NAFS Diagnostic Test

1. How does paragraph 9 contribute to the development of a theme in the story?

• a. by suggesting that Aven often observes herself

• b. by describing the care Aven puts into her appearance

• c. by showing Aven is worried about what people think

• d. by illustrating how Aven prepares herself for a performance

2. How does paragraph 13 mainly develop the character of the narrator?

• a. by informing the reader that the guitar belonged to the narrator’s mother

• b. by telling the reader that the narrator found the guitar in a storage closet

• c. by informing the reader that the narrator’s parents were watching her

• d. by telling the reader about the type of shoes the narrator wears while performing

3. What is the effect of the narrator’s repetition of the word “me” in paragraph 14?

• a. She thinks the audience is impressed with her ability to play the guitar.

• b. She hopes people will notice the objects which belong to her mother.

• c. She thinks it is remarkable that she is performing in front of an audience.

• d. She hopes that people appreciate how much she practiced during the week.

4. What does the word “insignificant” mean as it is used in paragraph 15?

• a. talentless

• b. brave

• c. unimportant

• d. accepted

5. Which phrase from paragraph 15 best conveys a theme of the story?

• a. “the fireworks exploded”

• b. “the lights of the city”

• c. “millions of people”

• d. “the light was in me”

6. Which detail best represents how Aven changes at the end of the story?

• a. “. . . plucked at a string with one not quite steady toe.” (paragraph 13)

• b. “. . . I saw that all their eyes were on me . . .” (paragraph 14)

• c. “. . . arms around each other, swaying to the music.” (paragraph 14)

• d. “I felt as big as the giant saguaro . . .” (paragraph 15)

7. Read this phrase from paragraph 15.

I felt like I was shining . . .

Which sentence best represents the meaning of this phrase?

• a. Aven feels proud of who she is.

• b. Aven is looking forward to more performances.

• c. Aven understands she is more important than others.

• d. Aven is relieved the audience enjoyed her performance.

9. How does Milo respond to the discovery of the map?

• a. with slight nervousness

• b. with intense curiosity

• c. with extreme astonishment

• d. with mild amusement

8. What does the word “brittle” mean as it is used in paragraph 3?

• a. very valuable

• b. cold to the touch

• c. easily broken

• d. hard to read

10. How does the plot change in paragraphs 8 through 10?

• a. Someone arrives in search of Milo.

• b. Milo hides the wallet in the shed.

• c. Someone arrives in search of the wallet.

• d. A guest departs because of the snow.