from Five Weeks in a Balloon

In the sentence below, what is the phrase "alter ego" used to describe?

"Dr. Ferguson had a friend----not another self, indeed, an alter ego, for friendship could not exist between two beings exactly alike."

• a close friend who used to be an enemy

• a close friend who has changed over time

• a close friend with distinct characteristics

• a close friend with many negative attributes

Read this sentence from paragraph 6.

"So, Kennedy besought the doctor to tie up his bark for life, having done enough for science, and too much for the gratitude for men."

A bark is a small boat or sailing ship. What does the author most likely mean by "to tie up his bark for life"?

• to put an end to his explorations

• to immediately stop traveling by boat

• to stop his experiments on transportation

• to securely attach his boat to the dock

Read the dialogue in paragraphs 21 through 27 of the selection. What does the dialogue reveal about Richard Kennedy?

• He is angry because the doctor has changed plans for their trip.

• He is outraged because he considers the trip to be dangerous.

• He is impatient to get started on the journey.

• He is pleased that he will be included on the trip.

Richard Kennedy is shocked when he reads the newspaper article about Samuel Ferguson's plan. Which sentence from the story best supports this claim?

• "While Richard would be out in pursuit of the tiger and the elephant, Samuel would be in search of plants and insects."

• "The Scot talked of the past; the doctor busily prepared for the future."

• "...the doctor had remained nearly two years without hinting at new explorations..."

• "...in the month of January, his friend quitted him to return to London."

What theme is revealed through the descriptions and conversations of Richard Kennedy and Samuel Ferguson?

• True friendships are willing to forgive past mistakes.

• The best friendships are formed through difficult circumstances.

• Friendship is more important than success.

• Friends must support each other even when they strongly disagree.

What does the quote, "Come, be calm, my dear Richard!" reveal about Samuel Ferguson?

• He is excited for his friend.

• He feels rejected by his friend.

• He wants to amuse his friend.

• He is concerned for his friend.

What is the effect of the exchange between the characters in paragraphs 28 through 33?

• Richard Kennedy's physical reactions contribute to a sense of irony.

• Samuel Ferguson's compliment makes him seem trustworthy.

• Richard Kennedy's decision to play along with the plan creates humor.

• Samuel Ferguson's decision to carry on with the plan provides foreshadowing.

Which is the best summary of the selection?

• Richard Kennedy and Samuel Ferguson have long been friends. Kennedy thinks his friend has finally given up his life of adventure, but then he is shocked to discover that his friend plans to cross Africa in a balloon. Kennedy confronts Ferguson, who reveals his plan to take Kennedy along on the journey.

• Richard Kennedy and Samuel Ferguson meet in India when both are serving in the same military regiment. While Kennedy is a great hunter, Ferguson is a scientist who takes pleasure in the study of plants. Ferguson uses his scientific knowledge to do experiments and plan a trip across Africa in a balloon.

• Richard Kennedy and Samuel Ferguson have different qualities and personalities, but they are great friends nonetheless. While Kennedy talks of the past, Ferguson is restless and always looking to the future. Their friendship is tested when Kennedy learns that Ferguson has secretly been planning a trip across Africa in a balloon.

• When Richard Kennedy reads the newspaper that his old friend Samuel Ferguson plans to cross Africa in a balloon, he is shocked. Exasperated, Kennedy rushes to London to discuss the situation with Ferguson. Ferguson assures Kennedy that he was going to tell him of the plan, and Kennedy's mind is put at ease.