Countdown to the STAAR Reading Grade 4 Series 1 Comp 1

At the beginning of the play, the section titled "Scene 1" gives the reader-

• information about the setting and the main character

• an idea of how many actors are in the play

• a prediction about how the story will end

• the theme, or lesson, of the play

Which features of the selection help the reader understand that this is dramatic fiction?

• Rhyming verses, imagery, and meter

• A plot with a problem that is solved by the main character

• Stage directions, dialogue, and props

• Magical characters and a fantastic setting

Read this dictionary entry.

Which definition of particular is used in the selection?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Look at these lines from the dialogue in the selection.

The reader can tell that-

• Ben is ringing a real bell

• Tom is distracted from his painting

• Ben knows how to pilot a real steamboat

• Ben is imitating the sounds of a steamboat

Why is it important to the story that Ben pretends to be a steamboat?

• It shows that Ben is enjoying his Saturday while Tom was working.

• Steamboats were an important type of transportation in the past.

• Ben's interest in steamboats helps the boys finish painting the fence.

• Ben's steamboat noises make Tom angry.

Which line from the text best explains the theme of the play?

• Whitewashing a fence is a delicate matter.

• If a body wants to do something, though, it ain't like work at all!

• Of course, you have to finish this work.

• I have to whitewash this whole, long fence on a Saturday.

How will Aunt Polly most likely react when she sees that the entire fence has been whitewashed?

• She will be angry that Tom used all of the paint.

• She will be surprised and proud that the work has been finished.

• She will be frustrated with Tom for finishing the task.

• She will feel sorry that she gave Tom so much work on a Saturday.

When Tom pretends to enjoy whitewashing the fence, Ben-

• decides to go swimming

• is angry with Tom

• becomes interested in helping paint the fence

• pretends to be surprised

Read this line from the play.

What does this line suggest about Aunt Polly?

• Aunt Polly is a careful painter.

• Aunt Polly tries to find ways to improve Tom's behavior.

• Aunt Polly is pleased by Tom's behavior at school.

• Aunt Polly does not like Tom.

What is the best summary of the story?

• Tom has to whitewash a fence while his friends play on Saturday. Tom doesn't like to work hard, and he is upset about having to work.

• Tom is whitewashing a fence, and his friends decide to help. They trade an apple, some string, and a pocketknife. When they finish, they are pleased with their work.

• Tom has to whitewash a fence as a punishment. He tricks his friends into thinking that painting is fun, and they finish Tom's work for him.

• Tom behaves badly and his Aunt Polly punishes him by giving him a difficult chore. Tom and his friends work a long time to finish painting a fence.