The Sky Beyond (Reteach Questions)

The Sky Beyond
Understanding/Analyzing a Variety of Texts from Various Genres

By Shelby Hollen

Does this question already give us the key idea of the paragraphs?

What do we need to find support for?

​Applying the Standard

In paragraphs 5 through 10, which detail best supports the key idea that Sam is determined to explore the special qualities of flight?

Question 1- Evaluate details read to determine key ideas

​Question Breakdown

Multiple Choice

In paragraphs 5 through 10, which detail best supports the key idea that Sam is determined to explore the special qualities of flight?

• "The airship hummed quietly as it cut through the sky, gliding above the clouds with effortless precision."

• "He had read about pioneers like the Wright brothers and Octave Chanute—men who dreamed of conquering the sky."

• "Below, he could see the crisscrossing lines of roads and rivers, the neatly arranged buildings that looked no bigger than toy blocks."

• "Attention passengers, we are beginning our descent into New York. Please ensure your harnesses are secured."

What is motivating Sam?

What is a rising action?

​Applying the Standard

How does Sam’s motivation to discover the meaning of flight affect the rising action of the excerpt?

Question 2- Characters motivations and behaviors influence events and resolutions of the conflict

​Question Breakdown

Multiple Choice

How does Sam’s motivation to discover the meaning of flight affect the rising action of the excerpt?

• It causes him to ask the older man about the history of aviation, leading to a discussion on progress.

• It makes him nervous about flying, so he hesitates before getting on the airship.

• It leads him to study the way the airship operates, which helps him feel more in control.

• It causes him to decide that flying is no longer exciting and that technology has removed its importance.

What is suspenseful about this story?

Why would the author want to do this?

​Applying the Standard

The author uses suspense to build the rising action of the excerpt primarily to —

Question 3- Plot Development

​Question Breakdown

Multiple Choice

The author uses suspense to build the rising action of the excerpt primarily to —

• show that Sam is unsure about the safety of air travel

• highlight the contrast between past and present attitudes about flight

• emphasize the wonder and curiosity that Sam feels while flying

• create fear that something will go wrong with the airship

What is the setting?

What does Sam believe about aviation?

How does that shift his belief?

​Applying the Standard

How does the setting of the airship influence Sam’s belief about aviation?

Question 4- Explain how the setting influences values and beliefs of characters

​Question Breakdown

Multiple Choice

How does the setting of the airship influence Sam’s belief about aviation?

• It reinforces his idea that flying is an incredible and inspiring achievement.

• It makes him feel disconnected from the adventure of flight.

• It reminds him that technology has made aviation too complex.

• It convinces him that early aviators were wrong about the future of air travel.

What figurative language is in this sentence?

What does it achieve?

​Applying the Standard

"The airship dipped lower, and the city came into view. It shimmered beneath them, its lights twinkling even in the afternoon sun."

Question 5- Use of Figurative Language achieves a purpose

​Question Breakdown

Multiple Choice

"The airship dipped lower, and the city came into view. It shimmered beneath them, its lights twinkling even in the afternoon sun."

What is the effect of the figurative language in this sentence?

• It emphasizes the beauty and wonder of the world from above.

•  It suggests that the city is a mysterious and dangerous place.

•  It makes the city seem far away and difficult to reach.

• It implies that the airship is unstable as it descends.

What are paragraphs 12 and 13 about?

What does the author want to us to know?

​Applying the Standard

What is the most likely reason the author includes paragraphs 12 and 13 in the excerpt?

Question 6- Author's purpose and message

​Question Breakdown

Multiple Choice

What is the most likely reason the author includes paragraphs 12 and 13 in the excerpt?

• To introduce the idea that technological progress comes with both benefits and losses.

• To emphasize that air travel is no longer exciting for most people.

• To explain the mechanics of how the airship operates.

• To contrast Sam’s excitement with the older man’s fear of flying.