Alex has just completed the first draft of his narrative essay. He asked his sister and mother to read his draft and give him feedback, and he used some of their ideas to improve his essay. He is now satisfied with the content of his essay. What should he do next to improve his draft?

	a. Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.
	b. Rewrite his introduction and conclusion.
	c. Make an idea wheel.
	d. Ask one more person to read the draft.

.

An almanac is a reference book of data, which includes information about tides, moon phases, weather forecasts, and:

	a. geographic features.
	b. economic data.
	c. sunrise timetables.
	d. word definitions.

.

Bob is writing a draft of an essay about job hunting tips for teens, trying hard to select the best vocabulary for his audience. What does he need to remember?

	a. Choose words that will work in long sentences.
	b. Choose the simplest, most basic words so his audience will understand him.
	c. Choose long, sophisticated words so his audience will think he is an expert.
	d. Choose words that will help him get to the point of his essay.

.

Creative writing is more of an approach to writing than a genre. Using creative writing skills to develop a story about an event, person, or place that became a special memory for you would fall into the genre of:

	a. fiction.
	b. creative nonfiction.
	c. memoir.
	d. journaling.

.

Emma has begun working on a draft of an argumentative essay. Which of the following advice would be most helpful to her as she works?

	a. She should refer to herself as an expert on her topic, even if she isn’t.
	b. She should provide facts to support her claim.
	c. She should be confident that the audience will agree with everything she says.
	d. She should use statements like “I believe,” “I feel,” and “I think.”

.

Eric has chosen a topic for an argumentative essay and decided which side he wants to argue. What is his best next step?

	a. Writing his counterarguments
	b. Writing his first draft
	c. Reading books and magazines on his topic
	d. Identifying a possible back-up topic

.

In The Swiss Family Robinson, during the family’s first full day on the island, Father insisted that he and Fritz undertake a search for their sailing companions despite being abandoned by them. What does this tell you about his character?

	a. He wants to take revenge on them for abandoning the family.
	b. He wants to make sure they are safe, despite their disloyalty.
	c. He wants to make them help the family build their camp.
	d. He wants to build a jail and imprison them.

.

In The Swiss Family Robinson, how did the island setting affect the characters?

	a. They never became accustomed to the hostile, unwelcoming atmosphere.
	b. They experienced ongoing anxiety because of unpredictable natural disasters.
	c. They grew weak because of the scarcity of food.
	d. They managed to adapt to their surroundings and the challenges they faced.

.

In what way is a speech similar to an essay?

	a. Both are always presented orally to a group.
	b. Both are best completed by a step-by-step process.
	c. Both require extensive amounts of research.
	d. Both tend to be about 100 to 200 words in length.

.

In words such as “supermarket” and “supertanker,” what does the prefix “super-“ mean?

	a. Larger or better
	b. Below
	c. Against
	d. Across

.

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Ann Jacobs is an example of a memoir. What aspect of the slave era does this work address that might not be addressed by a history textbook?

	a. The emotional strain faced by parents who wanted to free their children from slavery
	b. The day-to-day experiences of slaves
	c. The process slaves had to go through to attain freedom
	d. The expectations of slave masters

.

Jack has just finished his draft and is ready to do some proofreading and revising. He looks over his introduction, body, and conclusion to make sure each part is clear and concise. He also makes sure that he has used capital letters properly throughout. What else should he do?

	a. Refer to an editing checklist for additional task-specific things to look at.
	b. Rewrite sentences so they are all approximately the same length.
	c. Identify and correct any errors with grammar and punctuation.
	d. A and C

.

Jeff is revising the first draft of his argumentative essay. He thinks the topic he was assigned is boring, and he worries he won’t be able to convince anyone to agree with his perspective. Of the following tips, which one would help him the most?

	a. To revisit his research and look for new angles that might make his writing more engaging
	b. To make sure he has organized his paper into an introduction, a body, and a conclusion
	c. To review his use of supporting details and facts
	d. To make sure he has made the best possible counterarguments

.

Jess has been assigned a response to a literature essay. She has decided to focus on the character of Sherlock from “The Adventures of the Speckled Band.” She needs to make sure her response includes:

	a. descriptions of important terms, including antagonist, archetype, and foil.
	b. a detailed summary of the story.
	c. the conflict faced by Sherlock Holmes.
	d. a detailed description of the setting.

.

Read the following excerpt from Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.”

“EXTRAORDINARY MURDERS.—This morning, about three o’clock, the inhabitants of the Quartier St. Roch were aroused from sleep by a succession of terrific shrieks, issuing, apparently, from the fourth story of a house in the Rue Morgue, known to be in the sole occupancy of one Madame L’Espanaye, and her daughter Mademoiselle Camille L’Espanaye. After some delay, occasioned by a fruitless attempt to procure admission in the usual manner, the gateway was broken in with a crowbar, and eight or ten of the neighbors entered accompanied by two gendarmes. By this time the cries had ceased; but, as the party rushed up the first flight of stairs, two or more rough voices in angry contention were distinguished and seemed to proceed from the upper part of the house. As the second landing was reached, these sounds, also, had ceased and everything remained perfectly quiet. The party spread themselves and hurried from room to room. Upon arriving at a large back chamber in the fourth story, (the door of which, being found locked, with the key inside, was forced open,) a spectacle presented itself which struck every one present not less with horror than with astonishment.”

“The apartment was in the wildest disorder—the furniture broken and thrown about in all directions. There was only one bedstead; and from this the bed had been removed, and thrown into the middle of the floor. On a chair lay a razor, besmeared with blood. On the hearth were two or three long and thick tresses of grey human hair, also dabbled in blood, and seeming to have been pulled out by the roots. Upon the floor were found four Napoleons, an ear-ring of topaz, three large silver spoons, three smaller of métal d’Alger, and two bags, containing nearly four thousand francs in gold. The drawers of a bureau, which stood in one corner were open, and had been, apparently, rifled, although many articles still remained in them. A small iron safe was discovered under the bed (not under the bedstead). It was open, with the key still in the door. It had no contents beyond a few old letters, and other papers of little consequence.”

Based on its use in the text, you can conclude that a gendarme is:

	a. a law enforcement officer.
	b. a neighbor.
	c. a murderer.
	d. a jeweler.

.

Read the following excerpt from Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.”

“EXTRAORDINARY MURDERS.—This morning, about three o’clock, the inhabitants of the Quartier St. Roch were aroused from sleep by a succession of terrific shrieks, issuing, apparently, from the fourth story of a house in the Rue Morgue, known to be in the sole occupancy of one Madame L’Espanaye, and her daughter Mademoiselle Camille L’Espanaye. After some delay, occasioned by a fruitless attempt to procure admission in the usual manner, the gateway was broken in with a crowbar, and eight or ten of the neighbors entered accompanied by two gendarmes. By this time the cries had ceased; but, as the party rushed up the first flight of stairs, two or more rough voices in angry contention were distinguished and seemed to proceed from the upper part of the house. As the second landing was reached, these sounds, also, had ceased and everything remained perfectly quiet. The party spread themselves and hurried from room to room. Upon arriving at a large back chamber in the fourth story, (the door of which, being found locked, with the key inside, was forced open,) a spectacle presented itself which struck every one present not less with horror than with astonishment.”

“The apartment was in the wildest disorder—the furniture broken and thrown about in all directions. There was only one bedstead; and from this the bed had been removed, and thrown into the middle of the floor. On a chair lay a razor, besmeared with blood. On the hearth were two or three long and thick tresses of grey human hair, also dabbled in blood, and seeming to have been pulled out by the roots. Upon the floor were found four Napoleons, an ear-ring of topaz, three large silver spoons, three smaller of métal d’Alger, and two bags, containing nearly four thousand francs in gold. The drawers of a bureau, which stood in one corner were open, and had been, apparently, rifled, although many articles still remained in them. A small iron safe was discovered under the bed (not under the bedstead). It was open, with the key still in the door. It had no contents beyond a few old letters, and other papers of little consequence.”

Which of the following is an opinion expressed in the passage?

	a. The gateway was broken down with a crowbar.
	b. The apartment was in the wildest disorder.
	c. Madame L’Espanaye and her daughter were the sole occupants.
	d. Two bags contained four thousands francs in gold.

.

Read the following excerpt from Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.”

“EXTRAORDINARY MURDERS.—This morning, about three o’clock, the inhabitants of the Quartier St. Roch were aroused from sleep by a succession of terrific shrieks, issuing, apparently, from the fourth story of a house in the Rue Morgue, known to be in the sole occupancy of one Madame L’Espanaye, and her daughter Mademoiselle Camille L’Espanaye. After some delay, occasioned by a fruitless attempt to procure admission in the usual manner, the gateway was broken in with a crowbar, and eight or ten of the neighbors entered accompanied by two gendarmes. By this time the cries had ceased; but, as the party rushed up the first flight of stairs, two or more rough voices in angry contention were distinguished and seemed to proceed from the upper part of the house. As the second landing was reached, these sounds, also, had ceased and everything remained perfectly quiet. The party spread themselves and hurried from room to room. Upon arriving at a large back chamber in the fourth story, (the door of which, being found locked, with the key inside, was forced open,) a spectacle presented itself which struck every one present not less with horror than with astonishment.”

“The apartment was in the wildest disorder—the furniture broken and thrown about in all directions. There was only one bedstead; and from this the bed had been removed, and thrown into the middle of the floor. On a chair lay a razor, besmeared with blood. On the hearth were two or three long and thick tresses of grey human hair, also dabbled in blood, and seeming to have been pulled out by the roots. Upon the floor were found four Napoleons, an ear-ring of topaz, three large silver spoons, three smaller of métal d’Alger, and two bags, containing nearly four thousand francs in gold. The drawers of a bureau, which stood in one corner were open, and had been, apparently, rifled, although many articles still remained in them. A small iron safe was discovered under the bed (not under the bedstead). It was open, with the key still in the door. It had no contents beyond a few old letters, and other papers of little consequence.”

Besides the obvious violence of the scene, what surprised the observers the most?

	a. It appeared that no one had been injured.
	b. Jewelry and gold were left behind.
	c. The weapon was in the apartment.
	d. The attacker was sitting calmly, waiting for the police.

.

Read the following excerpt from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Ann Jacobs.

I was born a slave; but I never knew it till six years of happy childhood had passed away. My father was a carpenter, and considered so intelligent and skilful in his trade, that, when buildings out of the common line were to be erected, he was sent for from long distances, to be head workman. On condition of paying his mistress two hundred dollars a year, and supporting himself, he was allowed to work at his trade, and manage his own affairs. His strongest wish was to purchase his children; but, though he several times offered his hard earnings for that purpose, he never succeeded. In complexion my parents were a light shade of brownish yellow, and were termed mulattoes. They lived together in a comfortable home; and, though we were all slaves, I was so fondly shielded that I never dreamed I was a piece of merchandise, trusted to them for safe keeping, and liable to be demanded of them at any moment. I had one brother, William, who was two years younger than myself—a bright, affectionate child. I had also a great treasure in my maternal grandmother, who was a remarkable woman in many respects. She was the daughter of a planter in South Carolina, who, at his death, left her mother and his three children free, with money to go to St. Augustine, where they had relatives. It was during the Revolutionary War; and they were captured on their passage, carried back, and sold to different purchasers. Such was the story my grandmother used to tell me; but I do not remember all the particulars.

Harriet stated that her father wished to “purchase” his children. What do you think the main effect of this would be?

	a. He would no longer have to give his mistress money.
	b. The children would be able to travel with him when he worked.
	c. The children’s grandmother would have been very happy.
	d. The children would be free from slavery.

.

Read the following excerpt from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

On the decisive day the doctor came, and said he hoped I had made a wise choice.

“I am ready to go to the plantation, sir,” I replied.

“Have you thought how important your decision is to your children?” said he.

I told him I had.

“Very well. Go to the plantation, and my curse go with you,” he replied. “Your boy shall be put to work, and he shall soon be sold; and your girl shall be raised for the purpose of selling well. Go your own ways!” He left the room with curses, not to be repeated.

As I stood rooted to the spot, my grandmother came and said, “Linda, child, what did you tell him?”

I answered that I was going to the plantation.

“Must you go?” said she. “Can’t something be done to stop it?”

I told her it was useless to try; but she begged me not to give up. She said she would go to the doctor, and remind him how long and how faithfully she had served in the family, and how she had taken her own baby from her breast to nourish his wife. She would tell him I had been out of the family so long they would not miss me; that she would pay them for my time, and the money would procure a woman who had more strength for the situation than I had. I begged her not to go; but she persisted in saying, “He will listen to me, Linda.” She went, and was treated as I expected. He coolly listened to what she said, but denied her request. He told her that what he did was for my good, that my feelings were entirely above my situation, and that on the plantation I would receive treatment that was suitable to my behavior.

My grandmother was much cast down. I had my secret hopes; but I must fight my battle alone. I had a woman’s pride, and a mother’s love for my children; and I resolved that out of the darkness of this hour a brighter dawn should rise for them. My master had power and law on his side; I had a determined will. There is might in each.

Harriet has decided to escape. What do you think motivates her?

	a. Her grandmother is ill, and Harriet needs to find a cure.
	b. She fears she will be beaten by the doctor.
	c. Her children will be taken from her.
	d. She wants to try and earn money.

.

Read the following excerpt from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

On the decisive day the doctor came, and said he hoped I had made a wise choice.

“I am ready to go to the plantation, sir,” I replied.

“Have you thought how important your decision is to your children?” said he.

I told him I had.

“Very well. Go to the plantation, and my curse go with you,” he replied. “Your boy shall be put to work, and he shall soon be sold; and your girl shall be raised for the purpose of selling well. Go your own ways!” He left the room with curses, not to be repeated.

As I stood rooted to the spot, my grandmother came and said, “Linda, child, what did you tell him?”

I answered that I was going to the plantation.

“Must you go?” said she. “Can’t something be done to stop it?”

I told her it was useless to try; but she begged me not to give up. She said she would go to the doctor, and remind him how long and how faithfully she had served in the family, and how she had taken her own baby from her breast to nourish his wife. She would tell him I had been out of the family so long they would not miss me; that she would pay them for my time, and the money would procure a woman who had more strength for the situation than I had. I begged her not to go; but she persisted in saying, “He will listen to me, Linda.” She went, and was treated as I expected. He coolly listened to what she said, but denied her request. He told her that what he did was for my good, that my feelings were entirely above my situation, and that on the plantation I would receive treatment that was suitable to my behavior.

My grandmother was much cast down. I had my secret hopes; but I must fight my battle alone. I had a woman’s pride, and a mother’s love for my children; and I resolved that out of the darkness of this hour a brighter dawn should rise for them. My master had power and law on his side; I had a determined will. There is might in each.

What do Harriet’s grandmother’s words tell you about her?

	a. She still holds a grudge against Harriet for her earlier actions.
	b. She feels Harriet will be able to handle the situation on her own.
	c. She agrees with the doctor’s plans.
	d. She wants to help Harriet in any way she can.

.

Read the following excerpt from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

On the decisive day the doctor came, and said he hoped I had made a wise choice.

“I am ready to go to the plantation, sir,” I replied.

“Have you thought how important your decision is to your children?” said he.

I told him I had.

“Very well. Go to the plantation, and my curse go with you,” he replied. “Your boy shall be put to work, and he shall soon be sold; and your girl shall be raised for the purpose of selling well. Go your own ways!” He left the room with curses, not to be repeated.

As I stood rooted to the spot, my grandmother came and said, “Linda, child, what did you tell him?”

I answered that I was going to the plantation.

“Must you go?” said she. “Can’t something be done to stop it?”

I told her it was useless to try; but she begged me not to give up. She said she would go to the doctor, and remind him how long and how faithfully she had served in the family, and how she had taken her own baby from her breast to nourish his wife. She would tell him I had been out of the family so long they would not miss me; that she would pay them for my time, and the money would procure a woman who had more strength for the situation than I had. I begged her not to go; but she persisted in saying, “He will listen to me, Linda.” She went, and was treated as I expected. He coolly listened to what she said, but denied her request. He told her that what he did was for my good, that my feelings were entirely above my situation, and that on the plantation I would receive treatment that was suitable to my behavior.

My grandmother was much cast down. I had my secret hopes; but I must fight my battle alone. I had a woman’s pride, and a mother’s love for my children; and I resolved that out of the darkness of this hour a brighter dawn should rise for them. My master had power and law on his side; I had a determined will. There is might in each.

Which of the following pairs of words gives the best description of Harriet’s character?

	a. Loving and disappointed
	b. Brave and determined
	c. Stubborn and disorganized
	d. Hopeless and angry

.

Read the following excerpt from South: Journal of His Last Expedition to Antarctica by Ernest Shackleton.

We said good-bye to the sun on May 1 and entered the period of twilight that would be followed by the darkness of midwinter. The sun by the aid of refraction just cleared the horizon at noon and set shortly before 2 p.m. A fine aurora in the evening was dimmed by the full moon, which had risen on April 27 and would not set again until May 6. The disappearance of the sun is apt to be a depressing event in the polar regions, where the long months of darkness involve mental as well as physical strain. But the Endurance’s company refused to abandon their customary cheerfulness, and a concert in the evening made the Ritz a scene of noisy merriment, in strange contrast with the cold, silent world that lay outside. “One feels our helplessness as the long winter night closes upon us. By this time, if fortune had smiled upon the Expedition, we would have been comfortably and securely established in a shore base, with depots laid to the south and plans made for the long march in the spring and summer. Where will we make a landing now? It is not easy to forecast the future. The ice may open in the spring, but by that time we will be far to the north-west. I do not think we shall be able to work back to Vahsel Bay. There are possible landing-places on the western coast of the Weddell Sea, but can we reach any suitable spot early enough to attempt the overland journey next year? Time alone will tell. I do not think any member of the Expedition is disheartened by our disappointment. All hands are cheery and busy, and will do their best when the time for action comes. In the meantime we must wait.”

What was Shackelton’s primary purpose in writing this paragraph?

	a. To explain the changes brought on by the arrival of midwinter
	b. To show that they were optimistic in spite of their challenges
	c. To entertain the reader with a story of how they enjoyed their free time
	d. To describe the weather conditions

.

Read the following excerpt from South: Journal of His Last Expedition to Antarctica by Ernest Shackleton.

We said good-bye to the sun on May 1 and entered the period of twilight that would be followed by the darkness of midwinter. The sun by the aid of refraction just cleared the horizon at noon and set shortly before 2 p.m. A fine aurora in the evening was dimmed by the full moon, which had risen on April 27 and would not set again until May 6. The disappearance of the sun is apt to be a depressing event in the polar regions, where the long months of darkness involve mental as well as physical strain. But the Endurance’s company refused to abandon their customary cheerfulness, and a concert in the evening made the Ritz a scene of noisy merriment, in strange contrast with the cold, silent world that lay outside. “One feels our helplessness as the long winter night closes upon us. By this time, if fortune had smiled upon the Expedition, we would have been comfortably and securely established in a shore base, with depots laid to the south and plans made for the long march in the spring and summer. Where will we make a landing now? It is not easy to forecast the future. The ice may open in the spring, but by that time we will be far to the north-west. I do not think we shall be able to work back to Vahsel Bay. There are possible landing-places on the western coast of the Weddell Sea, but can we reach any suitable spot early enough to attempt the overland journey next year? Time alone will tell. I do not think any member of the Expedition is disheartened by our disappointment. All hands are cheery and busy, and will do their best when the time for action comes. In the meantime we must wait.”

What effect did the rising of the full moon have on the small amount of light available to Shackelton and his crew?

	a. It glowed brightly for them.
	b. None.
	c. It blocked out the little bit of remaining sun.
	d. The moon was only full for a day, so it was not a big problem.

.

Read the following excerpt from South: Journal of His Last Expedition to Antarctica by Ernest Shackleton.

We said good-bye to the sun on May 1 and entered the period of twilight that would be followed by the darkness of midwinter. The sun by the aid of refraction just cleared the horizon at noon and set shortly before 2 p.m. A fine aurora in the evening was dimmed by the full moon, which had risen on April 27 and would not set again until May 6. The disappearance of the sun is apt to be a depressing event in the polar regions, where the long months of darkness involve mental as well as physical strain. But the Endurance’s company refused to abandon their customary cheerfulness, and a concert in the evening made the Ritz a scene of noisy merriment, in strange contrast with the cold, silent world that lay outside. “One feels our helplessness as the long winter night closes upon us. By this time, if fortune had smiled upon the Expedition, we would have been comfortably and securely established in a shore base, with depots laid to the south and plans made for the long march in the spring and summer. Where will we make a landing now? It is not easy to forecast the future. The ice may open in the spring, but by that time we will be far to the north-west. I do not think we shall be able to work back to Vahsel Bay. There are possible landing-places on the western coast of the Weddell Sea, but can we reach any suitable spot early enough to attempt the overland journey next year? Time alone will tell. I do not think any member of the Expedition is disheartened by our disappointment. All hands are cheery and busy, and will do their best when the time for action comes. In the meantime we must wait.”

According to Shackelton, if the Endurance had not become trapped in ice, he and his crew would instead be:

	a. setting up their base camp and making plans to travel across the region in the spring.
	b. finished with their tasks and ready to go home.
	c. able to work their way back to Vahsel Bay.
	d. sailing on to their next destination.

.

Read the following excerpt from South: Journal of His Last Expedition to Antarctica by Ernest Shackleton.

We said good-bye to the sun on May 1 and entered the period of twilight that would be followed by the darkness of midwinter. The sun by the aid of refraction just cleared the horizon at noon and set shortly before 2 p.m. A fine aurora in the evening was dimmed by the full moon, which had risen on April 27 and would not set again until May 6. The disappearance of the sun is apt to be a depressing event in the polar regions, where the long months of darkness involve mental as well as physical strain. But the Endurance’s company refused to abandon their customary cheerfulness, and a concert in the evening made the Ritz a scene of noisy merriment, in strange contrast with the cold, silent world that lay outside. “One feels our helplessness as the long winter night closes upon us. By this time, if fortune had smiled upon the Expedition, we would have been comfortably and securely established in a shore base, with depots laid to the south and plans made for the long march in the spring and summer. Where will we make a landing now? It is not easy to forecast the future. The ice may open in the spring, but by that time we will be far to the north-west. I do not think we shall be able to work back to Vahsel Bay. There are possible landing-places on the western coast of the Weddell Sea, but can we reach any suitable spot early enough to attempt the overland journey next year? Time alone will tell. I do not think any member of the Expedition is disheartened by our disappointment. All hands are cheery and busy, and will do their best when the time for action comes. In the meantime we must wait.”

Of the following events from the passage, which happened last?

	a. Shackelton and his crew decided to work back to Vahsel Bay.
	b. Shackelton and his men said good-bye to the sun.
	c. The full moon rose on April 27.
	d. Shackelton reflected on their journey.

.

Read the following excerpt from The Book of Art for Young People.

The churches of the eleventh and twelfth centuries in Florence were lined with marble, and a great picture frequently stood above the altar. It is difficult to realize to-day that the processes which we call oil and water-colour painting were not then invented, and that no shops existed to sell canvases and paints ready for use. The artist painted upon a wooden panel, which he had himself to make, plane flat, and cut to the size he needed. In order to get a surface upon which he could paint, he covered the panel with a thin coating of plaster which it was difficult to lay on absolutely flat. Upon the plaster he drew the outline of the figures he was going to paint, and filled in the background with a thin layer of gold leaf, such as is to-day used for gilding frames. After the background had been put in, it was impossible to correct the outline of the figures, and the labour of preparing the wooden panel and of laying the gold was so great that an artist would naturally not make risky attempts towards something new, lest he should spoil his work. In the Jerusalem Chamber of Westminster Abbey there is a thirteenth-century altar-piece of this kind, and you can see the strips of vellum that were used to cover the joins of the different pieces of wood forming the panel, beneath the layer of plaster, which has now to a great extent peeled off.

Based on the passage, what important idea did the authors hope to convey?

	a. Gold leaf is still used today on frames.
	b. Oil paints had not been invented in the 11th and 12th centuries.
	c. The process of creating a painting involved multiple steps.
	d. Marble was used to beautify churches in Florence.

.

Read the following excerpt from The Book of Art for Young People.

The churches of the eleventh and twelfth centuries in Florence were lined with marble, and a great picture frequently stood above the altar. It is difficult to realize to-day that the processes which we call oil and water-colour painting were not then invented, and that no shops existed to sell canvases and paints ready for use. The artist painted upon a wooden panel, which he had himself to make, plane flat, and cut to the size he needed. In order to get a surface upon which he could paint, he covered the panel with a thin coating of plaster which it was difficult to lay on absolutely flat. Upon the plaster he drew the outline of the figures he was going to paint, and filled in the background with a thin layer of gold leaf, such as is to-day used for gilding frames. After the background had been put in, it was impossible to correct the outline of the figures, and the labour of preparing the wooden panel and of laying the gold was so great that an artist would naturally not make risky attempts towards something new, lest he should spoil his work. In the Jerusalem Chamber of Westminster Abbey there is a thirteenth-century altar-piece of this kind, and you can see the strips of vellum that were used to cover the joins of the different pieces of wood forming the panel, beneath the layer of plaster, which has now to a great extent peeled off.

From the passage, you can infer that a possible meaning of the word “gilding” is:

	a. to paint with gold.
	b. to build.
	c. to make stronger.
	d. to outline figures.

.

Read the following excerpt from The Book of Art for Young People.

After the Black Death, an awful plague that swept through Europe in 1349, a large part of the land of England was given up to sheep grazing, because the population had diminished, and it took fewer people to look after sheep than it did to till the soil. Although this had been an evil in the beginning, it became afterwards a benefit, for English wool was sold at an excellent price to the merchants of Flanders, who worked it up into cloth, and in their turn sold that all over Europe with big profits. The larger merchants who regulated the wool traffic were prosperous, and so too the landowners and princes whose property thus increased in value. The four sons of King John became very wealthy men. Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, by marrying the heiress of the Count of Flanders acquired the Flemish territory and the wealth obtained from the wool trade and manufacture there. Berry and Anjou were great provinces in France yielding a large revenue to their two Dukes. Each of these princes employed several artists to illuminate books for him in the most splendid way; they built magnificent châteaux, and had tapestries and paintings made to decorate their walls. They employed many sculptors and goldsmiths, and all gave each other as presents works of art executed by their favourite artists. In the British Museum there is a splendid gold and enamel cup that John, Duke of Berry, caused to be made for his brother King Charles V.; to see it would give you a good idea of the costliness and elaboration of the finest work of that day. The courts of these four brothers were centres of artistic production in all kinds—sculpture, metal-work, tapestries, illuminated manuscripts and pictures, and there was a strong spirit of rivalry among the artists to see who could make the loveliest things, and among the patrons as to which could secure the best artists in his service.

Here is a student’s partially complete note-taking outline:

Impact of the Black Death
1. More land given to sheep grazing
a. Wool became plentiful
b.
c. Landowner property increased in value

If you were completing the above outline, what would be the best detail to complete item b?

	a. Artists competed with each other for work.
	b. A large percentage of the population died.
	c. Merchants made a lot of money.
	d. Phillip the Bold married an heiress.

.

Read the following excerpt from The Book of Art for Young People.

After the Black Death, an awful plague that swept through Europe in 1349, a large part of the land of England was given up to sheep grazing, because the population had diminished, and it took fewer people to look after sheep than it did to till the soil. Although this had been an evil in the beginning, it became afterwards a benefit, for English wool was sold at an excellent price to the merchants of Flanders, who worked it up into cloth, and in their turn sold that all over Europe with big profits. The larger merchants who regulated the wool traffic were prosperous, and so too the landowners and princes whose property thus increased in value. The four sons of King John became very wealthy men. Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, by marrying the heiress of the Count of Flanders acquired the Flemish territory and the wealth obtained from the wool trade and manufacture there. Berry and Anjou were great provinces in France yielding a large revenue to their two Dukes. Each of these princes employed several artists to illuminate books for him in the most splendid way; they built magnificent châteaux, and had tapestries and paintings made to decorate their walls. They employed many sculptors and goldsmiths, and all gave each other as presents works of art executed by their favourite artists. In the British Museum there is a splendid gold and enamel cup that John, Duke of Berry, caused to be made for his brother King Charles V.; to see it would give you a good idea of the costliness and elaboration of the finest work of that day. The courts of these four brothers were centres of artistic production in all kinds—sculpture, metal-work, tapestries, illuminated manuscripts and pictures, and there was a strong spirit of rivalry among the artists to see who could make the loveliest things, and among the patrons as to which could secure the best artists in his service.

The Book of Art for Young People was a sophisticated text. Of the following strategies, which would be the most helpful to readers as they work their way through this text, or others like it?

	a. Keep a dictionary nearby, and look up all confusing words.
	b. Keep rereading chapters until they make sense.
	c. Pay close attention to chapter headings and artwork, and take notes if needed.
	d. Stop reading the book if it’s too hard.

.

Read the following excerpt from the short story, “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” which features a dialogue between Holmes and Ms. Helen Stoner, who is hoping to hire him.

Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied.

“These are very deep waters,” said he; “pray go on with your narrative.”

“Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage—Percy Armitage—the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your advice.”

“You have done wisely,” said my friend. “But have you told me all?”

“Yes, all.”

Why does Helen need Holmes’s help?

	a. She is getting married soon and wants her problem solved before her wedding.
	b. Her home is in need of repairs, and she is afraid the home is unsafe.
	c. She does not know how her sister died, and she wants the mystery solved.
	d. Her stepfather scares her, and she fears he will not allow her to marry.

.

Read the following excerpt from The Swiss Family Robinson.

‘I will spare you a description,’ said my wife, ‘of our first day’s occupations; truth to tell, I spent the time chiefly in anxious thought and watching your progress and signals. I rose very early this morning, and with the utmost joy perceiving your signal that all was right, hastened to reply to it, and then while my sons yet slumbered, I sat down and began to consider how our position could be improved.

‘“For it is perfectly impossible,” said I to myself, “to live much longer where we are now. The sun beats burningly the livelong day on this bare rocky spot, our only shelter is this poor tent, beneath the canvas of which the heat is even more oppressive than on the open shore. Why should not I and my little boys exert ourselves as well as my husband and Fritz? Why should not we too try to accomplish something useful?

‘“If we could but exchange this melancholy and unwholesome abode for a pleasant shady dwelling-place, we should all improve in health and spirits. Among those delightful woods and groves where Fritz and his father saw so many charming things, I feel sure there must be some little retreat where we could establish ourselves comfortably; there must be, and I will find it.”

Based on the passage, what might a reasonable prediction involve?

	a. The family being rescued very soon
	b. The family starving to death
	c. The family deciding to build a raft to escape
	d. The family doing what they could to survive and appreciate being alive

.

Read the following excerpt from The Swiss Family Robinson.

‘I will spare you a description,’ said my wife, ‘of our first day’s occupations; truth to tell, I spent the time chiefly in anxious thought and watching your progress and signals. I rose very early this morning, and with the utmost joy perceiving your signal that all was right, hastened to reply to it, and then while my sons yet slumbered, I sat down and began to consider how our position could be improved.

‘“For it is perfectly impossible,” said I to myself, “to live much longer where we are now. The sun beats burningly the livelong day on this bare rocky spot, our only shelter is this poor tent, beneath the canvas of which the heat is even more oppressive than on the open shore. Why should not I and my little boys exert ourselves as well as my husband and Fritz? Why should not we too try to accomplish something useful?

‘“If we could but exchange this melancholy and unwholesome abode for a pleasant shady dwelling-place, we should all improve in health and spirits. Among those delightful woods and groves where Fritz and his father saw so many charming things, I feel sure there must be some little retreat where we could establish ourselves comfortably; there must be, and I will find it.”

What is this passage mostly about?

	a. The mother’s misery with their situation
	b. The mother’s strategy for getting them off the island
	c. The mother’s decision to make the best of things
	d. The mother’s anger at being shipwrecked

.

Read the following excerpt from “The Belief in Ghosts in Greece and Rome.”

Ghost stories play a very subordinate part in classical literature, as is only to be expected. The religion of the hard-headed, practical Roman was essentially formal, and consisted largely in the exact performance of an elaborate ritual. His relations with the dead were regulated with a care that might satisfy the most litigious of ghosts, and once a man had carried out his part of the bargain, he did not trouble his head further about his deceased ancestors, so long as he felt that they, in their turn, were not neglecting his interests. Yet the average man in Rome was glad to free himself from burdensome and expensive duties towards the dead that had come down to him from past generations, and the ingenuity of the lawyers soon devised a system of sham sales by which this could be successfully and honourably accomplished.

Greek religion, it is true, found expression to a large extent in mythology; but the sanity of the Greek genius in its best days kept it free from excessive superstition. Not till the invasion of the West by the cults of the East do we find ghosts and spirits at all common in literature.

The belief in apparitions existed, however, at all times, even among educated people. The younger Pliny, for instance, writes to ask his friend Sura for his opinion as to whether ghosts have a real existence, with a form of their own, and are of divine origin, or whether they are merely empty air, owing their definite shape to our superstitious fears.

How did the ancient Romans feel about the possible presence of their ancestors’ ghosts?

	a. They worshipped their ancestors’ ghosts on holy days.
	b. They were largely ignorant of any presence.
	c. They took care every day to avoid offending them.
	d. They were happy to pay money to free themselves from any obligation to their ancestors’ ghosts.

.

Read the following excerpt from “The Belief in Ghosts in Greece and Rome.”

Ghost stories play a very subordinate part in classical literature, as is only to be expected. The religion of the hard-headed, practical Roman was essentially formal, and consisted largely in the exact performance of an elaborate ritual. His relations with the dead were regulated with a care that might satisfy the most litigious of ghosts, and once a man had carried out his part of the bargain, he did not trouble his head further about his deceased ancestors, so long as he felt that they, in their turn, were not neglecting his interests. Yet the average man in Rome was glad to free himself from burdensome and expensive duties towards the dead that had come down to him from past generations, and the ingenuity of the lawyers soon devised a system of sham sales by which this could be successfully and honourably accomplished.

Greek religion, it is true, found expression to a large extent in mythology; but the sanity of the Greek genius in its best days kept it free from excessive superstition. Not till the invasion of the West by the cults of the East do we find ghosts and spirits at all common in literature.

The belief in apparitions existed, however, at all times, even among educated people. The younger Pliny, for instance, writes to ask his friend Sura for his opinion as to whether ghosts have a real existence, with a form of their own, and are of divine origin, or whether they are merely empty air, owing their definite shape to our superstitious fears.

Greek religion:

	a. was strongly influenced by superstition.
	b. was almost identical to the Roman religion.
	c. was heavily based on mythology.
	d. was based on the belief that ghosts should be honored.

.

Read the following excerpt from “The Belief in Ghosts in Greece and Rome.”

Another noticeable difference is that apparitions in most well-authenticated modern ghost stories are of a comforting character, whereas those in the ancient world are nearly all the reverse. This difference we may attribute to the entire change in the aspect of the future life which we owe to modern Christianity. As we have seen, there was little that was comforting in the life after death as conceived by the old pagan religions, while in medieval times the horrors of hell were painted in the most lurid colours, and were emphasized more than the joys of heaven.

According to the text, how do ancient and modern ghosts compare to each other?

	a. Ghosts from both time periods are kindly.
	b. Ghosts from both time periods are terrifying.
	c. Modern ghosts tend to be calm; ancient ghosts tend to be frightening.
	d. Modern ghosts tend to be scary; ancient ghosts tend to be comforting.

.

Read the following excerpt from “The Belief in Ghosts in Greece and Rome.”

Another noticeable difference is that apparitions in most well-authenticated modern ghost stories are of a comforting character, whereas those in the ancient world are nearly all the reverse. This difference we may attribute to the entire change in the aspect of the future life which we owe to modern Christianity. As we have seen, there was little that was comforting in the life after death as conceived by the old pagan religions, while in medieval times the horrors of hell were painted in the most lurid colours, and were emphasized more than the joys of heaven.

What similarity existed between pagan and medieval perceptions of death?

	a. Both featured benevolent, kind spirits.
	b. Both showed death as a colorful event.
	c. Both ignored the possible existence of hell.
	d. Both emphasized horror and misery in the afterlife.

.

Read the following excerpt from “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” found in Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Now it chanced that an old soldier, who had been wounded in battle and could fight no longer, passed through the country where this king reigned: and as he was travelling through a wood, he met an old woman, who asked him where he was going. ‘I hardly know where I am going, or what I had better do,’ said the soldier; ‘but I think I should like very well to find out where it is that the princesses dance, and then in time I might be a king.’ ‘Well,’ said the old dame, ‘that is no very hard task: only take care not to drink any of the wine which one of the princesses will bring to you in the evening; and as soon as she leaves you pretend to be fast asleep.’

Then she gave him a cloak, and said, ‘As soon as you put that on you will become invisible, and you will then be able to follow the princesses wherever they go.’ When the soldier heard all this good counsel, he determined to try his luck: so he went to the king, and said he was willing to undertake the task.

He was as well received as the others had been, and the king ordered fine royal robes to be given him; and when the evening came he was led to the outer chamber. Just as he was going to lie down, the eldest of the princesses brought him a cup of wine; but the soldier threw it all away secretly, taking care not to drink a drop. Then he laid himself down on his bed, and in a little while began to snore very loud as if he was fast asleep. When the twelve princesses heard this they laughed heartily; and the eldest said, ‘This fellow too might have done a wiser thing than lose his life in this way!’ Then they rose up and opened their drawers and boxes, and took out all their fine clothes, and dressed themselves at the glass, and skipped about as if they were eager to begin dancing. But the youngest said, ‘I don't know how it is, while you are so happy I feel very uneasy; I am sure some mischance will befall us.’ ‘You simpleton,’ said the eldest, ‘you are always afraid; have you forgotten how many kings’ sons have already watched in vain? And as for this soldier, even if I had not given him his sleeping draught, he would have slept soundly enough.’

Why did the old soldier decide to risk his life to become a king?

	a. He had a death wish.
	b. He wanted to invade the neighboring kingdoms.
	c. He was no longer able to earn a living.
	d. He wanted to be married to a princess.

.

Read the following excerpt from “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” found in Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Now it chanced that an old soldier, who had been wounded in battle and could fight no longer, passed through the country where this king reigned: and as he was travelling through a wood, he met an old woman, who asked him where he was going. ‘I hardly know where I am going, or what I had better do,’ said the soldier; ‘but I think I should like very well to find out where it is that the princesses dance, and then in time I might be a king.’ ‘Well,’ said the old dame, ‘that is no very hard task: only take care not to drink any of the wine which one of the princesses will bring to you in the evening; and as soon as she leaves you pretend to be fast asleep.’

Then she gave him a cloak, and said, ‘As soon as you put that on you will become invisible, and you will then be able to follow the princesses wherever they go.’ When the soldier heard all this good counsel, he determined to try his luck: so he went to the king, and said he was willing to undertake the task.

He was as well received as the others had been, and the king ordered fine royal robes to be given him; and when the evening came he was led to the outer chamber. Just as he was going to lie down, the eldest of the princesses brought him a cup of wine; but the soldier threw it all away secretly, taking care not to drink a drop. Then he laid himself down on his bed, and in a little while began to snore very loud as if he was fast asleep. When the twelve princesses heard this they laughed heartily; and the eldest said, ‘This fellow too might have done a wiser thing than lose his life in this way!’ Then they rose up and opened their drawers and boxes, and took out all their fine clothes, and dressed themselves at the glass, and skipped about as if they were eager to begin dancing. But the youngest said, ‘I don't know how it is, while you are so happy I feel very uneasy; I am sure some mischance will befall us.’ ‘You simpleton,’ said the eldest, ‘you are always afraid; have you forgotten how many kings’ sons have already watched in vain? And as for this soldier, even if I had not given him his sleeping draught, he would have slept soundly enough.’

From the passage above, what can you infer about the fate of men who'd already attempted to learn where the princess danced?

	a. They failed and were imprisoned.
	b. They succeeded but were scared of the eldest princess.
	c. They failed and were put to death.
	d. They succeeded and chose to allow the princesses to keep dancing.

.

Read the following excerpt from “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” found in Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Now it chanced that an old soldier, who had been wounded in battle and could fight no longer, passed through the country where this king reigned: and as he was travelling through a wood, he met an old woman, who asked him where he was going. ‘I hardly know where I am going, or what I had better do,’ said the soldier; ‘but I think I should like very well to find out where it is that the princesses dance, and then in time I might be a king.’ ‘Well,’ said the old dame, ‘that is no very hard task: only take care not to drink any of the wine which one of the princesses will bring to you in the evening; and as soon as she leaves you pretend to be fast asleep.’

Then she gave him a cloak, and said, ‘As soon as you put that on you will become invisible, and you will then be able to follow the princesses wherever they go.’ When the soldier heard all this good counsel, he determined to try his luck: so he went to the king, and said he was willing to undertake the task.

He was as well received as the others had been, and the king ordered fine royal robes to be given him; and when the evening came he was led to the outer chamber. Just as he was going to lie down, the eldest of the princesses brought him a cup of wine; but the soldier threw it all away secretly, taking care not to drink a drop. Then he laid himself down on his bed, and in a little while began to snore very loud as if he was fast asleep. When the twelve princesses heard this they laughed heartily; and the eldest said, ‘This fellow too might have done a wiser thing than lose his life in this way!’ Then they rose up and opened their drawers and boxes, and took out all their fine clothes, and dressed themselves at the glass, and skipped about as if they were eager to begin dancing. But the youngest said, ‘I don't know how it is, while you are so happy I feel very uneasy; I am sure some mischance will befall us.’ ‘You simpleton,’ said the eldest, ‘you are always afraid; have you forgotten how many kings’ sons have already watched in vain? And as for this soldier, even if I had not given him his sleeping draught, he would have slept soundly enough.’

Which word best describes the eldest princess?

	a. Patient
	b. Sneaky
	c. Kind
	d. Angry

.

Read the following excerpt from “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” found in Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Now it chanced that an old soldier, who had been wounded in battle and could fight no longer, passed through the country where this king reigned: and as he was travelling through a wood, he met an old woman, who asked him where he was going. ‘I hardly know where I am going, or what I had better do,’ said the soldier; ‘but I think I should like very well to find out where it is that the princesses dance, and then in time I might be a king.’ ‘Well,’ said the old dame, ‘that is no very hard task: only take care not to drink any of the wine which one of the princesses will bring to you in the evening; and as soon as she leaves you pretend to be fast asleep.’

Then she gave him a cloak, and said, ‘As soon as you put that on you will become invisible, and you will then be able to follow the princesses wherever they go.’ When the soldier heard all this good counsel, he determined to try his luck: so he went to the king, and said he was willing to undertake the task.

He was as well received as the others had been, and the king ordered fine royal robes to be given him; and when the evening came he was led to the outer chamber. Just as he was going to lie down, the eldest of the princesses brought him a cup of wine; but the soldier threw it all away secretly, taking care not to drink a drop. Then he laid himself down on his bed, and in a little while began to snore very loud as if he was fast asleep. When the twelve princesses heard this they laughed heartily; and the eldest said, ‘This fellow too might have done a wiser thing than lose his life in this way!’ Then they rose up and opened their drawers and boxes, and took out all their fine clothes, and dressed themselves at the glass, and skipped about as if they were eager to begin dancing. But the youngest said, ‘I don't know how it is, while you are so happy I feel very uneasy; I am sure some mischance will befall us.’ ‘You simpleton,’ said the eldest, ‘you are always afraid; have you forgotten how many kings’ sons have already watched in vain? And as for this soldier, even if I had not given him his sleeping draught, he would have slept soundly enough.’

What word best describes the youngest princess?

	a. friendly
	b. arrogant
	c. clever
	d. cautious

.

Read the following excerpt, also from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

Where could I go? I was afraid to return to my master’s. I walked on recklessly, not caring where I went, or what would become of me. When I had gone four or five miles, fatigue compelled me to stop. I sat down on the stump of an old tree. The stars were shining through the boughs above me. How they mocked me, with their bright, calm light! The hours passed by, and as I sat there alone a chilliness and deadly sickness came over me. I sank on the ground. My mind was full of horrid thoughts. I prayed to die; but the prayer was not answered. At last, with great effort I roused myself, and walked some distance further, to the house of a woman who had been a friend of my mother. When I told her why I was there, she spoke soothingly to me; but I could not be comforted. I thought I could bear my shame if I could only be reconciled to my grandmother. I longed to open my heart to her. I thought if she could know the real state of the case, and all I had been bearing for years, she would perhaps judge me less harshly. My friend advised me to send for her. I did so; but days of agonizing suspense passed before she came. Had she utterly forsaken me? No. She came at last. I knelt before her, and told her the things that had poisoned my life; how long I had been persecuted; that I saw no way of escape; and in an hour of extremity I had become desperate. She listened in silence. I told her I would bear any thing and do any thing, if in time I had hopes of obtaining her forgiveness. I begged of her to pity me, for my dead mother's sake. And she did pity me. She did not say, “I forgive you”; but she looked at me lovingly, with her eyes full of tears. She laid her old hand gently on my head, and murmured, “Poor child! Poor child!”

Why do you think Harriet could not be comforted by her mother’s friend?

	a. Her mother’s friend refused to speak to Harriet’s grandmother on her behalf.
	b. Her mother’s friend was no substitute for her grandmother.
	c. Her mother’s friend reminded Harriet too much of her own mother.
	d. Her mother’s friend wasn’t very kind to her.

.

Read the following excerpt, also from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

Where could I go? I was afraid to return to my master’s. I walked on recklessly, not caring where I went, or what would become of me. When I had gone four or five miles, fatigue compelled me to stop. I sat down on the stump of an old tree. The stars were shining through the boughs above me. How they mocked me, with their bright, calm light! The hours passed by, and as I sat there alone a chilliness and deadly sickness came over me. I sank on the ground. My mind was full of horrid thoughts. I prayed to die; but the prayer was not answered. At last, with great effort I roused myself, and walked some distance further, to the house of a woman who had been a friend of my mother. When I told her why I was there, she spoke soothingly to me; but I could not be comforted. I thought I could bear my shame if I could only be reconciled to my grandmother. I longed to open my heart to her. I thought if she could know the real state of the case, and all I had been bearing for years, she would perhaps judge me less harshly. My friend advised me to send for her. I did so; but days of agonizing suspense passed before she came. Had she utterly forsaken me? No. She came at last. I knelt before her, and told her the things that had poisoned my life; how long I had been persecuted; that I saw no way of escape; and in an hour of extremity I had become desperate. She listened in silence. I told her I would bear any thing and do any thing, if in time I had hopes of obtaining her forgiveness. I begged of her to pity me, for my dead mother's sake. And she did pity me. She did not say, “I forgive you”; but she looked at me lovingly, with her eyes full of tears. She laid her old hand gently on my head, and murmured, “Poor child! Poor child!”

Why does Harriet need her grandmother’s approval so much?

	a. She was the only person who had always been there for Harriet.
	b. She was going to give Harriet money to escape.
	c. She actually didn’t care about her grandmother’s approval.
	d. She needed help from her grandmother to raise her children.

.

Read the following passage, the end of “Little Red-Cap,” also known as “Little Red Riding Hood.”

It also related that once when Red-Cap was again taking cakes to the old grandmother, another wolf spoke to her, and tried to entice her from the path. Red-Cap, however, was on her guard, and went straight forward on her way, and told her grandmother that she had met the wolf, and that he had said ‘good morning’ to her, but with such a wicked look in his eyes, that if they had not been on the public road she was certain he would have eaten her up. ‘Well,’ said the grandmother, ‘we will shut the door, that he may not come in.’ Soon afterwards the wolf knocked, and cried: ‘Open the door, grandmother, I am Little Red-Cap, and am bringing you some cakes.’ But they did not speak, or open the door, so the grey-beard stole twice or thrice round the house, and at last jumped on the roof, intending to wait until Red-Cap went home in the evening, and then to steal after her and devour her in the darkness. But the grandmother saw what was in his thoughts. In front of the house was a great stone trough, so she said to the child: ‘Take the pail, Red-Cap; I made some sausages yesterday, so carry the water in which I boiled them to the trough.’ Red-Cap carried until the great trough was quite full. Then the smell of the sausages reached the wolf, and he sniffed and peeped down, and at last stretched out his neck so far that he could no longer keep his footing and began to slip, and slipped down from the roof straight into the great trough, and was drowned. But Red-Cap went joyously home, and no one ever did anything to harm her again.

What effect did the ongoing threat of being attacked by wolves have on Red-Cap and her grandmother?

	a. It caused Red-Cap to stop visiting her grandmother.
	b. It taught the grandmother to be prepared for future wolf visits.
	c. It resulted in wolves being afraid to come near Grandmother’s cottage.
	d. It made Red-Cap decide to learn to cook sausages.

.

Read the following passage, the end of “Little Red-Cap,” also known as “Little Red Riding Hood.”

It also related that once when Red-Cap was again taking cakes to the old grandmother, another wolf spoke to her, and tried to entice her from the path. Red-Cap, however, was on her guard, and went straight forward on her way, and told her grandmother that she had met the wolf, and that he had said ‘good morning’ to her, but with such a wicked look in his eyes, that if they had not been on the public road she was certain he would have eaten her up. ‘Well,’ said the grandmother, ‘we will shut the door, that he may not come in.’ Soon afterwards the wolf knocked, and cried: ‘Open the door, grandmother, I am Little Red-Cap, and am bringing you some cakes.’ But they did not speak, or open the door, so the grey-beard stole twice or thrice round the house, and at last jumped on the roof, intending to wait until Red-Cap went home in the evening, and then to steal after her and devour her in the darkness. But the grandmother saw what was in his thoughts. In front of the house was a great stone trough, so she said to the child: ‘Take the pail, Red-Cap; I made some sausages yesterday, so carry the water in which I boiled them to the trough.’ Red-Cap carried until the great trough was quite full. Then the smell of the sausages reached the wolf, and he sniffed and peeped down, and at last stretched out his neck so far that he could no longer keep his footing and began to slip, and slipped down from the roof straight into the great trough, and was drowned. But Red-Cap went joyously home, and no one ever did anything to harm her again.

How was this wolf visit different from the earlier visit?

	a. Red-Cap was able to escape.
	b. Grandmother did not have to count on anyone to save them.
	c. Red-Cap and Grandmother were able to eat the wolf.
	d. This time the wolf was scared away.

.

Sami has just been assigned a narrative essay about a time when she learned an important lesson. As she begins the prewriting stage, which of the following would probably NOT be helpful to her?

	a. Creating an idea wheel
	b. Writing the first draft
	c. Clustering
	d. Freewriting

.

The Arabian Nights is an example of a frame story. A frame story is a literary technique in which:

	a. a story is represented in pictures, which are then placed in a frame.
	b. a story is written in two separate parts, like two episodes of a television show.
	c. a story or stories are included within one larger story.
	d. a story is inspired by a photograph or painting.

.

The suffix “-ology,” as in the words biology, psychology, and phrenology, means:

	a. a school subject.
	b. one who studies.
	c. the study of.
	d. brain and science related.

.

Though they represent different genres, what is the common thread woven through both “Winter Months” and The Swiss Family Robinson?

	a. Similar settings of deserted tropical islands
	b. Similar themes of facing challenges and surviving difficult situations
	c. Similar main characters, who must work hard to keep their families safe
	d. Similar resolutions, where the main characters are rescued by strangers and returned home

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What do “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “The Adventures of the Speckled Band” have in common?

	a. They both feature an unusual detective and his trusty sidekick.
	b. They both feature murders committed by a surprising suspect.
	c. They are both set during the mid-1900s.
	d. They are both set in England.

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What does a word’s connotation refer to?

	a. Its synonyms and antonyms
	b. The feelings or emotions the word brings up
	c. Its dictionary definition
	d. Its origin

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What is a verbal?

	a. It means the same as “verb.”
	b. It’s another word for “speech.”
	c. It’s a noun or adjective formed from a verb.
	d. It’s a type of writing project.

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When subjects and verbs agree in a sentence, the reader is able to understand how those parts of the sentence relate to each other. In each of the following sentences, identify the sentence that shows proper application of subject-verb agreement.

	a. Her shoes and socks was lost at the bowling alley.
	b. My brother need to go for math tutoring.
	c. The clock is running five minutes fast.
	d. All my sisters wants new jeans for Christmas.

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When subjects and verbs agree in a sentence, the reader is able to understand how those parts of the sentence relate to each other. In each of the following sentences, identify the sentence that shows proper application of subject-verb agreement.

	a. The computer breaks once a month, it seems.
	b. Apple and oranges is my favorite fruits.
	c. Mom and Dad bought a new car and wants to take a road trip.
	d. Rover, my dog, has to go to the vet and gets his shots.

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When subjects and verbs agree in a sentence, the reader is able to understand how those parts of the sentence relate to each other. In each of the following sentences, identify the sentence that shows proper application of subject-verb agreement.

	a. A screwdriver and a hammer is a good tool to keep handy.
	b. The kitchen table have been in need of a coat of paint.
	c. My shirt became caught on a nail, and it tore.
	d. My bicycle had a flat, so my sister fix the tire.

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When subjects and verbs agree in a sentence, the reader is able to understand how those parts of the sentence relate to each other. In each of the following sentences, identify the sentence that shows proper application of subject-verb agreement.

	a. Extra homework cause extra stress.
	b. Three bananas are needed for the recipe.
	c. After school my friends goes to the diner.
	d. Plants or flowers is a great way to beautify a yard.

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Which group of prefixes should be used to indicate numbers?

	a. semi-, under-
	b. dis-, non-, super-
	c. mid-, mis-, re-
	d. bi-, tri-, quad-

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Which of the following is not a rule regarding capitalization?

	a. Seasons are capitalized.
	b. Specific places are capitalized.
	c. Peoples’ names are capitalized.
	d. Titles of books and movies are capitalized.

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Which of the following provides the best example of alliteration?

	a. His head spun with ideas.
	b. The moon shines and smiles from above.
	c. The hummingbirds hovered happily throughout the garden.
	d. My hunger was so intense I thought I could eat for days.

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Which of the following provides the best example of metaphor?

	a. I was lost in a sea of nameless faces.
	b. He is as sad as a lost puppy.
	c. The cold air sliced into my bare hands.
	d. My mother thinks tomatoes are healthier than broccoli.

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Which of the following provides the best example of personification?

	a. I’m as blind as a bat without my glasses.
	b. The dog thinks he’s a person.
	c. The warm tea comforted me at the end of a long day.
	d. The smell of freshly cut grass was lovely.

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Which of the following provides the best example of simile?

	a. My sister is well-behaved, but she’s not an angel.
	b. The lion licked his lips.
	c. I feel like going to the park after school.
	d. My best friend was nervous but looked as cool as a cucumber.

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Which of the following sentences shows the correct use of capital letters?

	a. General Douglas MacArthur high school houses 700 students.
	b. My grandmother lives with aunt Olivia and my Cousin Blair.
	c. We are going to purchase a new car, possibly a Honda pilot.
	d. I have two textbooks for math, Introduction to Algebra and Advanced Geometry.

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Which of the following sentences uses commas properly?

	a. My best friend is in drama club and, my sister is in the orchestra.
	b. New York City is known for its sports teams, its theater and its famous landmarks.
	c. I need to finish my homework, walk, the dog and clean my room.
	d. Cheese, milk, butter and yogurt are examples, of dairy products.

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Which of the following sentences uses the proper end punctuation?

	a. Can you please fold the laundry when you get home from school!
	b. I’m a math teacher and the soccer coach?
	c. Where should I go to get the best price on school supplies.
	d. How do I make pancakes from scratch?

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Which of the following sentences would most likely have an exclamation point as its end punctuation?

	a. When is the best time to call
	b. How much money do you need
	c. Hit a home run
	d. The library books are due today.

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Which of the following sets has all words spelled correctly?

	a. bassk, battery, behavior
	b. genuine, geusture, geologey
	c. leisure, liaison, library
	d. semester, semminary, session

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Which of the following sets has all words spelled correctly?

	a. adjust, aerial, affects
	b. encouragment, encyclopedia, epic
	c. inept, influence, innocense
	d. withold, wrestle, written

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Which of the following statements about theme in literature is incorrect?

	a. Theme is the message the author is trying to send.
	b. Theme is not the same as topic; a theme must be expressed in a sentence, not a word.
	c. A story can have more than one theme.
	d. The story’s theme should be evident after reading the first page.

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Which of the following would make a good possible memoir topic?

	a. The connection between global warming and hurricanes
	b. George Washington’s childhood
	c. Your opinion on the issue of animal testing
	d. Your first day of kindergarten

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Which sentence features an example of passive voice?

	a. All the students successfully completed the exam.
	b. The train arrived a half hour late.
	c. The electricity was turned off by the power company.
	d. My mother and my sister went shopping for new sneakers.

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Which sentence shows correct use of the comma?

	a. We are new in town, and need to find, the library, the pharmacy and the supermarket.
	b. It rained all morning, but we aren’t cancelling baseball practice.
	c. The play, is Saturday night and we need to have more rehearsals.
	d. All the cats at the shelter have been vaccinated and treated, for illness.

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Which sentence shows the best use of the active voice?

	a. All of the students in the class were given a lengthy research assignment.
	b. The coach organized two tournaments for the soccer team.
	c. My mother was given a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers.
	d. The room was cleaned and painted by the maintenance crew.

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Why are counterarguments a key part of the argumentative essay?

	a. They show that the writer has thought deeply about the issue being argued.
	b. They help the reader stay on the writer’s side by anticipating what the other side might say.
	c. They are a good way to add additional details to the essay.
	d. A and B

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Why is it important to think about your audience when you write an essay?

	a. To help you choose an appropriate topic
	b. To help you choose appropriate vocabulary
	c. To help you know how long to make your essay
	d. A and B

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You have the opportunity to interview a well-known author. You should do all of the following before the interview except:

	a. create a list of open-ended questions.
	b. create a list of yes-or-no questions.
	c. research your author.
	d. prepare yourself to take notes.

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You read several texts during this course. Which one of the following represents the best example of creative writing?

	a. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
	b. The Book of Art for Young People
	c. Kurt Vonnegut’s World War II letter to his family
	d. “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”

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You spent the summer driving across the country with your family and had a great time. When you got home, you decided to write about the trip. Which genre would be your least likely choice?

	a. Personal essay
	b. Memoir
	c. Travel writing
	d. Research paper

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You studied a brief tutorial on the elements of active listening and why it is important. Active listening involves reacting and responding as well as taking in information. Which of the following is an acceptable response while listening actively?

	a. Try not to look at the speaker so as to minimize distractions.
	b. Ask the speaker to clarify anything you do not understand.
	c. Share your opinion respectfully.
	d. B and C

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You were asked to preview The Book of Art for Young People before reading it. Previewing is a strategy that helps you begin thinking about the big ideas in the text you are about to read. Of the following, which of these activities is NOT an effective step in the strategy?

	a. Study the Table of Contents and note chapter titles.
	b. Examine any illustrations or photos, taking time to scan captions.
	c. Read any summary or synopsis information on or inside the book jacket.
	d. Identify all the unfamiliar words, look them up, and copy the definitions into your notebook.

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“Reading for plot” would help a reader write a response that:

	a. describes and gives an analysis of a story’s setting.
	b. identifies the story’s characters and explains their motivations.
	c. shows how the story’s events, conflicts, and actions fit together.
	d. explains how all the story’s characters connect and relate to each other.

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