Use the story description to answer the question.

Question

A story begins with a character trying to make a major life decision. The character goes to sleep, and the next day the storyline splits in two. One thread of scenes follows the character showing their life if they had decided the big choice one way. The other follows the character showing their life if they had decided the big choice another way. Both paths involve unexpected downsides and upsides. Near the end of the story, the character hits their head in both storylines. For a moment, the character fully understands both realities and must choose which reality to return to.
Which subplot would add tension to the story?

(1 point)
Responses

one in which the character uncovers a series of clues to discover what made them dislike making big decisions
one in which the character uncovers a series of clues to discover what made them dislike making big decisions

one in which the character’s decision has dramatically different effects on a dear friend in each reality
one in which the character’s decision has dramatically different effects on a dear friend in each reality

one in which the character ends up with a different pet in each reality
one in which the character ends up with a different pet in each reality

one in which there are small hints that the character was dealing with a head injury the whole time
one in which there are small hints that the character was dealing with a head injury the whole time
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Answer 1

The subplot that would add tension to the story is:

one in which the character’s decision has dramatically different effects on a dear friend in each reality.

This subplot creates emotional stakes and complexity, as the character must not only consider their own life but also the consequences of their decision on someone they care about. The potential to harm or help a friend can heighten the tension when the character is faced with making their final choice at the end.

Answer 2

Which setting would best support a main character’s terrible, angry mood?(1 point)
Responses

a shack during a thunderstorm
a shack during a thunderstorm

a coffee shop on a fall morning
a coffee shop on a fall morning

a park bench on a sunny afternoon
a park bench on a sunny afternoon

a waterpark

Answer 3

The setting that would best support a main character’s terrible, angry mood is:

a shack during a thunderstorm.

The intensity of the thunderstorm mirrors the character's anger and creates a dark, oppressive atmosphere that can enhance their emotional state. The isolation of a shack also emphasizes their negative feelings and provides a stark contrast to more cheerful settings.

Answer 4

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.

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Question
Use the story to answer the question.

What motivates Cora to forgive Roky? Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

her love for her brother
her love for her brother

the fact that she is a complex character
the fact that she is a complex character

guilt she feels after events cause her to examine her actions
guilt she feels after events cause her to examine her actions

the fear of her uncle’s anger
the fear of her uncle’s anger

hope that her forgiveness will help her brother grow and change
hope that her forgiveness will help her brother grow and change
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Answer 5

The two correct answers that motivate Cora to forgive Ruky are:

1. her love for her brother
2. hope that her forgiveness will help her brother grow and change

These motivations reflect Cora's care for Ruky and her desire for him to learn from his mistakes, leading to forgiveness.

Answer 6

Use the paragraph to answer the question.

“When you told me you were a pet detective, I’ll be honest,” Joan said, “I thought you were a few sandwiches short of a picnic.”

I smiled, giving her cat Scruffy a quick scratch behind the ears. “I get that a lot.”

“But you did it,” Joan said. “You brought Scruffy back! How did you find her?”

I paused, my smile frozen in place. The real story was long, a bit gross, and definitely not something my neighbor Joan would enjoy. After some quick mental calculations, I landed on a version of the tale that only involved a few minor mistruths.

“It’s funny you ask…” I began.

How does using the euphemism “a few sandwiches short of a picnic” affect the narrative?

(1 point)
Responses

It creates tension between Joan and the narrator.
It creates tension between Joan and the narrator.

It makes Joan’s statement seem less insulting.
It makes Joan’s statement seem less insulting.

It gives the conversation a more casual tone.
It gives the conversation a more casual tone.

It tells the reader more about both characters.
It tells the reader more about both characters.
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Answer 7

The euphemism “a few sandwiches short of a picnic” affects the narrative by:

It makes Joan’s statement seem less insulting.

This phrase softens Joan's initial skepticism and provides a humorous, lighthearted tone to her comment, which helps to create a more casual and friendly interaction between the characters.

Answer 8

Use the sentence to answer the question.

The bed whined when I climbed out of it—as reluctant to let go of me as I was to let go of it.
What role does personification play in the text?

(1 point)
Responses

It tells readers that the bed is old and uncomfortable.
It tells readers that the bed is old and uncomfortable.

It helps readers understand how the bed feels.
It helps readers understand how the bed feels.

It vividly describes the sound the bed makes.
It vividly describes the sound the bed makes.

It shows that the text is part of the fantasy genre.
It shows that the text is part of the fantasy genre.
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Answer 9

The role that personification plays in the text is:

It helps readers understand how the bed feels.

By attributing the ability to "whine" and express reluctance to the bed, the text conveys a sense of emotional connection and reluctance, reflecting the character's own feelings of hesitation about leaving the comfort of the bed.

Answer 10

Use the paragraph to answer the question.

Look, to make a truly remarkable sandwich you must go full scientist. Toast the bread wrong? Throw it out! I’m talking about precision, here. Use a microscope. Get that bread to just the right crunch level—and then we’ll talk about lettuce. You can make a good sandwich with science, but the product is art!

What purpose does the analogy serve?

(1 point)
Responses

breaking down a difficult concept
breaking down a difficult concept

getting a point across in a clever way
getting a point across in a clever way

explaining something about a character
explaining something about a character

orienting a reader to a setting

Answer 11

The purpose of the analogy serves:

getting a point across in a clever way.

The comparison of making a sandwich to scientific precision enhances the argument about the effort and skill required to create a truly remarkable sandwich, making the point in an engaging and humorous manner.