PSSA ELA Grade 6 Practice Part 2

The Bear and the Two Travelers

Two men were traveling together, when a bear suddenly met them on their path. One man climbed up quickly into a tree and hid himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. The bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other traveler came down from the tree, and asked his friend what it was the bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me this advice," his companion replied. "Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger."

What is the theme of the story above?

• Look out for yourself first, then defend your friends.

• It is better to travel with a friend than alone.

• Hiding from a bear will only make it angry.

• Difficult situations test the extent of a friend's loyalties.

What type of character plays a major role in a story but is not the protagonist?

• minor character

• major character

What type of character appears in a story but does not play a major role?

• minor character

• major character

What literary term describes the central character or hero in a narrative or drama--usually, the one with whom the audience identifies with?

• protagonist

• antagonist

What literary term describes the principal character in opposition to the protagonist? Sometimes, not a person, but an obstacle such as a force of nature, society or inner conflict.

• protagonist

• antagonist

_________ Characterization is when the writer tells you what the character does and says, and shows how others react to the character. You must use those clues to figure out what the character is like.

• Direct

• Indirect

_________ Characterization is when the writer tells you exactly what the character's like by listing the character's personality traits. Ex. Steve is loyal and caring.

• Direct

• Indirect

What type of character is uncomplicated and does not change?

• Flat Character

• Round Character

What type of character is complex, undergoes development sometimes surprising the reader?

• Flat Character

• Round Character

What type of character's personality doesn't change?

• Static Character

• Dynamic Character