Stanley is arrested, Stanley's grandfather is cursed. Stanley is proud of himself, Stanley is arrested, Stanley digs a hole, Stanley's grandfather is cursed.
Stanley's grandfather is cursed, Stanley is arrested, Stanley digs a hole, Stanley is proud of himself.
Which sentence is the correct definition of direct characterization? The author describes a person's thoughts to tell readers about a character. The author uses specific adjectives to tell readers about a character. The author describes a person's actions to tell readers about a character. The author uses dialogue and speech to tell readers about a character.
The author uses specific adjectives to tell readers about a character.
Which statement best describes how the conflict in "Amigo Brothers" is resolved? The boys continue to fight after the final bell, showing that they are strong. The boys leave the ring together, showing that they are still good friends. The boys end the fight and agree to share the Golden Gloves trophy. The boys both go to their corners to receive medical care for their injuries.
The boys leave the ring together, showing that they are still good friends.
Read the excerpt from "Amigo Brothers." Antonio was passing some heavy time on his rooftop. How would the fight tomorrow affect his relationship with Felix? After all, fighting was like any other profession. Friendship had nothing to do with it. A gnawing doubt crept in. Which statement accurately describes the type of conflict used in the excerpt? The excerpt contains an internal conflict, because it shows Antonio struggling with his own thoughts and worries. The excerpt contains an internal conflict, because it shows Antonio and Felix fighting against a set of rules. The excerpt contains an external conflict, because it shows Antonio and Felix fighting against each other. The excerpt contains an external conflict, because it shows the opposing thoughts in Antonio's mind.
The excerpt contains an internal conflict, because it shows Antonio struggling with his own thoughts and worries.
Read this excerpt from Holes. Sarah changed the words of the pig lullaby so that they rhymed, and every night she sang it to little Stanley. "If only, if only," the woodpecker sighs, "The bark on the tree was as soft as the skies. "While the wolf waits below, hungry and lonely, Crying to the moo-oo-oon,"if only, if only." How do the words "if only, if only" parallel Stanley's predicament? They parallel the fact that Stanley can go home only after he has completed his time at the camp. They parallel Stanley's homesickness and longing to be with his parents. They parallel how lonely Stanley feels most of the time at school and at the camp. They parallel Stanley's wish that things had turned out differently for him.
They parallel Stanley's wish that things had turned out differently for him.
Read the sentence. As they watched the performance unfold, they were glued to their seats. Which explanation best expresses the figurative meaning of the metaphor "glued to their seats"? They were stuck to the seats. They were uncomfortable in their seats. They were so interested that they did not move. They were so bored that they wanted to leave.
They were so interested that they did not move.
character traits
a character's inner qualities
Read the sentence. Because of huge demand, the performers added another show. Which word best helps the reader understand the meaning of the word "demand"? because huge added show
added
Read the metaphor. The air was a heavy, thick blanket The metaphor compares the words heavy and air. heavy and thick. air and blanket. thick and blanket.
air and blanket.
Read the passage. Its rusted gate hung crookedly. Its broken windows let in the bugs. And its faded paint had peeled off in strips. Obviously, the building had been there since the dinosaur era. Which phrase from the passage uses hyperbole? rusted gate hung crookedly broken windows let in the bugs faded paint had peeled off in strips been there since the dinosaur era
been there since the dinosaur era
Read the sentence. The chain fell off my bicycle, so I had to stop and put it back on, which made me late for softball practice. What word best helps the reader understand the meaning of the word "chain"? fell bicycle stop practice
bicycle
Read the word pair. hungry/eat Which type of word relationship does this word pair represent? cause and effect part and whole whole and part item and category
cause and effect
A context clue is text around figurative language that clarifies it. exaggerates it. adds human qualities to it. compares it to something else.
clarifies it.
A simile is a type of figurative language that compares two things using "like" or "as." says how two unlike things are directly related. compares two things without using "like" or "as." says one thing is another to show a comparison.
compares two things using "like" or "as."
To better understand figurative language, a reader should look for context clues. idioms. metaphors. unlike things.
context clues.
Read the sentence. The exhausted student decided to call it a night, hit the hay, and study more in the morning. Which word in the sentence is most important to understanding the meaning of the idiom "hit the hay"? exhausted student decided study
exhausted
Read the excerpt from "Amigo Brothers." The fight had created great interest in the neighborhood. Antonio and Felix were well liked and respected. Each had his own loyal following. Betting fever was high and ranged from a bottle of Coke to cold, hard cash on the line. This passage is part of the story's exposition. climax. falling action. resolution.
exposition.
Read the excerpt from "Raymond's Run. ""You signing up for the May Day races?" smiles Mary Louise, only it's not a smile at all. A dumb question like that doesn't deserve an answer. Besides, there's just me and Gretchen standing there really, so no use wasting my breath talking to shadows. The narrative voice in this passage shows that Squeaky has little respect for people she thinks are shallow. thinks Mary Louise is a worse friend than Gretchen. is upset that Gretchen and Mary Louise are unkind. believes that talking to people is a waste of time.
has little respect for people she thinks are shallow.
indirect
implied based on what is stated
Read the excerpt from "Raymond's Run. "But now, if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his big head, they have to come by me. And I don't play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I am a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice... This excerpt uses direct characterization to describe what Squeaky is like. direct characterization to describe what Raymond is like. indirect characterization to show what Squeaky is like. indirect characterization to show what Raymond is like.
indirect characterization to show what Squeaky is like.
Read the excerpt from "Raymond's Run. "There is no track meet that I don't win the first-place medal. I use to win the twenty-yard dash when I was a little kid in kindergarten. Nowadays, it's the fifty-yard dash. And tomorrow I'm subject to run the quarter-meter relay all by myself and come in first, second, and third. The big kids call me Mercury 'cause I'm the swiftest thing in the neighborhood. Squeaky's description of herself in this passage shows readers that she has some self-doubt. admires the big kids. thinks very little of others. is very self-confident.
is very self-confident.
Read the excerpt from "Amigo Brothers" by Piri Thomas. The fear soon gave way to wave upon wave of cheering as the two amigos embraced. No matter what the decision, they knew they would always be champions to each other. Bong! Bong! Bong! "Ladies and Gentlemen. Señores and Señoras. The winner and representative to the Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions is . . ." The announcer turned to point to the winner and found himself alone. Arm in arm the champions had already left the ring. ¡¡Punto!! This excerpt is an example of
resolution
Read the passage. It had rained for the entire week before we went river rafting. The rain made the river swell with extra water. In fact, the river was a speeding train by the time we got there. Thus, we had quite the adventure. The context clue "rained for the entire week" most helps the reader understand the meaning of which figurative language? we went river rafting river was a speeding train by the time we go there we had quite the adventure
river was a speeding train
direct
stated explicitly
narrative voice
the unique voice of the person telling the story
characterization
the way a character is presented or developed
Which plot element best helps readers determine the theme of "Amigo Brothers"? the background information provided in the exposition the excitement and action described in the rising action the way the characters' main problem is solved the way that the characters behave during the climax
the way the characters' main problem is solved
Read the sentence. Our minds danced as we thought about what we would do with the extra money. The speaker is using figurative language to say they are dizzy from the thought of having extra money. they are happy about the idea of having extra money. they are worried about not having enough money. they are not sure how they will spend the extra money.
they are happy about the idea of having extra money.
Read this excerpt from Holes. A patrol car pulled alongside him. A policeman asked him why he was running. Then he took the shoes and made a call on his radio. Shortly thereafter, Stanley was arrested. It turned out the sneakers had been stolen from a display at the homeless shelter. That evening rich people were going to come to the shelter and pay a hundred dollars to eat the food that the poor people ate every day for free. Clyde Livingston, who had once lived at the shelter when he was younger, was going to speak and sign autographs. His shoes would be auctioned, and it was expected that they would sell for over five thousand dollars. All the money would go to help the homeless. Why does Sachar include this description of the shoes in the flashback? to show where the shoes came from to show how valuable the shoes were to reveal why Stanley was arrested to give background on the homeless shelter
to show how valuable the shoes were
Read the sentence. After the literature exam, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Which word from the sentence is an example of figurative language? exam huge weight shoulders
weight
