“Into the Icy Water” and “Happy New Year Around the World” Quiz

1. Which part of the author’s beach visit was NOT normal?

• crowds of people on the beach
• lifeguards blowing whistles
• going on the first day of January
• going with friends

2. In the phrase “. . . people take a plunge into icy water,” the word plunge means ______.

• race
• test
• long swim
• fall or jump

3. Where did the first polar plunge events take place? Choose TWO.

• Boston
• New York’s Coney Island
• Denmark
• Texas

4. Why did the author take a polar plunge?

• for his health
• for a fresh start
• to raise money
• to get rid of bad luck

5. Which sentence shows that the author was freezing during the polar plunge?

• “But this beach trip was definitely not normal.”
• “I was excited . . . ”
• “We were only in bathing suits.”
• “I felt like I was being poked with icicles . . .”

6. People in which country believe round objects can bring happiness?

• the Philippines
• Turkey
• Denmark
• the United States

7. The text “Happy New Year Around the World” shows that ______.

• polar plunges are good for your health
• polar plunges are an old tradition
• there are many ways to celebrate the new year
• swimming in cold water can be dangerous

8. Both texts show a tradition that can bring ______.

• better health
• trips to the beach
• good luck
• special food