No one spoke. Even the bravest men and women were silent. Everyone had helped to make the mochi, but no one wanted to face that frightful yamanba. Finally, a small woman stepped up. "I'm the oldest here," she said. "I've lived a good life, and I'm ready to die if I must. I will go and try." Voices suddenly wrapped round her, thanking her again and again. Two young men who knew the mountain were chosen to guide her, and they all set off the next day. Higher and higher and higher they climbed. Soon, the wind howled and pushed against them."We can't take anymore," cried the two men as the wind bounced them around. "Have courage!" the old woman shouted, clinging to a pine tree. But when the wind finally died down, the old woman couldn't find the men. They had run away.Use the story excerpt to answer the question.

Question

Based on the sensory imagery in the excerpt, what is most likely true about the woman in this scene?

(1 point)
Responses

She is surprised the others are struggling so much.
She is surprised the others are struggling so much.

She is struggling more than the others, but she is too stubborn to admit it.
She is struggling more than the others, but she is too stubborn to admit it.

She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.
She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.

She is thankful the young men agreed to guide her way.

Answer 1

Based on the sensory imagery in the excerpt, the most likely true statement about the woman in this scene is:

She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.

This is evident from her willingness to step up and face the challenge despite the fear evident in the silence of the others. Her declaration of being ready to die if necessary shows both her fear and her determination to confront the yamanba.

Answer 2

Use the paragraphs to answer the question.

Finally, Sam had had enough. “I’m at the marina,” she texted. “Is everything okay?”

Miles away on the other side of the lake, Mel replied. “So am I. Where are you?”

What does irony accomplish in the paragraphs?

(1 point)
Responses

It presents information to the reader that the characters do not yet know.
It presents information to the reader that the characters do not yet know.

It creates an unexpected outcome that has a comedic effect.
It creates an unexpected outcome that has a comedic effect.

It highlights a conflict between characters.
It highlights a conflict between characters.

It shows that one character is sarcastic, and the other character is unaware.

Answer 3

The best answer regarding what irony accomplishes in the paragraphs is:

It presents information to the reader that the characters do not yet know.

The irony lies in the fact that both Sam and Mel think they are at the same location (the marina) without realizing that they are miles apart on opposite sides of the lake, creating a situation where the reader understands the misunderstanding before the characters do.

Answer 4

The puppies tripped over themselves when the gate opened. Everyone laughed, watching them roll over each other in their effort to reach the food dish.

“They’re very coordinated,” the owner laughed.

Question
Use the story excerpt to answer the question.

What does the owner really mean when they say, “They’re very coordinated”?

(1 point)
Responses

They are not usually like this.
They are not usually like this.

They are a clumsy mess.
They are a clumsy mess.

They are advanced for their age.
They are advanced for their age.

They are impressive.

Answer 5

The best answer regarding what the owner really means when they say, “They’re very coordinated” is:

They are a clumsy mess.

The statement is likely meant humorously, as the context indicates that the puppies are tripping over themselves and rolling over each other, which suggests they are not genuinely coordinated, but rather chaotic and clumsy in their excitement.

Answer 6

Once, there was a great mystery in our town. Every lawn on the main street turned brown overnight. There’d been no strange weather, no unseasonable chill nor oddities in rainfall. The neighborhood was abuzz with rumors. Some thought it was just an odd case of bad luck, but others believed it was an intentional act.

The town called on a local detective to investigate. At the town meeting, there were hours of citizens sharing their thoughts, suspicions, and ideas. At the end of the meeting, a citizen asked the detective what she knew based on all the testimony.

“If there’s one thing I know, it’s that I know nothing,” she said.

There was some grumbling at that. Almost everyone in the room but the detective seemed to be pretty sure they knew what had happened. But a week later, the detective determined that the issue was the result of an underground pipe break. No one had guessed that.

Question
Use the story to answer the question.

How does the paradox function in the story?

(1 point)
Responses

It proves that knowing something is less important than acting.
It proves that knowing something is less important than acting.

It challenges the reader’s idea about what it means to think you know something.
It challenges the reader’s idea about what it means to think you know something.

It demonstrates how illogical the people in town are being with their theories.
It demonstrates how illogical the people in town are being with their theories.

It introduces humor by showing that the detective is the least knowledgeable person in the room.

Answer 7

The best answer regarding how the paradox functions in the story is:

It challenges the reader’s idea about what it means to think you know something.

The detective's statement, "If there’s one thing I know, it’s that I know nothing," highlights the contrast between her humble acknowledgment of her ignorance and the confidence with which the townspeople express their theories. This invites the reader to reflect on the nature of knowledge and certainty in the face of mystery.

Answer 8

Use the sentence to answer the question.

The old mountains had none of the glitz and glam boasted of by the towering Rockies out west, but these rugged hills had a worn, ancient secrecy about them.
What effect does the language have on the historic setting?

(1 point)
Responses

Imagery helps engage the reader’s senses.
Imagery helps engage the reader’s senses.

Location-specific details indicate a specific region.
Location-specific details indicate a specific region.

Items from the past reveal the time period.
Items from the past reveal the time period.

The word choice reflects the time period.

Answer 9

The best answer regarding the effect of the language on the historic setting is:

Imagery helps engage the reader’s senses.

The description of the "old mountains" having a "worn, ancient secrecy" evokes a sensory experience that allows readers to visualize and feel the character of the landscape, enhancing the historic atmosphere of the setting.