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Ultramarathons
A marathon is a long-distance running event. A marathon is officially
26.2 miles long. When a running event is longer than 26.2 miles, it is
called an ultramarathon. Over 70,000 people complete
ultramarathons every year.

There are two kinds of ultramarathons. In the first kind of

ultramarathon, runners have to cover a specific distance—50 miles,
for example. In the second kind of ultramarathon, runners have a
limited amount of time, such as 24 hours, to cover as much distance
as they can.

Some ultramarathons are run as loops around a track or

course. Others are run on trails through forests, deserts,
or mountains. Many ultramarathons that are run on trails
include natural obstacles that a runner will have to overcome, such as rocky paths or bad weather.

Ultramarathons are run all over the world. There is an ultramarathon on every continent, even
Antarctica. Because it is so expensive to travel to Antarctica, those who want to participate in an
Antarctic ultramarathon usually have to pay many thousands of dollars. The most famous race
across Antarctica is called The Last Desert Race. Runners pay over $14,000 to compete in this
race. They must also buy special equipment to protect themselves against the extreme cold.

People who want to train to run in an ultramarathon should first gain experience running regular
marathons. Once you have completed a few marathons, you can add more and more distance
every time you run.

Besides practicing, there are a few other things you can do to help you prepare to run an
ultramarathon. First, when you start training, you should always pick a location that is close to
home. Running on a trail close to home is safer because you will be more familiar with the area.
Next, you should make sure to bring a light bag that has snacks, sunscreen, and extra shoes. You
should also remember to drink eight ounces of water or a sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes.
Your pace is also very important. When you are running an ultramarathon, you should start
running more slowly than you do when you run a regular marathon. If you start out running too
fast, you may be too tired to complete the race.

Finally, many people who run ultramarathons say that it is easier and more fun to train with
friends than it is to train alone. So if you are interested in running an ultramarathon, you should
also try to get one of your friends interested in it too. And remember: it is never too early to start
saving up for that race across Antarctica!

1) The main purpose of this passage is to

A. help readers train to run an ultramarathon

B. provide basic information about ultramarathons
C. compare ultramarathons to regular marathons
D. share his or her personal experience with ultramarathons

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2) According to the passage, what is the difference between the two different types
of ultramarathons?

A. One kind of ultramarathon is run indoors. The other kind is run outside in nature.
B. One kind of ultramarathon takes place in the cold. The other kind is run in the heat.
C. One kind of ultramarathon is 26.2 miles long. The other kind is significantly longer.
D. One kind of ultramarathon has a set distance. The other kind has a set time limit.

3) In paragraph 3, we learn that "many ultramarathons that are run on trails include natural
obstacles
." As used in paragraph 3, which of the following also describes a situation that involves an
obstacle?

A. Although Blair's pizza is popular, Blair fails to make a profit due to a new regulation that
limits the number of slices sold.
B. Marty is saving money to buy a house. As a result, he doesn't have very much
disposable income.
C. Tonya works at the hair salon. Nearly every day, someone comes in to get a haircut.
As a result, Tonya does not get much free time.
D. Esmeralda finds a key on the playground. She likes the way it looks and puts it in her
pocket. One day, she meets a boy who claims that the key is his and wants it back.

4) What makes The Last Desert Race so difficult to compete in?

I. It is very expensive to travel to Antarctica.

II. The weather in Antarctica is very cold.
III. It is much longer than other ultramarathons.

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

5) The author offers all of the following training tips EXCEPT for which of the following?

A. Eat plenty of carbohydrates the night before the race.

B. Run on a trail that is close to home.
C. Bring an extra pair of shoes.
D. Do not start off by running too fast.

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6) According to the author, it is better to train for an ultramarathon with friends than to train
alone because

A. it is safer to run ultramarathon with friends

B. you can split the cost of a trip to Antarctica with a friend
C. you typically train harder in the presence of others
D. friends make training more enjoyable

7) Why do you think people participate in ultramarathons? What might motivate them?

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 Name
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The American Crow
The American crow is one of approximately forty species of crows
around the world. Their feathers are completely black, as are their
legs, feet, and beaks. A group of crows is called a flock or a murder.
They mate for life and form large families of up to 15 members.
Offspring usually stay with their parents for four to five years and
help raise their younger siblings.

The American crow has a unique call, a "caw-caw-caw." They

usually nod their heads up and down while making this noise. In
addition to their own call, crows can make many other sounds as
well. They are able to imitate the sounds of other animals, including
human words and the calls of other birds.
American crows are known for their intelligence. While humans are generally unable to tell crows
apart, crows are able to recognize the facial features of individual humans. They are one of the
few species of birds that are able to fashion their own tools. For example, crows can make
"knives" out of sharp grasses and stiff leaves.

The American crow is an omnivore, and will feed on carrion (decaying flesh of dead animals),
seeds, eggs, human food scraps, insects, vegetables, and grain. Crows actively hunt for small
animals such as mice, nestlings, and frogs. In the winter, acorns and nuts are also part of a crow’s
diet.

1) According to information in paragraph 1, which of the following is true of the American crow?

I. They are but one of many species of crow.

II. They are black in color.
III. Their families may include up to 15 members.

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

2) Based on information in paragraph 1, it can be understood that American crow families are
large most likely because they

A. have few predators

B. are omnivorous
C. have a long life expectancy
D. stay with their families for years

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3) The main purpose of paragraph 2 is to

A. explain how the American crow is able to make so many noises

B. illustrate the American crow's ability to imitate human words
C. demonstrate the American crow's range of unique abilities
D. outline the various sounds the American crow is able to make

4) As used in paragraph 3, the word fashion most nearly means

A. create
B. utilize
C. image
D. style

5) In paragraph 3, the author mentions "knives" in order to

A. show how dangerous crows can be

B. exemplify the crow's intelligence
C. support the claim that crows are like humans
D. provide an example of a way crows hunt

6) Based on information in paragraph 4, we can understand that which of the following things
could be included in the diet of an omnivore?

I. chicken
II. lettuce
III. beetles

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

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7) In which of the following locations would a crow be likely to find food that is part of its diet?

I. at a slaughter house
II. in a dumpster
III. on a farm

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

8) Choose another bird. Compare and contrast this bird to the American crow. If you do not know
enough information about a bird, you can imagine that you have discovered a new species of
bird
and make up facts about it.

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 Name
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Potlatch
A potlatch is a ceremony traditionally held by Native Americans of
the Northwest Pacific Coast. This ceremony was practiced in
different ways by different Native peoples, including the Haida and
the Salish, and it continues to be practiced today by some of these
groups. One common feature of the potlatch is that the host
always gives a gift to every guest. This gift giving serves many
functions in society. Historically, the potlatch was a social
occasion, but it also determined a person’s position in society and
allowed the wealth of the community to be shared more equally.

In the past, a potlatch was a big party that lasted several

days. Guests came for the speeches, the singing, the
dancing, and the feast. A good host was expected to provide more food than the guests could
possibly eat. The main event of the potlatch, however, was the gift giving. The host presented gifts to
each guest based on social rank. This means that more important people generally received larger
gifts.

People held potlatches for many different reasons. A potlatch could mark a birth, death, or marriage.
Hosting a potlatch makes a statement to the community about the host’s wealth and social position.
Sometimes a person who had been publicly embarrassed held a potlatch to regain honor in the
community. A potlatch could also be a way for rivals to compete to see who had more wealth.

Ultimately, the potlatch served two main functions: to confirm the social position of the host and to
redistribute the wealth among people in a community. Since potlatches were usually hosted by
wealthier people, they were a way for these people to share their wealth with those less fortunate. In
this way, the potlatch was both a powerful economic and social tool—and of course, it was also a
great party.

1) This passage is mostly about

A. who goes to potlatch

B. what a potlatch is
C. when people hold potlach
D. the gifts at a potlach

2) According to the passage, the main event of a potlatch is the

A. dancing
B. singing
C. feast
D. gift giving

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3) Based on its use in paragraph 1, it can be understood that the word feature belongs to which
of the following word groups?

A. characteristic, part, quality

B. appearance, face, look
C. advantage, benefit, favor
D. law, requirement, rule

4) Which sentence from the passage best supports the idea that a potlatch is a way to share
the wealth of a community more equally?

A. “This gift giving serves many functions in society.”

B. “Hosting a potlatch makes a statement to the community about the host’s wealth and
social position.”
C. “Ultimately, the potlatch served two main functions: to confirm the social position of the
host and to redistribute the wealth among people in a community.”
D. “Since potlatches were usually hosted by wealthier people, they were a way for these
people to share their wealth with those less fortunate.”

5) According to the author, the host of a potlatch always

A. prepares all the food him or herself

B. has been publicly embarrassed
C. gives a gift to every guest
D. is the wealthiest person in the community

6) If a person attending a potlatch were to receive a small gift, this would mean that person is

I. unimportant
II. poor
III. unintelligent

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

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7) Which piece of evidence from the passage supports the author's conclusion that the potlatch
is a way "to confirm the social position of the host"?
A. The guests must rank themselves from most wealthy to least wealthy.
B. The host shows the community how wealthy he or she is.
C. The guests use the potlatch as a way to choose leaders in society.
D. The host has to compete with another host to see who has more wealth.

8) Explain in your own words the practice of the potlatch. Where was it practiced? What was
its function?

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Ostriches
Ostriches are the largest and heaviest birds on earth. They can
grow to be as tall as 9 feet (2.75 meters) and can weigh as much
as 250 pounds (113 kilograms). Even though they have wings,
they cannot fly. Instead, ostriches have long, powerful legs that
help them to run very fast when they feel threatened. Ostriches
use their wings to propel themselves forward and to help them
change direction.

Ostriches are native to Africa, where they still live in desert

areas and dry, open grasslands called savannahs.
Ostriches can also be found in zoos all over the world. Humans
have domesticated ostriches, so now ostriches live on farms in
over a dozen countries, including the
United States , China , India , Japan , Brazil and Costa Rica. They are raised for their meat, skin,
and feathers.

Ostriches like to live in small groups called herds. The male ostrich is called a rooster; the female,
a hen. Baby ostriches are called chicks. The female ostrich lays the eggs, but both the male and
the female take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. An ostrich egg hatches about 42
days after it is laid. An ostrich egg is the largest of all eggs, weighing 3.5 to 5 pounds (about 1600-
2300 grams). It would take an hour and a half to hard boil an ostrich egg!

People used to think that ostriches buried their heads in the sand when in danger, but this is not
true. When ostriches sense danger, they try to hide by holding their heads close to the ground.
The color of their feathers blends in with the color of the sand, which makes it difficult for predators
to see them. Even so, we still use the expression "to bury your head in the sand" to describe
someone who refuses to recognize or deal with a problem.

1) According to the passage, ostriches use their wings to

A. fly faster than most other birds

B. move forward and change direction
C. keep their eggs warm in the nest
D. scare potential predators away

2) According to the passage, ostriches were originally found in

A. Africa
B. Brazil
C. Asia
D. the United States

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3) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best SYNONYM for domesticated?

A. stolen
B. consumed
C. saved
D. tamed

4) In paragraph 3, the author tells us that “it would take an hour and a half to hard boil an
ostrich egg.” This author says this in order to

A. prove the hypothesis that no one could actually eat an ostrich egg
B. reinforce the idea that ostrich eggs are quite rare
C. illustrate the fact that ostrich eggs are very big
D. clarify the point that farmers raise ostriches for meat, not eggs

5) Using the information presented in the passage, we can understand that the expression to
“bury your head in the sand” means to

A. lay your head close to the ground when in danger

B. refuse to acknowledge a problem
C. hide from approaching predators
D. hope for a bad situation to become better

6) The main purpose of this passage is to

A. clarify a commonly misunderstood expression

B. argue that ostriches are smarter than most people think
C. describe how ostriches have come to be found in many different countries
D. provide general facts about ostriches and their habits

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7) Choose another bird. Compare and contrast this bird to the ostrich. If you do not know very
many facts about another bird, feel free to create an imaginary species.

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 Name
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Joey and the Field Guide
Joey’s uncle gave him a book called The Southeast American Flora
and Fauna Field Guide for his birthday. With this book, Joey could
identify many different species of plants and animals, simply by
looking them up. He went for a walk around the pond behind his
apartment complex to test his new gift.
First, Joey saw a plant in the water with purple flowers. He looked
in the plant section of his field guide. Next, he flipped to the section
titled "Water-Dwelling Flowering Plants." There were many plants in
this section. Joey wondered how he would be able to identify which
plant it was. The book instructed Joey to count the number of
leaves on the plant, and then to count the number of petals on the
flower. Joey counted two leaves and four petals. With this
information, Joey was able to successfully identify the plant. It was
a blue flag, a type of wild iris that grows in humid pond areas.

Next, Joey decided that he wanted to try to observe an animal at the pond and then classify it
using his book. He saw a bright red bird with black across its eyes. It was perched on a nearby
tree, chirping. This time Joey searched in the animal part of the field guide under "Calling Birds."
He flipped past the section about black-colored birds, past the section about blue-colored birds,
until he arrived at the section about red-colored birds. There on the page, he saw a red bird with
black across its eyes just like the one in the tree—a cardinal!

Joey enjoyed this new gift. He decided that he would make a habit of using his field guide to
learn about plants and animals in other environments.

1) Based on the title of the book Joey receives, we can understand that Joey most likely lives in the

A. northeast
B. northwest
C. southeast
D. southwest

2) According to the passage, how many petals does a "blue flag" have?

A. two
B. three
C. four
D. six

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3) The part of the field manual titled “Calling Birds” is organized by

A. color
B. name
C. size
D. sound

4) What kind of animal does Joey identify?

A. a crow
B. a cardinal
C. a blue jay
D. a blue flag

5) Based on the information in the passage, the reader can infer that Joey

A. is interested in wildlife
B. is active in the Boy Scouts of America
C. keeps birds as pets
D. lives with his aunt and uncle

6) What kind of a person do you think Joey is? What are his interests? What are his character
traits? How do you know?

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 Name
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Considering Cockroaches
I have had the pleasure of raising many different kinds of animals.
In my 40 years of pet ownership, I have had rabbits, fish, lizards,
dogs, cats, hamsters, and even a pot-bellied pig. As a longtime pet
owner, I therefore must take issue with your recent article, "Dogs
Make the Best Pets" (6/15/11). There is no doubt that dogs are
playful, loyal, and smart. Dogs have been an extremely popular
choice for pet owners for decades. But your article completely
ignored the many benefits of a slightly less popular pet:
cockroaches.

If dogs are such great pets, then why do dog owners have so few
of them? How many dogs does the typical dog owner have? One?
Two? Three? I have over four hundred cockroaches. This number
is, of course, an estimate. I cannot really be certain exactly how
many of those little beauties currently live under my roof. They are
a little shy and like to hide when I turn the lights on, so it can be
difficult to keep an exact count. But my point remains the same: if
dogs really were the "best pets," as your article claims, people
would have more of them.

Furthermore, while I understand all of your points about the benefits of dog ownership, your article
does not address two very important negative factors: the expense and the labor. First, the
expense: purebred dogs can cost thousands of dollars. Even if you adopt a dog from a shelter,
you still have to pay some fees. Moreover, once you get the dog home, you have to pay for food,
toys, and visits to the veterinarian. Second, the labor: dogs require a lot of work. You have to walk
dogs. You have to train dogs not to jump on people. You have to teach dogs not to chew on
furniture.

These problems with expense and labor do not apply to cockroaches. First and foremost,
cockroaches are 100% free. You do not have to pay a breeder or a shelter to adopt a cockroach—
they just walk right into your home! You also do not have to buy any sort of special food for
cockroaches. They are happy to eat your crumbs, garbage, or even cardboard boxes. Try feeding
a cardboard box to a dog! As far as labor goes, there is no pet easier to take care of than a
cockroach. You never need to walk cockroaches, because they prefer to spend all day inside the
house. Plus, cockroaches already know not to jump on people. In fact, they are more than happy
just to scurry into a dark corner when strangers come into the room and turn on the lights.

I am not saying that dogs are all bad. I understand that different people enjoy different kinds of
pets. But your article failed to consider every option for people interested in becoming pet owners.
Cockroaches may not be right for everyone, but they are certainly the best pets that I have ever
had. I hope that this letter helps other readers realize that they should give these tiny creatures a
chance to become their new best friends.

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1) This passage would most likely be found in

A. the letters to the editor section of a newspaper

B. a brochure at a veterinarian’s office about how to choose a pet
C. an encyclopedia article about cockroaches
D. an exotic pet owner’s life story

2) In paragraph 1, the author most likely identifies him or herself as a “longtime pet owner” who
has had many different types of pets in order to

A. inform readers about the different kinds of pets available

B. make readers curious about the author’s background
C. convince readers that exotic animals like lizards and pot-bellied pigs are more interesting
than dogs and cats
D. establish that he or she is an authority on the subject of pets

3) The author apparently believes that cockroaches make the best pets. However, in paragraph
1, the author states that “dogs are playful, loyal, and smart” and then admits that “dogs have
been
an extremely popular choice for pet owners for decades.” The author most likely makes
these statements in order to

I. show that he or she has considered other points of view before voicing an opinion
II. answer the question of why dog owners have so few dogs each
III. show that dogs are ultimately better pets than cockroaches

A. l only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

4) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best synonym for estimate?

A. exaggeration
B. guess
C. mistake
D. amount

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5) The author argues that cockroaches are better than dogs for all of the following reasons EXCEPT

A. You have to take dogs to the veterinarian.

B. Cockroaches are better behaved around strangers.
C. Cockroaches do not bark.
D. Dogs need to be taken for walks.

6) In paragraph 4, the author writes, “Try feeding a cardboard box to a dog!” The author most
likely includes this sentence in order to

A. give dog owners a suggestion for a cheap way to feed their pets
B. illustrate how much cheaper it is to feed a cockroach than it is to feed a dog
C. make fun of dog owners for their poor decision to get a dog
D. provide an example of someone who does not know how to take care of pets properly

7) The author’s main purpose in writing this passage is to

A. criticize the newspaper for publishing the article “Dogs Make the Best Pets”
B. persuade dog owners to give up their dogs and adopt cockroaches instead
C. suggest that cockroaches as pets require the least effort from their owners
D. convince readers looking for a new pet to consider cockroaches

8) Think of another animal that is not usually considered to be a pet. Write a letter modeled after
the one in the passage suggesting that this animal would make a good pet. Be sure to think of
at least three different reasons.

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 Name
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Compost
What do you do with your orange peels and corn cobs after you
are done eating? Most people throw them in the trash can. But
most food leftovers do not have to go into the trash. They are
biodegradable, which means that they can be broken down by
bacteria into natural materials. People who like to garden often
put their fruit and vegetable scraps in a special place known as
a compost pile.

A compost pile is a spot outdoors where food waste can break

down into compost, which gardeners use. This process takes
several months. Once the compost is created, people spread
this mixture in their gardens to add nutrients to the soil. The
compost in the soil helps new plants grow in the garden.
How do you take care of a compost pile? It needs air, water, and heat. Bacteria and other
microorganisms break down the food waste into more basic elements like water and carbon
dioxide. This process requires oxygen, so people use a shovel to turn compost regularly and help
air reach all parts of the pile. The pile cannot dry out, so it should be covered to keep moisture in.
Finally, heat speeds up the process. This means a compost pile should be in the sun for at least
part of the day.

Food leftovers are not the only things that turn into compost. You can also add yard waste like
grass clippings, dried leaves, and straw. In fact, you should add these things to create a healthy
balance in your compost. But do not add any weeds to your compost pile unless you want to grow
weeds in your garden! Sometimes seeds are left behind in the compost. This can be a welcome
surprise if you find a tomato plant sprouting where you had not planted one. The tomato seed was
hiding in the compost, waiting to begin a new life in the garden.

1) According to the passage, gardeners use compost to

A. reduce the amount of trash on the planet

B. break down food waste
C. add nutrients to the soil
D. take care of bacteria and other microorganisms

2) The author explains that to take care of a compost pile you have to

I. turn it regularly
II. cover it
III. make sure it is in the sun for at least part of the day

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

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3) Using the passage as a guide, we can understand that you should not put weeds in a
compost pile because

A. they do not create a healthy balance

B. food leftovers are the only things that turn into compost
C. you do not want surprise plants growing in your garden
D. the seeds can create new weeds in your garden

4) As used in the final paragraph, the word sprouting most nearly means

A. blooming
B. growing
C. appearing
D. hiding

5) Would you be interested in starting your own compost pile? Why or why not?

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 Name

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An Honorable Tradition
The word "clown" is sometimes used to label a person as
foolish. But being called a clown is not always an insult. The
art of clowning is an old, honorable tradition. It includes not
just modern-day circus clowns but court jesters, who
performed for kings or emperors, and theatrical clowns, who
were onstage as early as 500 years ago.

Throughout history, most cultures have had clowns. These

clowns do more than just make people laugh. They are often
shown as powerless fools, but sometimes clowns actually
enjoy great freedom of speech. Using humor, clowns are able
to question their leaders in a way ordinary people might not.
For example, in ancient China, the Emperor Shih Huang-Ti ordered the Great Wall of China to be
built. During its construction, thousands of workers died due to poor working conditions. The
Emperor planned to have the Great Wall painted, which would have resulted in even more lives
lost. The Emperor’s jester, Yu Sze, was the only person who dared to criticize this plan. He did so
jokingly, but his jokes persuaded the Emperor not to paint the Great Wall. For this Yu Sze is now
celebrated as a national hero in China.

Clowns remind us that humor can be one of the most effective ways to influence people. The
clowns of our culture— those who make us laugh and look at life in new ways— may not
represent foolishness at all, but wisdom in disguise.

1) Based on its use in paragraph 1, it can be understood that honorable belongs to which of
the following word groups?

A. smart, wise, intelligent

B. helpful, beneficial, useful
C. ancient, old-fashioned, traditional
D. respected, admirable, praised

2) The author of this passage is most interested in

A. presenting the history of clowns

B. explaining why Yu Sze is a hero
C. discussing the role clowns play in a culture
D. making people feel better about being called a clown

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3) In paragraph 2, the author suggests that sometimes clowns have “great freedom of speech”
compared to ordinary people because clowns are

A. not afraid of their leaders

B. able to use humor to make a point
C. scrutinized more than ordinary people
D. viewed as national heroes

4) In paragraph 3, the author writes, "The Emperor’s jester, Yu Sze, was the only person who
dared to criticize this plan." Like Yu Sze, which of these people also criticizes something?

A. Alice, who paints a picture and enters it into a contest

B. Jeffrey, who wears a silly clown costume to a Halloween party
C. Ed, who points out the problems with the book he just read
D. Rolfe, who studies very hard but still gets bad grades

5) According to the author, Yu Sze persuaded the Chinese Emperor not to

A. build the Great Wall

B. paint the Great Wall
C. mistreat the workers
D. starve the workers

6) In the final paragraph, the author suggests that clowns may represent “wisdom in disguise.”
By this the author means that clowns

A. are smarter than they appear

B. should always be respected
C. show up in unexpected places
D. dress up in costumes

7) According to the author, humor can be one of the most effective ways to

A. entertain people
B. change people
C. influence people
D. understand people

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8) How are modern-day clowns different from ancient jesters such as Yu Sze? How are they
similar?

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 Name

Date

All the Wonders

Soon after Navi became engaged to Roberto, she began learning
about his seemingly magical origins.

She had heard many stories of Roberto’s birth city of Guanajuato,

and they had all captivated her. She was fascinated by the many
exotic tales he told her about the region. At one time, this colonial
city was the source of two-thirds of the world’s silver.

"Our family goes to a beautiful church in Guanajuato," Roberto

had told her while they courted in the United States. "It is said
that silver dust was mixed into the cement building blocks and
that is why the church sparkles."

Navi had been enthralled by the tale. Indeed, Roberto always told
such wonderful stories. She could not wait to see the city and
meet all of Roberto’s family. Navi was excited; she knew that the
trip was sure to be inspirational.

While Roberto had imparted to Navi all the wonders of his beautiful city, it had not occurred to him
to mention any dangers. After all, they were young and they were in love--they lived only in the
moment.

Navi was speechless when she saw the Oratorio de San Felipe. "It really does sparkle!" she
exclaimed. Navi kissed Roberto on the cheek. "I’ll meet you outside," she said, leaving the
church.

She pulled her sketchpad and pencils from her bag and went to sit against one of the glorious
palm trees outside the church. She began sketching the colossal cupola, which extended
mightily, towering three stories above the nave.

Suddenly, a sharp pain took hold of her left shoulder. It felt like an electrical shock. The pain
began to pervade the rest of her body.

She had been stung by a scorpion!

The last thing Navi remembered was Roberto kneeling by her side. She woke up a day later with
him holding her hand and talking to her in a soft voice. "In Mexico," he said, "scorpions are
ubiquitous.
They are everywhere. And they love palm trees," he said, rubbing her hand with tears of relief in
his eyes. "There are more scorpion deaths here than in any other place in the world. I should
have mentioned that before."

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1) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best antonym for captivated?

A. dishonored
B. enthralled
C. repelled
D. saddened

2) Foreshadowing is a literary device characterized by the use of words or phrases that hint
at something—typically something bad—that is going to happen later in the story. This is
done
without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. Using this information as a guide, which of
the following sentences from the passage best demonstrates the use of foreshadowing?

A. "They lived only in the moment."

B. "It had not occurred to him to mention any dangers."
C. "'I’ll meet you outside’” she said, leaving the church."
D. "Suddenly, a sharp pain took hold of her left shoulder."

3) Which of the following words best describes how Roberto felt about after failing to have
warned Navi about scorpions?

A. intrigued, meaning curious or interested

B. perplexed, meaning utterly confused
C. remorseful, meaning regretful or ashamed
D. irate, meaning angry or enraged

4) Which grammatical point of view is used to narrate this passage?

A. first person, characterized as being a person in the passage

B. second person, characterized as speaking directly to the reader
C. third person omniscient, characterized by knowing what all the characters are thinking
D. third person focalized, characterized by knowing only what one character may be thinking

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5) Based on information in the passage, it can be understood that which of the following
conditions may result from a scorpion sting?

I. unconsciousness
II. death
III. paralysis

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

6) As used in the final paragraph, which is the best antonym for ubiquitous?

A. plentiful
B. doubtful
C. small
D. rare

7) Why do you think Roberto never informed Navi of the scorpion risk? Explain your reasoning.

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 Name
Date

A New Parking Garage

There is a plan to build a new parking garage downtown. To
build it, the city will have to cut down seven large elm trees that
are over fifty years old. Some people in town are protesting the
decision to build the parking garage at this location. They do not
want these trees to be cut down.

On the other hand, people argue that this is the only location
that will work. It is the only piece of land large enough for a
parking garage and close to downtown. The city needs more
parking spaces. As it is, people who work or do business
downtown sometimes have to park in nearby neighborhoods and
walk.

One option would be to build the parking garage at this

location and plant a new tree for every tree cut down. If seven trees were cut down, but seven
new trees planted, the city could have a new parking garage without reducing the total number
of trees downtown.

1) Based on its use in paragraph 1, it can be understood that the word protesting belongs to
which of the following word groups?

A. fighting, warring, battling

B. disapproving, objecting, challenging
C. questioning, investigating, wondering
D. complaining, yelling, shouting

2) People who support building the parking garage at this location argue that it is

A. necessary
B. harmless
C. interesting
D. helpful

3) In paragraph 2, we learn that people argue that downtown is the only location that will work
to build the new parking garage. People say that because this location is

A. inexpensive and close to downtown

B. inexpensive and available
C. large enough and close to downtown
D. large enough and available

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4) In the final paragraph, the author

A. takes a side
B. makes a decision
C. teaches a lesson
D. offers a solution

5) Do you think the city should build the parking garage? Why or why not?

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