Character Traits/Feelings...4th grades GMAS Practice Lesson

1

Multiple Choice

Kaley's Robins

Kaley sat at the kitchen table gazing glumly out the window. Not long ago she could have looked out to see trees, but the woods had been recently cleared to make way for a shopping center.

Kaley sighed and proclaimed to no one in particular, "It's spring, and the robins should be coming back. They're my favorite birds, and I love painting pictures of them, but this year there will be no robins because the trees they used to live in are gone."

"Yes, it's a shame we lost that beautiful view," agreed Kaley's mother, "but let's go find ourselves some beauty. Put on your shoes, and let's go for a walk."

Kaley half-hearted laced up her sneakers and followed her mom outside. They strolled around the neighborhood, noting new pops of color in the various gardens. They walked and chatted and finally wound up in the small shopping area near the house. Kaley's mother pointed to an art store, and they stepped inside. The shop owner, Mr. Stevenson, greeted them warmly.

"We have a small outdoor gallery. My wife is an artist, and we have some of her work on display out there. Please make yourself at home.

Kaley and her mother walked through the back door, which led to a patio. The space was lush and serene, with a concrete birdbath and potted plants lining the perimeter. As Kaley's mother admired the artwork on the wall. Kaley heard something that made her look back. There, on top of the light fixture above the door, was a small cup-shaped robin's nest.

Kaley's mom wants to go on a walk. How does Kaley respond to this request?

1

Kaley complains about going on a walk because she is sad.

2

Kaley tells her mom she would rather stay home and paint.

3

Kaley thinks it's a great idea so she hurries to get ready.

4

Kaley doesn't really want to go, but she does anyway.

2

Multiple Choice

Kaley's Robins

Kaley sat at the kitchen table gazing glumly out the window. Not long ago she could have looked out to see trees, but the woods had been recently cleared to make way for a shopping center.

Kaley sighed and proclaimed to no one in particular, "It's spring, and the robins should be coming back. They're my favorite birds, and I love painting pictures of them, but this year there will be no robins because the trees they used to live in are gone."

"Yes, it's a shame we lost that beautiful view," agreed Kaley's mother, "but let's go find ourselves some beauty. Put on your shoes, and let's go for a walk."

Kaley half-hearted laced up her sneakers and followed her mom outside. They strolled around the neighborhood, noting new pops of color in the various gardens. They walked and chatted and finally wound up in the small shopping area near the house. Kaley's mother pointed to an art store, and they stepped inside. The shop owner, Mr. Stevenson, greeted them warmly.

"We have a small outdoor gallery. My wife is an artist, and we have some of her work on display out there. Please make yourself at home.

Kaley and her mother walked through the back door, which led to a patio. The space was lush and serene, with a concrete birdbath and potted plants lining the perimeter. As Kaley's mother admired the artwork on the wall. Kaley heard something that made her look back. There, on top of the light fixture above the door, was a small cup-shaped robin's nest.

Which is the MOST likely reason that Kaley's mom wants to go on a walk?

1

to get exercise

2

to buy groceries

3

to cheer Kaley up

4

to look for robins

3

Multiple Choice

Kaley's Robins

Kaley sat at the kitchen table gazing glumly out the window. Not long ago she could have looked out to see trees, but the woods had been recently cleared to make way for a shopping center.

Kaley sighed and proclaimed to no one in particular, "It's spring, and the robins should be coming back. They're my favorite birds, and I love painting pictures of them, but this year there will be no robins because the trees they used to live in are gone."

"Yes, it's a shame we lost that beautiful view," agreed Kaley's mother, "but let's go find ourselves some beauty. Put on your shoes, and let's go for a walk."

Kaley half-hearted laced up her sneakers and followed her mom outside. They strolled around the neighborhood, noting new pops of color in the various gardens. They walked and chatted and finally wound up in the small shopping area near the house. Kaley's mother pointed to an art store, and they stepped inside. The shop owner, Mr. Stevenson, greeted them warmly.

"We have a small outdoor gallery. My wife is an artist, and we have some of her work on display out there. Please make yourself at home.

Kaley and her mother walked through the back door, which led to a patio. The space was lush and serene, with a concrete birdbath and potted plants lining the perimeter. As Kaley's mother admired the artwork on the wall. Kaley heard something that made her look back. There, on top of the light fixture above the door, was a small cup-shaped robin's nest.

Which detail from the last paragraph tells why Kaley looks back?

1

She hears a sound.

2

She is bored.

3

Someone calls her.

4

She wants to go home.

4

Multiple Choice

Kaley's Robins

Kaley sat at the kitchen table gazing glumly out the window. Not long ago she could have looked out to see trees, but the woods had been recently cleared to make way for a shopping center.

Kaley sighed and proclaimed to no one in particular, "It's spring, and the robins should be coming back. They're my favorite birds, and I love painting pictures of them, but this year there will be no robins because the trees they used to live in are gone."

"Yes, it's a shame we lost that beautiful view," agreed Kaley's mother, "but let's go find ourselves some beauty. Put on your shoes, and let's go for a walk."

Kaley half-hearted laced up her sneakers and followed her mom outside. They strolled around the neighborhood, noting new pops of color in the various gardens. They walked and chatted and finally wound up in the small shopping area near the house. Kaley's mother pointed to an art store, and they stepped inside. The shop owner, Mr. Stevenson, greeted them warmly.

"We have a small outdoor gallery. My wife is an artist, and we have some of her work on display out there. Please make yourself at home.

Kaley and her mother walked through the back door, which led to a patio. The space was lush and serene, with a concrete birdbath and potted plants lining the perimeter. As Kaley's mother admired the artwork on the wall. Kaley heard something that made her look back. There, on top of the light fixture above the door, was a small cup-shaped robin's nest.

How do you think Kaley feels when she sees the robin's nest?

1

frightened

2

happy

3

upset

4

confused

5

Multiple Choice

A Legend on the Ice

Erik stood in awe as he watched the skaters slash and zip across the ice-skating rink. Erik's skates were on, and so was all of his padded gear. However, he couldn't bring himself to take his first unsteady step onto the slick ice. Erik nervously adjusted his helmet for the third time when his dad joined him, ready to get on the ice.

Erik took a cautious step forward and clung to the wall as he stepped on the ice. Erik tried getting the feel of the ice beneath his feet and took a few careful steps. He moved one foot forward and then the other. The sensation was weird, but it did feel a bit like in-line skating. He took a few more steps, holding his arms out to get his balance. He stayed close to the wall, just in case, but after several minutes, he started to get his rhythm.

"It's sort of like in-line skating," he called back to his dad. "It might be easier to keep my balance with a hockey stick, though."

"You need to master ice skating before you bring in gear," Dad replied. "All ice-hockey players need to know the basics before they become legends on ice!"

Together, Erik and his dad started skating around the ring using slow, easy strides. After a few minor slips, Erik started to feel more confident. Becoming a hockey star was going to be a piece of cake! He started to build speed as he grew more confident, quickly passing his father.

"Watch it, Erik," Dad warned. "Remember, when you play ice hockey, you have to know where everyone is on the ice!"

Erik grinned and gave him a thumbs-up, neatly skating around a group of children. There weren't too many people on the ice, though, so he had a fair amount of space. Erik spotted one of the instructors teaching a young girl how to skate backward. That would be useful to know in ice hockey!

"Watch this Dad," Erik called. As soon as there was a clear shot, Erik turned midstride and skated backward. For a while, Erik was a natural, but by the time he got tom the first turn in the rink, he had too much speed. He spun around on his skates three times before losing his balance. His skates slipped out from under him, and he fell painfully to the ground.

Erik blushed when the instructor helped him up and said with a smile, "I couldn't help but see your spectacular spin."

After Erik winced and rubbed his hip, he confessed, "I wish i could say that I meant to do that, but -."

"Seriously, you almost recovered your balance, which is impressive. Have you been skating long?"

Erik shook his head and said, "I've always loved watching ice hockey, but this is my first time on the ice."

"I'm Marie, one of the figure-skating instructors. If you're interested, we have classes on learning some of the more complex skating styles." She held up a hand as he opened his mouth to protest. "Ice hockey requires speed and skating skills, and you can learn all of that in one of my classes."

"I'll tell you what," she added, "we have a practice session in about ten minutes. No pressure! Just have fun watching me and my students." As she skated backward and toward the waiting students, she added, "If you're interested, you can let me know."

Erik decided to take a break for a bit to watch the session. He was amazed by what the students were doing: skating backward, jumping in the air. dancing in pairs, and even putting on bursts of speed that would get them past any defense in hockey. Erik was inspired, as soon as the session ended, he skated over to Marie.

"So, what do you think?" she asked.

"Sign me up!" he laughed. "I've only seen my favorite hockey players make moves like that. I want to learn how to do it all, so I can be a legend on the ice!"

Which detail from the passage tells that Erik feels too sure of himself?

1

"Erik nervously adjusted his helmet for the third time when his dad joined him, ready to get on the ice."

2

"Erik tried getting the feel of the ice beneath his feet and took careful steps."

3

"After a few minor slips, Erik started to feel more confident."

4

"Becoming a hockey star was going to be a piece of cake!"

6

Multiple Choice

A Legend on the Ice

Erik stood in awe as he watched the skaters slash and zip across the ice-skating rink. Erik's skates were on, and so was all of his padded gear. However, he couldn't bring himself to take his first unsteady step onto the slick ice. Erik nervously adjusted his helmet for the third time when his dad joined him, ready to get on the ice.

Erik took a cautious step forward and clung to the wall as he stepped on the ice. Erik tried getting the feel of the ice beneath his feet and took a few careful steps. He moved one foot forward and then the other. The sensation was weird, but it did feel a bit like in-line skating. He took a few more steps, holding his arms out to get his balance. He stayed close to the wall, just in case, but after several minutes, he started to get his rhythm.

"It's sort of like in-line skating," he called back to his dad. "It might be easier to keep my balance with a hockey stick, though."

"You need to master ice skating before you bring in gear," Dad replied. "All ice-hockey players need to know the basics before they become legends on ice!"

Together, Erik and his dad started skating around the ring using slow, easy strides. After a few minor slips, Erik started to feel more confident. Becoming a hockey star was going to be a piece of cake! He started to build speed as he grew more confident, quickly passing his father.

"Watch it, Erik," Dad warned. "Remember, when you play ice hockey, you have to know where everyone is on the ice!"

Erik grinned and gave him a thumbs-up, neatly skating around a group of children. There weren't too many people on the ice, though, so he had a fair amount of space. Erik spotted one of the instructors teaching a young girl how to skate backward. That would be useful to know in ice hockey!

"Watch this Dad," Erik called. As soon as there was a clear shot, Erik turned midstride and skated backward. For a while, Erik was a natural, but by the time he got to the first turn in the rink, he had too much speed. He spun around on his skates three times before losing his balance. His skates slipped out from under him, and he fell painfully to the ground.

Erik blushed when the instructor helped him up and said with a smile, "I couldn't help but see your spectacular spin."

After Erik winced and rubbed his hip, he confessed, "I wish I could say that I meant to do that, but -."

"Seriously, you almost recovered your balance, which is impressive. Have you been skating long?"

Erik shook his head and said, "I've always loved watching ice hockey, but this is my first time on the ice."

"I'm Marie, one of the figure-skating instructors. If you're interested, we have classes on learning some of the more complex skating styles." She held up a hand as he opened his mouth to protest. "Ice hockey requires speed and skating skills, and you can learn all of that in one of my classes."

"I'll tell you what," she added, "we have a practice session in about ten minutes. No pressure! Just have fun watching me and my students." As she skated backward and toward the waiting students, she added, "If you're interested, you can let me know."

Erik decided to take a break for a bit to watch the session. He was amazed by what the students were doing: skating backward, jumping in the air. dancing in pairs, and even putting on bursts of speed that would get them past any defense in hockey. Erik was inspired, as soon as the session ended, he skated over to Marie.

"So, what do you think?" she asked.

"Sign me up!" he laughed. "I've only seen my favorite hockey players make moves like that. I want to learn how to do it all, so I can be a legend on the ice!"

How do you think Erik feels when the instructor said she saw his spectacular spin"?

1

proud

2

embarrassed

3

nervous

4

confused

7

Multiple Choice

Friday Night Dinners

"See you Friday night!" Mariah charged into the kitchen as soon as her sister hung up the phone. "Where are you going Friday night?" she demanded.

"To a dance at school," Gia replied, adding "not that it's any of your business."

"But Friday is family dinner," Mariah said, frowning. For twelve years, Friday night meant family cramming into the tiny kitchen, pots and pans bubbling on the stove as her aunts, mother, and grandmother prepared a feast. Then everyone would squeeze together at the table to eat, laugh, and sometimes argue. Mariah loved sitting in the midst of such a big, loud crowd. "Mama won't let you go," Mariah challenged her sister.

"She already gave me permission," Gia bragged, smiling victoriously.

Mariah's frown deepened as she studied her older sister, Gia was sixteen now and talking about going away to college. Every Friday, she and Gia pushed a card table and dining table together so that everyone could fit. Then they set the table together so that everyone could fit. Then they set the tables, playfully tossing napkins at each other until their mother yelled at them. She knew her sister was growing up, but wasn't family more important than friends? Before she knew it, tears flooded Mariah's eyes.

"Mariah, it's just one dinner," Gia explained. Mariah shrugged, wiping her eyes. "For now," she said, trying not to sound like a weepy child. "But soon you won't ever be here on Fridays."

Gia hugged her sister, laughing. "Okay, I'll stay for dinner," she said. Gia wiped the tears from Mariah's cheeks. "I can be a little late to the dance."

Mariah grinned and hugged her sister back.

Which phrase BEST describes Mariah's main character trait?

1

likes big, noisy events

2

is upset about her sister growing up

3

cries easily

4

values time with family

8

Multiple Choice

Kibo and Mawenzi: An African Legend

Mount Kilimanjaro has three peaks: Kibo, Mawnzi, and Shira. Each peak is a volcano, but it has been thousands of years since any of them has erupted. This is due to what happened long ago between Kibo and Mawenzi.

Kibo, the taller and greater one, was a hard worker. He kept the fire in his hearth burning, and he worked tirelessly, preparing food. Mawenzi, however, was lazy, and he often let his fire burn out. Then he would beg Kibo for food and ask for help starting his fire again.

One day, when Mawenzi's fire went out, he knocked on Kibo's door. Kibo was not home; still, Mawenzi entered Kibo's house and helped himself.

Mawenzi was munching on Kibo's carrots when suddenly his door blew open. It was Kibo, towering over him with fire in his eyes.

"I just came from tending my fields," Kibo glared. "My cupboards are bare, and my firewood gone."

"Oh", said Mawenzi, smiling innocently. "You weren't home, so I just took what I needed; I thought you wouldn't mind."

Kibo could feel his blood boiling. "I work hard. I give you half my food and wood, and still, you enter my home uninvited?"

"Calm down, Kibo," Mawenzi replied. "If I had food and firewood, I would definitely share, but you're the one who likes to plant crops, chop wood, tend fires, and cook, I prefer to take it easy."

The exasperated Kibo finally blew his top; he grabbed a bowl and flung it at Mawenzi's head.

This is why the Mawenzi peak of Mount Kilimanjaro has a deep dent on top. And while Kibo is dormant, meaning that it may erupt again someday, Mawenzi is extinct its fire is out forever.

Which words BEST describe Kibo?

1

patient and considerate

2

responsible and hardworking

3

friendly and helpful

4

greedy and demanding

9