How to Make an "A" on Your Spelling Test

Which of the following best describes how Robbie's attitude changes from the beginning to the end of this story?

• He was worried about having enough time to write, but then became excited about writing an interesting composition.

• Initially, Robbie was bored, but he became interested in writing a fun composition.

• Robbie was enthusiastic, but he lost interest when he couldn't find an interesting topic.

• Initially, he felt lazy and dull, but then became excited by his own creativity.

According to Robbie's explanation in paragraph 17, why do spelling words appear in the mirror?

• Robbie uses a magic ink pen to practice his spelling words.

• When Robbie's dad shaves, he recites, out loud, Robbie's spelling words.

• Robbie traces the words every night when he showers.

• Shaving cream leaves a film on the mirror that doesn't allow steam to condense.

How does Raul help Robbie in this story?

• Raul proposes various topics to Robbie until Robbie is able to plan a composition.

• Raul gives Robbie creative advice for writing a difficult paragraph.

• Raul jokes around to distract Robbie from his homework concerns.

• Raul reminds Robbie to finish his composition in time for supper.

Read these lines from paragraph 11.

"That's it! Teachers like to hear about how kids do their schoolwork. She'd almost certainly give me a good grade."

Robbie's words in these lines show that he -

• often earns low grades on his writing projects

• is determined to please his teacher and earn a high grade.

• would rather be playing baseball with Raul than completing his homework

• will try to trick Ms. Williams into giving him a good grade on his composition.

Which sentence from the story best shows that Robbie is creative student?

• Robbie caught the ball that Raul tossed to him.

• "So, trace a few words in the mirror on Monday with your dad's shaving cream."

• "Now it was the student's turn to write a How-To paragraph, and Robbie was not enthusiastic.

• "I don't know when I'll have time to research an essay."

The informal tone of the language in step 5 of the process diagram helps the reader understand that-

• media presentations require a less formal tone than oral presentations.

• Raul writes more casually than Robbie

• the presentation was written by a 5th grade student

• Ms. Williams uses a fun, encouraging style of writing to motivate her students.

Initially, Raul tries to improve Robbie's mood by-

• offering to help Robbie write his paragraph

• giving Robbie suggestions for serious writing topics

• distracting Robbie with an offer to play outside

• using his sense of humor to suggest a funny title

Read the lines from the last paragraph of the story:

Robbie sat down to work and grinned to himself as he started writing. Anybody could write about making a sandwich, Robbie thought, but Ms. Williams would probably enjoy grading homework about how to do homework.

The reader can infer that Robbie-

• enjoys earning higher grades than his friend Raul

• will probably finish his composition in time to have super at Raul's house

• is excited to co complete a composition that will interest his teacher

• will write a boring composition about doing homework.

Which phrase helps the reader understand the meaning of the word annually?

• 14,000 kilowatt hours

• in a year

• the average family

• nearly $2,000

The information presented in this newspaper segment represents the view of -

• an employee of a Texas state agency

• an employee of the Abilene Examiner News

• a reader of the local Abilene newspaper

• an energy specialist at a nuclear generating station