Analyzing Literary Text #3

In the wake of a fierce summer storm, Rosie’s family had been without power for days.  Her sister grumbled, wishing to play video games.  Rosie, on the other hand, considered the power outage a rare opportunity.  Rather than retreating in isolation to television or computer screens after dinner, her family now gathered in the living room.  With smiling faces illuminated by warm candlelight, they played board games that had previously been abandoned under mountains of dust.

 

Which of these descriptions symbolizes the family’s renewed bond?

• Board games abandoned under mountains of dust

• Smiling faces illuminated by warm candlelight

• Retreating to television or computer screens

The rain fell on the dark sidewalk reflecting the lights of the city.  It was cold and the fog was setting in.  Marisa trudged down the sidewalk feeling the weight of her backpack.  It had been an especially hard soccer practice this afternoon.  She was already soaked through before she began walking.  Finally, she saw the streetlight near her building, a welcome sight indeed.  She couldn’t wait to share some warm soup with her family.

 

What feeling does the story create?

• Sadness and fear

• Hopefulness for change

• Exhaustion and need of comfort

The famous cowboy Will Rogers was born on an Oklahoma ranch to Cherokee parents.  As a young man, he struggled to make a living rope tricks in the circus.  Rogers’s big break finally came during a performance in New York.  At a rodeo show, a steer escaped and Rogers masterfully roped it.  The story was front-page news, and the resulting publicity made Will Rogers a celebrity practically overnight.

 

How would the story about the steer be different if Will Rogers told it?

• It would probably include details from the newspaper story about Rogers roping the steer.

• It would probably contain more information about how to rope an escaped steer.

• It would probably include Rogers’s thoughts and feelings about roping the steer.

The audience settled down when the mayor came to the microphone.  The mayor asked for people’s comments on creating a new park.  Mrs. Becker said she was in favor of the park because it would have safe, modern equipment.  Mr. McIntosh spoke against the park, saying it would be expensive to build, and the money was needed for roads.  The speakers gave the mayor petitions signed by supporters of each point of view.

 

What is the main idea of this passage?

• Mrs. Becker wants to see a new park built.

• The new park would be too expensive to build.

• People have different opinions about the park.

Many years ago, people predicted the weather using short poems they had memorized.  Being able to predict the weather helped people plan their work schedules and other activities.  This is an example of weather rhyme.

 

When the dew is on the grass,

Rain will never come to pass.

When grass is dry at morning light,

Look for rain before the night.

                What is the main purpose of the passage?

• To entertain readers with an amusing poem.

• To persuade readers to learn more poems.

• To explain how people used weather poems.

Maribel caught one to have a closer look, and it glowed in her hand.  Fireflies are only little beetle, she thought, but somehow, they capture people’s imaginations.  She let the beetle go and went back into the house feeling happy.

 

How does the setting affect Maribel?

• It gives her a place to sit and watch fireflies.  This makes her happy.

• The house is too warm so she goes outside.  There she relaxes.

• It is almost time for her to go to bed.  She goes inside to get ready.

Kenta could hear the steady rhythm of a bouncing basketball outside.  He wanted to play with his friends, but he was getting over a cold and still felt tired.  Kenta’s mom told him to relax, drink some tea, and go to sleep early.

The next day, Kenta felt a lot better.  His mom told him to wait one more day before joining his friends outdoors.

What is the theme of the story?

• Take care of yourself when you are sick.

• Play basketball even if you feel too tired.

• Relax before playing basketball outside.

Miguel and his mom were talking about the student council election.  Miguel thought he might be a good candidate.  Miguel mentioned that he volunteered for neighborhood activities.  He also enjoyed organizing projects for his school club.  He noted that he was the captain of the basketball team too.  His mother agreed Miguel would make a great candidate.  She had only one objection: “When will you have time for homework?”

 

What might be a problem with Miguel as a candidate?

• Miguel does really want to be part of the student council.

• It would be better if he had more experience than he does.

• The reasons he is a good candidate also make him too busy.

Mattie is an enthusiastic bird watcher.  She is never without binoculars and a small journal.  On weekends, she goes on group hikes to identify birds.  Mattie’s family is planning their annual vacation.  Each year, they select and research several possibilities, and then they vote.  This year the choices are a theme park, the nation’s capital, or a lake known for its variety of ducks and geese.

 

Mattie will probably vote for which vacation activity?

• a theme park

• The nation’s capital

• A lake with ducks and geese

Mrs. Ortega had woven the many beautiful fabrics that covered the walls in the Ortega home.  Now, she wanted to acquaint her daughter Mariana with the craft her own mother taught her.  Mrs. Ortega started by showing Mariana how to set up the strings on a loom.  She taught her to pass the yarn across the strings, weaving it over and under them.  Within a few hours, she had helped Mariana weaver her first small square.

 

From the passage, what is true of Mrs. Ortega?

• She values tradition.

• She owns a yarn shop.

• She has little patience.