Constructed Response

Item 1: Read the paragraphs from the story.

Then his sister, Sarah Dolittle, came to him and said, “John, how can you expect sick people to come and see you when you keep all these animals in the house? It’s a fine doctor who would have his parlor full of hedgehogs and mice! That’s the fourth personage these animals have driven away. Squire Jenkins and the Parson say they wouldn’t come near your house again—no matter how sick they are. We are getting poorer every day. If you go on like this, none of the best people will have you for a doctor.” “But I like the animals better than the ‘best people,’” said the Doctor.

Based on the paragraphs, which sentence BEST describes Doctor Dolittle?

• A. He does not like the people who live in his small town.

• B. He feels more appreciated by animals than patients.

• C. He is happier being around animals than people.

• D. He resents his sister for not taking his side.

Item 2: Read the sentence from the story.

“You are ridiculous,” said his sister, and walked out of the room.

Why does Sarah MOST LIKELY say this to Doctor Dolittle?

• A. to reveal her disinterest in his work

• B. to express her dislike for his choices

• C. to share her thoughts about his hygiene

• D. to convey her concern for his garden

Item 3: Evidence-Based Selected-Response Technology-Enhanced- This question has two parts. Answer Part A, and then answer Part B.

Part A: Which word BEST describes how Sarah Dolittle feels about her brother?

• A. proud

• B. annoyed

• C. confident

• D. suspicious

Part B: Which sentence from the story BEST supports the answer in Part A?

• A. The house he lived in, on the edge of the town, was quite small; but his garden was very large and had a wide lawn and stone seats and weeping-willows hanging over.

• B. His sister, Sarah Dolittle, was housekeeper for him; but the Doctor looked after the garden himself.

• C. His sister used to grumble about all these animals and said they made the house untidy.

• D. And the money he had saved up grew littler and littler.

Item 5: Constructed-Response

Explain how Doctor Dolittle’s actions help to develop the theme of the story. Use details from the story to support your answer.

• Write your answer on a sheet of paper

• Use evidence from the text to support your claim.