"How Much Does Steam Cost?"

Part A: Which is a theme of the passage? (RL.8.2)

• Society must support those in need.

• One cannot always rely on one's friends.

• Greed should not be rewarded.

• Riches are a poor substitute for happiness.

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RL.8.2

Part B: Which quotation best supports the theme chosen in Part A?

• "The rich fragrance of steaming stew drifting on the air meant much more to Abdul Ali who, with an empty belly, was slowly walking past the teahouse on his way home." (paragraph 6)

• "Abdul Ali shook his fists angrily and refused. 'Pay for steam? I will not pay for steam!' He also knew that he could not pay, for he had no money at all." (paragraph 20)

• "So it is. Then I will pay the bill for Abdul Ali,' replied the mullah firmly, surprising the two arguing men. 'Masud, you quoted the price for a full bowl of stew, but I will pay for the steam that flavored Abdul Ali's dry bread." (paragraph 20)

• "Steam and sound are like brothers who float together upon the air. The sound of the coins clinking on the table have paid you well for the steam of the stew rising from your kettle." (paragraph 24)

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RL.8.1

Read the sentence from paragraph 5: He thought, "Such a welcome sanctuary from the scorching sun, I'll nap here for just a moment."

How does the phrase "welcome sanctuary from the scorching sun" affect the passage?

• It characterizes Mullah Nasreddin as fearful.

• It develops a humorous tone in the story.

• It contributes to the setting's peaceful atmosphere.

• It implies that Mullah Nasreddin dislikes his job.

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RL.8.4

Which synonym best fits the connotation of the word relent as it is used in paragraph 15?

• come around

• give up

• go along with

• show weakness

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L.8.5

Which quotation reveals that Abdul Ali is resourceful and intelligent? (RL.8.3)

• "Closing his eyes, he immersed himself in the aromatic steam rising into the air. 'Mutton, onions, garlic, beans, fresh herbs...' He named all the ingredients of the stew he smelled, almost tasting them in his mouth as his stomach rumbled." (paragraph 6)

• "Carefully and quietly, he took the dry loaf in his hands and held it above the kettle directly in the path of the aromatic steam, where it could soak in all of the mouthwatering flavors of the stew that seemed to be wasted as they disappeared into the air." (paragraph 7)

• "Now you must pay me for what you took!' he demanded."

  "For what I took?' responded Abdul Ali in a voice so loud that Mullah Nasreddin started to stir from his slumber." (paragraphs 9-10)

• "He appealed to him, 'Gracious Mullah, wise teacher and judge, you be the one to decide this dilemma between us. Should a hungry man pay for steam that rises from the kettle into the air?"

  "Yes, gracious Mullah, O Wise One, you decide." (paragraphs 16-17)

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RL.8.3

Which quotation reveals Abdul Ali's motive for using Masud's steam?

• "Abdul Ali held the bread, which seemed such a coarse and tasteless meal, under his arm." (paragraph 7)

• "For what I took?' responded Abdul Ali in a voice so loud that Mullah Nasreddin started to stir from his slumber." (paragraph 10)

• "Masud would not relent and continued his demand, his hand outstretched." (paragraph 15)

• "The mullah turned and asked, 'What do you charge for steam, Masud?' The teahouse owner quoted a price that was the same as for a full bowl of stew." (paragraph 19)

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RL.8.3