An Accidental Toy

The author’s main purpose in writing the selection is to —

• encourage the reader to think of clever uses for a product

• inform the reader about the invention and uses of an interesting product

• describe some creative ways of promoting a new product

• explain how to develop an invention

From the information presented in paragraph 2, the reader can conclude that Wright’s invention —

• cost more to make than the government was willing to pay

• required chemicals that were difficult to get

• displayed characteristics that he did not expect

• was the reason he was offered a job in the laboratory

Which of these statements best summarizes the section titled “Stretching into Success”?

• When Peter Hodgson purchased the rights to make the putty, he decided to call it Silly Putty.

• Peter Hodgson learned of an invention, named it Silly Putty, and used his experience to successfully advertise it.

• Peter Hodgson realized that children around the country would like the putty if he came up with a good name for it.

• To help make James Wright’s invention popular, Peter Hodgson wanted to give more people the opportunity to know about it.

Based on the ideas presented in the selection, what can the reader conclude about Silly Putty?

• It is used today by more adults than children.

• Copying ink images is the most valuable of its uses.

• For about 70 years it has been the most popular toy on the market.

• It has gained new uses over the years.

What is the meaning of the word properties in paragraph 6?

• Creators

• Solutions

• Qualities

• Customers

What can the reader conclude about Peter Hodgson based on information in the selection?

• He purchased several toys from different companies.

• He saw the possibilities for something that others did not.

• He searched for new inventions by reading magazines.

• He believed that mistakes often lead to important discoveries.

The author presents the ideas in paragraphs 2 through 5 in chronological order so that the reader will better understand —

• how a failed invention became popular when it was given a new purpose

• how an engineer mixed different chemicals to produce an invention

• the process an engineer followed to invent a product for the government

• the best way to market an invention as a toy

Wright’s invention was originally intended for —

• military use

• children

• physical therapy

• astronauts