Exploring Steinbeck's Literary Elements

What is the name of the river mentioned in the excerpt?

• Mississippi River

• Salinas River

• Colorado River

• Hudson River

Answer explanation

The excerpt specifically mentions the Salinas River, making it the correct choice among the options provided. The other rivers listed are not referenced in the excerpt.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which animal is described as making a "great skittering" sound among the leaves?

• Rabbit

• Lizard

• Dog

• Deer

Answer explanation

The lizard is known for its quick movements and can create a "great skittering" sound as it moves through leaves, unlike the other animals listed, which do not typically make such sounds.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What type of tree is mentioned as having a low horizontal limb?

• Oak

• Willow

• Sycamore

• Pine

Answer explanation

The sycamore tree is known for its distinctive low horizontal limbs, which set it apart from other trees like oak, willow, and pine. This characteristic makes it the correct answer to the question.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

According to the excerpt, what covers the damp flats at night?

• Fallen leaves

• Animal tracks

• Water

• Ash

Answer explanation

The excerpt indicates that at night, the damp flats are covered with animal tracks, which suggests the presence of wildlife. This makes 'animal tracks' the correct answer, as the other options do not fit the context.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the main setting described in the excerpt?

• A city street

• A sandy riverbank near Soledad

• A mountain peak

• A desert

Answer explanation

The excerpt primarily describes a sandy riverbank near Soledad, highlighting its natural features and setting, which distinguishes it from the other options like a city street, mountain peak, or desert.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which literary element is most evident in the description: "the water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight"?

• Simile

• Personification

• Hyperbole

• Irony

Answer explanation

The phrase "the water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight" attributes human-like qualities to water, suggesting it can 'slip' and 'twinkle', which is a clear example of personification.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What can be inferred about the path through the willows and sycamores?

• It is rarely used

• It is used by both children and adults

• It leads to a city

• It is dangerous

Answer explanation

The path through the willows and sycamores is likely frequented by both children and adults, indicating it is a common route for various age groups, suggesting it is safe and accessible.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which detail best shows that the area is a gathering place for people?

• The water is warm

• There is an ash pile made by many fires

• The leaves are crisp

• The rabbits come out in the evening

Answer explanation

The presence of an ash pile made by many fires indicates that people have gathered in the area to build fires, suggesting it is a social or communal spot. This detail directly shows human activity and interaction.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What is the likely reason the limb of the sycamore is "worn smooth"?

• Animals have scratched it

• Water has eroded it

• Many people have sat on it

• It is a rare type of tree

Answer explanation

The limb of the sycamore is likely "worn smooth" because many people have sat on it, causing wear over time. This is more plausible than erosion from water or scratches from animals.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which phrase from the excerpt is an example of imagery?

• "A few miles south of Soledad"

• "the leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering"

• "There is a path through the willows"

• "In front of the low horizontal limb"

Answer explanation

The phrase "the leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering" vividly describes the scene, appealing to the senses of sight and sound, making it a clear example of imagery.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5