Dark They Were and Golden-Eyed Practice Selection Test

Which sentence from the story shows that it is a work of science fiction?

• The other passengers whispered away across the Martian meadow, leaving the man alone among his family. (paragraph 1)

• His wife, before him, seemed almost to whirl away in smoke. (paragraph 2)

• The children looked up at him, as people look to the sun to tell what time of their life it is. (paragraph 3)

• But the American-built town of cottages, peach trees, and theaters was silent. (paragraph 264)

Read this sentence from paragraph 1. The other passengers whispered away across the Martian meadow, leaving the man alone among his family. The use of the word alone in the sentence creates a sense of —

• despair

• isolation

• sadness

• fear

The author compares Harry’s children to seeds in paragraph 2. What idea does this comparison suggest?

• Harry is the father of many children.

• Mars is engulfing the children.

• Mars is ready to support new life.

• Harry is concerned about his children.

Which two sentences describe elements of the science fiction genre evident in the story?

• The main character experiences unease.

• The characters begin to transform physically.

• The personalities of the characters begin to change.

• The story takes place in a new human settlement.

• The location of the story is a settlement on Mars.

Choose the phrase that corrects the underlined section in the sentence below. Afraid of what might happen, a rocket was built.

• Harry built a rocket

• it was necessary to build a rocket

• there was reason for Harry to build a rocket

• correct as is

Read this sentence from paragraph 12. “Here we go,” he said—a man standing on the edge of a sea, ready to wade in and be drowned. What feeling or mood does the author’s use of the word drowned create?

• Sorrow

• Panic

• Dread

• Hesitation

The word *submerge* comes from the Latin word *submergere*, which means “to immerse.” What is the meaning of the word *submerged* as it is used in paragraph 21?

• Overwhelmed

• Dampened

• Toppled

• Entered

Reread paragraphs 53–64. What is happening to Cora in these paragraphs?

• She is changing in her feelings toward Harry.

• She is fearful the family will not have enough food.

• She is forgetting how things from Earth should appear.

• She is excited about how the plants have changed.

Choose the phrase that corrects the underlined section in the sentence below. Flecked with yellow, “Harry was upset by Sam’s eyes”.

• it was Sam’s eyes that upset Harry

• Sam’s eyes upset Harry

• there were upsetting changes in Sam’s eyes

• correct as is

The word “leisure” comes from the Latin word “licēre”, meaning “to be permitted.” What is the meaning of the word “leisure” as it is used in paragraph 78?

• Advantage

• Support

• Authority

• Relaxation