Lesson 19 Comprehension

What is the author's primary purpose for writing this passage?

• to inform readers about how to plant a garden
• to explain why school parking lots are important
• to entertain readers with a tale about a community
• to raise awareness about the global issue of homelessness

The main purpose of Darnell's article in the South Oakdale Journal is to persuade readers that

• gardens are beautiful.
• all homeless people need gardens.
• Sweeby Jones's dream is to have a garden.
• a garden should be built instead of a parking lot.

Read the sentence below from Darnell's article.

“And if you don't mind people being hungry, then there is somethingwrong with you.”

Darnell's main purpose for using this quotation is to

• insult the people of Oakdale.
• appeal to his readers' emotions.
• help make Sweeby Jones famous.
• make Sweeby Jones sound selfish.

The purpose of Linda's article is to persuade readers that

• teachers work hard.
• she is smarter than Darnell.
• homeless people cannot raise food.
• a parking lot should be built for teachers.

Read these sentences from the passage.

“Well, er, we measured it right the first time”—the builder shiftedfrom one foot to the other—“but then we made some changes in thedesign and somehow we sort of forgot about the er . . . you know . . .the other five feet.”

The builder's use of the word er and the author's use of ellipses ( . . . ) in the sentences above communicate

• anger
• curiosity
• hesitation
• sadness

What is one difference between Linda and Darnell?

• Linda is a kid, while Darnell is an adult.
• Linda wants to build a garden, while Darnell does not.
• Linda is not shy about speaking in public, while Darnell is.
• Linda goes to the city council meeting, while Darnell does not.

Read these sentences from the passage.

“I didn't ask you,” the councilman said. “I'm telling you anyway,”the man said.

What does the dialogue in the sentences above show about the councilman and the man?

• They are good friends.
• There is a conflict between them.
• The man is lying to the councilman.
• The councilman is afraid of the man.

Read these sentences from the passage.

“No, you can just forget about the whole thing now,” Sweeby said. 
“Go on back to your papers.”

This dialogue suggests that Sweeby Jones feels

• bitter 
• confused
• inferier
• relieved

What is the best evidence that Linda and Darnell do not think of each other as enemies, even though they are on opposite sides of an issue?

• Linda looks happy after the city council meeting is over.
• Linda smiles and waves at Darnell, and he waves back.
• Both Linda and Darnell write articles in the town paper.
• Linda speaks before Darnell at the city council meeting.

What is the best evidence that the city council members were moved by Darnell's speech?

• Sweeby and some of his friends shook hands with Darnell.
• Darnell is invited to write another article for the newspaper.
• Several people at the meeting applaud after Darnell finishes 
  speaking.
• Four out of nine members do not vote in favor of building the 
  parking lot