Skills Practice for CH. X of Chains

Part A: Which statement is a theme of the passage?

•  Taking great risks leads to the possibility of great rewards. 

•  Avoiding risks leads to a peaceful life. 

•  Being sneaky leads to facing severe consequences. 

•  Negative consequences should be avoided if at all possible. 

2. Part B: Which TWO quotations from the passage support the answer to Part A?

•  “If I opened the gate, a judge could order me flogged. If I opened the gate, there was no telling what punishment Madam would demand.”

•   “I did not stuff my feet into my shoes. I’d be faster and quieter without them.”

•  “At the end of the block there were soldiers on watch in front of City Hall; a dozen or so men standing around a campfire, with more dozing on the ground.”

•  “Thank you,” I said, picking up my skirts. “Thank you for everything.”

• “Will this be enough to send us home?” I asked. “Can they get us on a ship tomorrow? I can have Ruth at the docks by sunup.”

3. Which TWO quotations support the inference that Isabel must complete her mission hastily?

• “The kitchen was so dark I walked slowly, my hands feeling in front of me so I wouldn’t bump into the table or knock over a pitcher on the sideboard.”

• “I did not stuff my feet into my shoes. I’d be faster and quieter without them.”

•  “I chased up and down streets and alleys, sticking to the shadows and shying away from the flickering streetlamps.”

•  “This was the end of my quest. I took a deep breath, said a prayer, and rapped on the glass.”

• “The colonel will know who you are and how to find you. Until you hear from him, you’re just the new Lockton girl.”

4. How do paragraphs 9-10 affect the development of the passage?

• By detailing the punishments that Isabel might face

• By highlighting Isabel’s bravery and confidence

• By explaining the process of opening a gate

• By emphasizing how important Isabel’s mission is

5. Reread the following sentence.

 “The horse’s hooves sparked off the cobblestones and sounded like a hammer striking a forge.” 

What does the phrase “sounded like a hammer striking a forge” mean?

•  It means that the horse’s hooves became stuck to the cobblestones.

•  It means that the horse’s hooves were creating a loud noise.

•  It means that the sound of the horse’s hooves were inaudible.

•  It means that the sound of the horse’s hooves was joyful like the sound of bells. 

6. How do the details in paragraph 16 help shape the plot of the passage?

• It resolves the conflict of the passage by showing how Isabel was able to conquer her fears

• It adds suspense to the plot by emphasizing the fear that Isabel experienced while trying to complete her mission

• It creates tension in the story by detailing how Isabel had to maneuver through crowded streets 

• It develops Isabel’s character by showing how she was able to build her self-confidence

7. Which phrase from the passage provides context for the word privy in paragraph 2?

•  “I climbed up the cellar stairs”

•  “A body must follow the call of nature”

•  “every groan of the old wood”

•  “ If Madam or Lockton come across”

8. Part A: How does the author develop Isabel’s perspective in the passage?

• By including details about how loudly Mr. Lockton snores. 

• By describing how crowded the streets of New York are at night

• By revealing how confident she is in her ability to be successful in completing her mission

• By detailing the consequences that she may face and the choices that she makes

9. Part B: Which quotation provides support for the answer to Part A?

•  “ 'But not for long,' I said, trying to sound braver than I felt.”

•  “I had to get us out. But there was no way to get out, no way to run away off an island, no way to run with a little girl […] The secret of Madam’s linen chest was the only key I held.”

•  “I paused at the back door. The sound of Lockton’s snoring came from above, like faraway thunder.”

•  “Relaxed men told loud jokes to each other on the waterfront, a tin whistle played, and a small dog yipped.” 

10. What is the effect of the repetition in paragraphs 7-8?

•  The repetition emphasizes how dangerous it is for Isabel to leave the Lockton house.

•  The repetition highlights Isabel’s bravery and self-confidence in her abilities.

•  The repetition illustrates the importance of Isabel meeting the Lockton’s expectations.

•  The repetition references the small consequences that Isabel will face if she leaves the Lockton house.