Readers can tell Cora is a complex character by noting that her actions drive the plot forward by causing the main story problem. This suggests that she has depth and motivates the narrative through her decisions and behavior, indicating complexity in her character.
The Crow-Child
by Mary Mapes Dodge
Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner “The Rookery.”
The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.
But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake. One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister’s when she felt angry or ill-tempered.
They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora—or “Cor,” as Ruky called her—was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one. The little fellow was her companion night and day. Together they ate and slept, and—when Cora was not at work in the cottage—together they rambled in the wood, or floated in their little skiff upon the lake.
1 of 16
Question
Use the story to answer the question.
How can readers tell Cora is a complex character?
(1 point)
Responses
She has the most to lose if the story problem is not solved.
She has the most to lose if the story problem is not solved.
Her family is the focus of the plot.
Her family is the focus of the plot.
She has more dialogue than any other character in the story.
She has more dialogue than any other character in the story.
Her actions drive the plot forward by causing the main story problem.
5 answers
The Crow-Child
by Mary Mapes Dodge
Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner “The Rookery.”
The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.
But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake. One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister’s when she felt angry or ill-tempered.
They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora—or “Cor,” as Ruky called her—was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one. The little fellow was her companion night and day. Together they ate and slept, and—when Cora was not at work in the cottage—together they rambled in the wood, or floated in their little skiff upon the lake.
1 of 16
Question
Use the story to answer the question.
Which details are essential to include in an objective summary of the story? Select the two correct answers.
(1 point)
Responses
details about Roky’s frustrating actions
details about Roky’s frustrating actions
basic descriptions of Cora and Roky
basic descriptions of Cora and Roky
a list of ways Cora tries to turn Ruky human again
a list of ways Cora tries to turn Ruky human again
the reason for Cora’s change of heart
the reason for Cora’s change of heart
a description of the cottage where the story happens
by Mary Mapes Dodge
Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner “The Rookery.”
The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.
But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake. One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister’s when she felt angry or ill-tempered.
They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora—or “Cor,” as Ruky called her—was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one. The little fellow was her companion night and day. Together they ate and slept, and—when Cora was not at work in the cottage—together they rambled in the wood, or floated in their little skiff upon the lake.
1 of 16
Question
Use the story to answer the question.
Which details are essential to include in an objective summary of the story? Select the two correct answers.
(1 point)
Responses
details about Roky’s frustrating actions
details about Roky’s frustrating actions
basic descriptions of Cora and Roky
basic descriptions of Cora and Roky
a list of ways Cora tries to turn Ruky human again
a list of ways Cora tries to turn Ruky human again
the reason for Cora’s change of heart
the reason for Cora’s change of heart
a description of the cottage where the story happens
The two correct answers for an objective summary of the story are:
- basic descriptions of Cora and Ruky
- a description of the cottage where the story happens
These details provide essential context about the main characters and the setting, which are important elements for summarizing the story effectively.
Big Water
by Andrea Curtis
Today I feel only dread. I’m sweating again—my cheeks are flushed. I thought I would feel relieved to be back in civilization, to be rescued from certain death, but instead, seeing the town and the men rushing about on the dock, the boats and sails and horse-drawn wagons, I’m struck again by what we have just endured. I want to find Daniel, see his face, know that he remembers too, but he’s tunneled down beneath the blankets like a mole.
“Parry Sound,” Henry calls out, and I see the blankets covering Daniel begin to stir.
Along the shore, lumber is stacked in piles as high as a schooner. It looks like a pencil drawing done with a ruler—perfect, straight lines. Boats, most of them small, meant for fishing, dot the bay here and there. Some are tied up at dock; others are anchored in the water just past the river. The chimney stacks of houses and large wood-frame buildings whisper smoky murmurs into the sky.
I hear the hwah of a seagull and look up, hoping absurdly to see the bird from the other day. But there are many seagulls, all of them flying around like tugboats escorting a ship into harbor.
1 of 3
Question
Use the excerpt from “Big Water” to answer the question.
It is possible to infer from this excerpt something about what Henry and Eva have done for Daniel and the narrator.
What inference can you make?
In 3–5 sentences, state your inference and provide strong and thorough textual evidence from the excerpt to support the inference.
(4 points)
Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.
The answer is fully supported by details.
There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
3
The answer is mostly clear.
The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.
There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
2
The answer is somewhat clear.
Details are weak or not related.
There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
1
The answer is not clear.
There are few or no supporting details.
There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
0 The question is not answered.
Skip to navigation
by Andrea Curtis
Today I feel only dread. I’m sweating again—my cheeks are flushed. I thought I would feel relieved to be back in civilization, to be rescued from certain death, but instead, seeing the town and the men rushing about on the dock, the boats and sails and horse-drawn wagons, I’m struck again by what we have just endured. I want to find Daniel, see his face, know that he remembers too, but he’s tunneled down beneath the blankets like a mole.
“Parry Sound,” Henry calls out, and I see the blankets covering Daniel begin to stir.
Along the shore, lumber is stacked in piles as high as a schooner. It looks like a pencil drawing done with a ruler—perfect, straight lines. Boats, most of them small, meant for fishing, dot the bay here and there. Some are tied up at dock; others are anchored in the water just past the river. The chimney stacks of houses and large wood-frame buildings whisper smoky murmurs into the sky.
I hear the hwah of a seagull and look up, hoping absurdly to see the bird from the other day. But there are many seagulls, all of them flying around like tugboats escorting a ship into harbor.
1 of 3
Question
Use the excerpt from “Big Water” to answer the question.
It is possible to infer from this excerpt something about what Henry and Eva have done for Daniel and the narrator.
What inference can you make?
In 3–5 sentences, state your inference and provide strong and thorough textual evidence from the excerpt to support the inference.
(4 points)
Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.
The answer is fully supported by details.
There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
3
The answer is mostly clear.
The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.
There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
2
The answer is somewhat clear.
Details are weak or not related.
There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
1
The answer is not clear.
There are few or no supporting details.
There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
0 The question is not answered.
Skip to navigation
From the excerpt of "Big Water," we can infer that Henry and Eva have taken on a protective and supportive role for Daniel and the narrator following a traumatic experience. The narrator expresses feelings of dread and an overwhelming sense of what they have just endured, indicating that they have faced a significant fear or life-threatening situation together. The line "I want to find Daniel, see his face, know that he remembers too," suggests a longing for connection and reassurance, which implies Henry and Eva have provided some comfort or safety during this difficult time. Daniel's act of "tunneling down beneath the blankets like a mole" showcases his need for solace, signifying that he may be relying on Henry and Eva for emotional support as he processes his own fear and trauma. This context points to the strong bond among the characters as they navigate their recovery together.