From the City to the Trail

Which statement provides the BEST comparison of the narrator and Tamara’s points of view about hiking throughout the story?

• Unlike Tamara, the narrator dreads going on a hike. However, the narrator thinks that it is tolerable once she gets moving.

• Like Tamara, the narrator looks forward to hiking. The narrator has to get used to the experience, but she finds it enjoyable.

• Like Tamara, the narrator looks forward to hiking. However, the narrator is disappointed by the scenery and decides she would rather stay indoors in the future.

• Unlike Tamara, the narrator is disinterested in going on a hike. Once the narrator gets moving, she finds it is far more difficult than she thought it would be.

What is the MOST LIKELY reason Uncle Ed suggests hiking at Amicalola Falls?

• to prove that Georgia is a lovely state

• to teach the narrator about why state parks are important

• to keep the girls entertained and out of trouble

• to help the narrator experience the pleasure of being in nature

Read the sentence from paragraph 5 of the story.

No one told us to be quiet, but somehow Tamara and I automatically spoke in hushed voices, almost as if we were in a museum.

What does the phrase spoke in hushed voices indicate about the girls?

• They are in awe of the wonder around them.

• They feel guilty that they have not hiked before.

• They worry that they might attract wildlife to the area.

• They are discussing a secret they wish to remain private.

Based on these sentences from the story, what can the reader conclude about Tamara?

My cousin Tamara took one look at me, giggled, and said I had to change my shoes. She explained that my feet would get blisters and I would not be able to walk. Although my shoes were very comfortable, Tamara said hiking required shoes with soles thick enough to protect my feet from rocks. Fortunately, she was able to lend me a pair of her hiking boots.

• Tamara is a reliable person and acts generously toward the narrator.

• Tamara knows a lot about state parks and plans to teach the narrator about them.

• Tamara enjoys exercise and encourages the narrator to appreciate exercising.

• Tamara is proud of her experience and acts like she is smarter than the narrator is.

5. What does excursion mean as it is used in the sentence?

With enthusiasm, I agreed, and we decided to go to bed early so we would have energy for our hiking excursion.

• club

• long trail

• fun gathering

• journey

Which word in the sentences helps the reader understand the meaning of descent?

She announced that it was time to begin our descent. On the way back down, I devised a plan in my head. I’d convince my parents to come with me next time.

• announced

• down

• plan

• convince

Part A

Which sentence BEST describes a theme of the story?

• It is important to have family that is supportive.

• Over time a person can learn to deal with difficult problems.

• Spending time in nature can lead to appreciation of its beauty.

• True friends make sacrifices for one another.

Part B

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

• The day I arrived at my aunt and uncle’s home, we all sat down to a nice dinner

• She explained how she often goes hiking and camping with her parents.

• I soon forgot the bugs as we reached the top of the falls, though.

• I felt as if I were looking at the canvas of a great artist.