The Eve of the Emperor Penguin (Comprehension)

What happened as Annie was taking pictures of some penguins?

• A giant bird circled above them and dove toward the penguins.

• Jack saw a big truck and some men sticking a hose through the ice.

• She heard a gunshot, and Jack saw two people sneaking away.

• A baby penguin slid down an ice shelf and looked as if it was hurt.

Answer explanation

As Annie was taking pictures of the penguins, a giant bird circled above them and dove toward the penguins, indicating a potential threat to the animals.

Nancy asked Jack and Annie if they were part of a group that was --

• studying formations in ice caves

• researching global warming

• looking for meteorites

• going up to a volcano

Answer explanation

Nancy asked Jack and Annie if they were part of a group going up to a volcano, indicating their involvement in a specific expedition. The other options do not align with the context of their inquiry.

What was one rule Nancy told the people on the bus?

• Keep googles on

• Don't drink the melted glacier ice

• Don't dress too warmly, or you'll be very cold at night.

• Never, ever touch or disturb the wildlife.

Answer explanation

Nancy emphasized the importance of not disturbing wildlife, as it is crucial for their safety and the ecosystem. This rule helps protect both the animals and the people observing them.

Nancy warned the other people to let her know if they ---

• found any slippery areas on the mountain

• thought they might have frostbite

• felt any symptoms from altitude sickness

• heard any strange sounds near the volcano

Answer explanation

Nancy's warning about altitude sickness indicates concern for health risks at high elevations. Among the options, 'felt any symptoms from altitude sickness' directly relates to this concern, making it the correct choice.

Ali told Jack that while driving the snowmobile, he must --

• be aware of large chunks of ice in the soft snow

• never go fast no matter how safe he felt

• watch out for lava that spits from the crater (volcano)

• stop and let the engine run if it had any problems

Answer explanation

The correct choice is to watch out for lava that spits from the crater (volcano) because it indicates a unique hazard associated with snowmobiling in volcanic areas, unlike the other options which are less relevant.

What happened after Jack used the wand while on the icy ledge with Annie?

• They heard a rumble, and a large pile of snow fell on them.

• A chunk of ice fell from above and plugged up a narrow gap.

• The ice broke, and the fell down into a dark gap.

• A helicopter arrived, and they escaped from the ledge.

Answer explanation

After Jack used the wand, the ice broke, causing them to fall into a dark gap. This choice directly describes the consequence of their actions on the icy ledge, making it the correct answer.

What did the emperor penguin tell the kids about the baby penguin?

• She was an orphan whose parents had been lost in a storm.

• She was hungry, and there was no food left in the cave for her.

• She had burned one of her flippers on a lava bomb.

• She was stubborn and didn't want to learn to skate.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that the baby penguin was an orphan, which explains her situation. The other options do not accurately reflect the context of the baby penguin's story told by the emperor penguin.

After Annie told Nancy why the children were in Antarctica, Annie --

• pretended to feel dizzy so Nancy would leave on the snowmobile to get help.

• waved the wand and wished for Nancy to believe her

• showed Margan's rhyme to Nancy to convince her of the truth

• pointed to a couple and told Nancy they were her and Jack's parents.

Answer explanation

Annie pointed to a couple and claimed they were her and Jack's parents, which was a direct attempt to convince Nancy of the truth about the children's presence in Antarctica, making this the correct choice.

What did Annie do just before she and Jack went back to the tree house?

• She made a wish that everyone could have Merlin's happiness.

• She looked at Morgan's poem and saw that it had changed.

• She drew a picture of Penny and gave it to Teddy.

• She took a picture of Morgan, Teddy, and Kathleen.

Answer explanation

Just before returning to the tree house, Annie took a picture of Morgan, Teddy, and Kathleen, capturing a special moment together.

What was the fourth secret of happiness?

• Learn from those who have lived before you.

• Take care of someone who needs you.

• Enjoy the treasures of Earth.

• Always stay close to your family.

Answer explanation

Taking care of someone who needs you fosters connection and purpose, which are key components of happiness. This choice emphasizes the importance of relationships and altruism in achieving a fulfilling life.